Cross-Border Cricket Alliance: Saudi Arabia and USA Partner for Future Talent

The Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) and the National Cricket League (NCL) based in Dallas have joined forces to bolster grassroots cricket and establish elite pathways for players. This initiative comes as the sport anticipates its return to the Olympic stage in Los Angeles in 2028.

The partnership will concentrate on school and community cricket programs, certification for coaching and umpiring, the exchange of technical expertise, and significant exposure for Saudi players through participation in North American events organized by the NCL. These include the Collegiate Cricket League and the Path to Cricket Pro talent hunt aimed at cultivating future cricket professionals.

Arun Agarwal, NCL chairman, highlighted the partnership as a significant connection between two nations sharing a passion for cricket and a novel vision for its future. Aligning grassroots systems and fostering cross-border pathways are seen as key steps to providing young players with opportunities to advance from local pitches to the international level. The SACF emphasizes that the agreement with the NCL is pivotal in transforming the growing enthusiasm for cricket in Saudi Arabia into organized development programs and international exposure for budding talent.

(With inputs from agencies.)