by: Atif Amin
The opening ceremony of the 43rd season of the Riyadh Cricket Association was held at the RCA sports complex. RCA CEO, former first-class cricketer Muhammad Nadeem Babar along with Mr. Abdallah Albert Kasoouf CEO of Tera Systems KSA inaugurated the Tera System T20 tournament which is the first tournament of the 43rd season of RCA.
RCA was formed in the Year 1980 for organizing and promoting cricketing activities in Riyadh and the Central Region in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Since its formation, it has been successful in bringing cricket as a game of sport among the Saudis and Expatriates working in the region. Cricket has greatly benefited from the support of RCA Patron in Chief HRH General Dr. Prince Abdulaziz Bin Nasser Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. RCA is also an affiliated member of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) and works efficiently under the astute leadership of CEO Mr. Muhammad Nadeem Babar, a former first-class cricketer and captain of the Saudi National cricket team.
The dignitaries along with other RCA executive committee officials addressed the gathering. In his speech, Mr. Albert said Tera System KSA is extremely happy to sponsor this tournament as these sporting activities are extremely important to keep oneself fit. He also urged that Tera System will continue the cooperation with RCA and will be available for any kind of support in future. In his address, Mr. Nadeem Babar highly appreciated the support of Patron in Chief of RCA HRH Prince Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Nasser Bin Abdul Aziz Alsaud.
He also stated that with the Formation of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF), cricket has come under the umbrella of the Saudi Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports and we can clearly see the interest of the Government in the promotion of cricket. The federation has clearly defined its objectives and is already working towards them. Several tournaments have already been organized by SACF which gives players to showcase their skills at national and international levels. He also urged the players to maintain discipline and play positive cricket. The others to address the gathering were senior vice President Mr. Nasir Abbasi, Vice President Mr. Aashique Mughal, Joint Secretary Mr. Ishfaq Bhatt and Umpiring Coordinator Mr. Atif Amin.
In total 63 teams are participating in the Tera System T20 tournament. These teams are distributed in 4 different leagues. A total of 174 matches will be played in this first tournament of season 43.
