JEDDAH, 1 May 2005 — Saudi Arabia gives top priority to sports in the Kingdom. Different disciplines rub shoulders as they compete side by side.
Although soccer is the national game, cricket has also found a niche and is played at every level, and almost in every part of the country, said Syed Zahid Ali, president of Madinah Cricket Association, while expressing his views on the development of cricket in Saudi Arabia, in an interview to a private channel in Pakistan recently.
Zahid was in Pakistan to complete the “Level One” cricket-coaching course that was organized by Pakistan Cricket Academy (PCA) headed by Jalal Uddin, former Test cricketer.
Jalal Uddin is one of the three qualified coaches who completed “Level Three” coaching course from English Cricket Board (ECB) and “Level Two” from Australian Cricket Board (ACB).
Commenting on the history of Saudi Arabia and its contribution in introducing and promoting cricket, Zahid lauded the Saudis whose tireless efforts gave the game a respectable name.
“Media has been playing an active role in giving full coverage to cricket tournaments at every level,” Zahid said. Saudi Arabia, which is famous for its soccer, is now becoming popular in cricket too.
Zahid said: “Sheikh Zainal Alireza and Sheikh Yasin Alireza and Mr. Khaled Almaeena have taken great efforts in promoting cricket in the Kingdom... In fact, their support has led to the creation of CCCB.”
Ninety percent of cricket being played in the Kingdom is under the banner of Jeddah Cricket League (JCL) under the stewardship of its President Shahid Amin, who is also the president and CEO of CCCB, he said.
During his visit to Pakistan, Zahid had a series of meetings with cricket personalities such as Hanif Mohammed, international cricket umpire Mehboob Shah, KCCA President Muneer Hussain, secretary Siraj-ul-Islam Bukhari and others. He also met PCB Chairman Shaharyar Khan, secretary Abbas Zaidi and the regional development manager, Naseemul Ghani, who was also a development manager of ICC. During his tenure in 2001, the first-ever cricket team from Saudi Arabia, participated in an international cricket tournament organized by ICC.
At a special meeting with Shaharyar Khan and Zaidi, Zahid highlighted the role of cricket associations for their contributions in promoting the game. They include JCL, Eastern Province Cricket Association, and Yanbu Cricket League.
