by: TN Media News:
Efforts to raise cricket’s profile in Riyadh are showing impressive results. More Saudis and expatriates are taking up the sport thanks to the Riyadh Cricket Association’s (RCA) active promotional campaign.
Riyadh Cricket Association: A History of Growing the Game
Founded in 1980, the RCA is an affiliate of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation. Since its inception, it has worked tirelessly to increase cricket awareness in Riyadh and the central region. The association enjoys strong support from its patron-in-chief, Prince Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz.
The RCA has been affiliated with the International Cricket Council since 2003. According to the association, their goal is to remain one of the leading cricket organizations under the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation.
Vision and Development Programs
The RCA aims to introduce every interested player to cricket and offer structured coaching and training programs. Their vision is to help players, teams, and committee members perform at their best while respecting the spirit of the game.
Youth development is a key focus. The RCA Cricket Academy runs a program called Chance to Shine, designed to nurture young talent. However, the association relies heavily on its members’ dedication to promote the sport further.
Call for Support and Sponsorship
The RCA invites new members and volunteers to help achieve ambitious targets. It also seeks partnerships and sponsors to secure funding. This support is vital to meet both competitive goals and cricket promotion efforts in the region.
Local Leagues and Coaching
The RCA divides its leagues across Riyadh, Al-Kharj, and Huraymala zones, with clubs organizing matches locally. Head coach Mohammed Azimooddin Abdul Rahiman Karajagi shared his insights, noting cricket has grown significantly in Riyadh over the past 25 years.
Initially played mainly by South Asian expatriates in informal settings, the sport has now formalized into club cricket. Several RCA players have even joined the Saudi national cricket team, which recently won the Asian Cricket Council Men’s Challenger Cup.
Cricket’s Growing Future in Saudi Arabia
Cricket, one of the world’s oldest sports, has a long history in Riyadh dating back to the 1970s. While expatriates originally dominated the game, Saudi officials are now actively working to boost its popularity nationwide. The RCA plays a pivotal role in this exciting growth phase.
