by: Atif Amin
The opening ceremony of the 43rd season of the Riyadh Cricket Association was held at the RCA Sports Complex. The Chief Executive Officer of the Riyadh Cricket Association, Saudi Arabian renowned all-rounder Mohammad Nadeem Babar along with the CEO of Terra Systems, Mr. Abdallah Albert Kassouf opened the T20 tournament and RCA’s 43rd season with a bang by hitting the ball. Riyadh Cricket Association was established in 1980 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to organize and promote cricket activities in Riyadh and the central region. Since its inception, it has been successful in bringing cricket as a sport among Saudis and expatriates working in the region. Cricket in Riyadh and Saudi Arabia has greatly benefited from the support of RCA Patron General HRH General Dr. Prince Abdulaziz bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founder of cricket in Riyadh and Saudi Arabia.
Dignitaries and other officials of the RCA Executive Committee addressed the gathering. Mr. Abdallah Albert in his speech said that Tera System Company is very happy to sponsor this tournament as these sporting activities are very important to keep oneself fit. He also emphasized that Terra Systems will continue to collaborate with RCA and will be available to support sports activities in the future as well.
In his address, Mr. Nadeem Babar highly appreciated the support of Patron-in-Chief of RCA HRH Prince Dr. Abdulaziz bin Nasir bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He also said 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 government’s interest in promoting cricket. To promote Saudi Arabian cricket at the international level, SACF has roped in many former international cricketers and experts. The Saudi Cricket Federation has clearly defined its goals and is already working towards it. SACF has already organized several tournaments which give players an opportunity to showcase their skills at the national and international levels. He also urged the players to maintain discipline and play positive cricket. 
Addressing the gathering, RCA Vice President Mr. Aashique Mughal thanked Tera System CEO Abdallah Albert Kassouf for the sponsorship. He mentioned that he asked Mr. Abdallah Albert Kassouf for sponsorship only once and he immediately responded. For which he is deeply grateful to him, Mr. Ishfaq Bhatt, Joint Secretary, while organizing the program highlighted the performance of RCA and thanked the guests and the players present at the ground on the occasion. Senior Vice President Mr. Nasir Abbasi and Umpiring Coordinator Mr. Atif Amin and other RC Executive Committee members also addressed.
A total of 63 teams are participating in the Tera System T20 tournament. These teams are divided into 4 different leagues. A total of 174 matches will be played in this first tournament of Season 43.
