5 things to look out for in Saudi Arabia’s World Cup qualifiers

5 things to look out for in Saudi Arabia’s World Cup qualifiers
Herve Renard during Saudi Arabia’s latest training session ahead of the World Cup qualifier against China in Riyadh. (X: @SaudiNT)
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Updated 19 March 2025
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5 things to look out for in Saudi Arabia’s World Cup qualifiers

5 things to look out for in Saudi Arabia’s World Cup qualifiers
  • Herve Renard’s Green Falcons take on China in Riyadh on Thursday before next week’s away clash in Japan

LONDON: Qualification for the 2026 World Cup enters a crucial phase in the next few days as Saudi Arabia host China at home on Thursday in Riyadh and then head to Japan for Tuesday’s clash.

After six games of 10 in the third round of qualification, Japan are nine points clear, leaving the other five countries chasing the other automatic spot.

The battle is fierce, with just one point separating Australia in second and China in sixth, with Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in between.

There is much to talk about, but here are five things to look out for in the coming week.

China match a must-win for Saudi

There’s no getting around the need for victory. Saudi Arabia have won just one of six games so far in Group C and hopes of automatic qualification are very much in the balance. The good news for coach Herve Renard is that rivals for second spot have also been stumbling. There is still time for a team to make a break for North America and leave the others behind.

The other good news for Renard is that China are the only team that the Green Falcons have beaten so far, thanks to a last-minute header from Hassan Kadesh. Saudi Arabia are clear favorites to win, but the pressure is on.

China will be delighted with a point but know that if they can keep things tight and frustrate the home team — and given that Saudi Arabia have not scored in the last four qualifiers since that Kadesh goal then this is a real possibility — then the atmosphere in Riyadh could become anxious quite quickly, providing the visitors with an opportunity to go home with a win. Somehow, the home team need to start taking chances.

Renard has been bold and picked players in form

The Frenchman returned in October to take over after a poor start during Roberto Mancini’s stint as coach of Saudi Arabia. His first game back was a fighting 0-0 draw in Australia that was followed by a 2-0 defeat in Indonesia that has made things difficult.

Renard has made a number of changes to the squad since that traumatic night in Jakarta and added new faces — players like Jehad Thakri, who has been impressive in defense with Al-Qadsiah and Muhannad Al-Saad who has been in action for Dunkerque in the French second tier. Intriguingly, there may be a debut for 32-year-old striker Abdullah Al-Salem. The powerful forward has been in form for Al-Khaleej, reaching double figures for the club in the lower reaches of mid-table.

Picking players who are playing well for clubs is always a good idea but not always that common in international football. If one of the new players can step up and repay Renard’s faith, then it may just make the difference.

A trip to Japan is as tough as it gets but …

In October, Japan came to Jeddah to win 2-0 in a clinical display. It was already clear then that the Samurai Blue were on their way to the World Cup as Group C winners. It is highly likely that the team will beat Bahrain at home, they won 5-0 in the away fixture, to become the first team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

That can be good news for Saudi Arabia. Going east to face a Japan desperate for points would be the toughest task possible in Asian football, but if the hosts have already qualified and in something of a party mood, then there is hope.

Saudi Arabia finished above Japan in qualification for the 2022 World Cup and while that is not going to happen this time, there is always a chance in a one-off match.

The stars need to step up on long trip

It remains to be seen if in-form midfielder Mohamed Kanno is fit to face China after picking up an injury, although the Al-Hilal star will be hoping to make the long trip east and take the pitch at Saitama Stadium. His energy, drive and experience will be needed.

There may be some necessary new blood in the squad but Saudi Arabia will also look to Salem Al-Dawsari, the talisman, to make something happen with a moment of magic. The same with Saud Abdulhamid. Japan are a team full of European-based stars but the right-back has some form with Roma.

It is not just about dealing with the 90 minutes on the pitch, but the whole trip. It is unfortunate that while Japan have two games in the same stadium and can rest and relax, Saudi Arabia face China in Riyadh and then face a long journey across six time zones. Such is life in Asian football, but the stars have been here before and need to show how it is done.

Whatever happens, it’s not over

Even if there are a pair of wins in the coming days, there is still work to do, and the same would be true with two defeats. There are two more qualifiers in June in Bahrain and then a final clash against Australia. There are two automatic spots, one almost certainly reserved for Japan and one other, but there is another route. The six teams that finish third and fourth in the three groups will advance to another stage to compete for two more World Cup spots.

Of the five teams in the hunt for second, Australia and Saudi Arabia would consider finishing third as a disappointment, but Bahrain, China and Indonesia would almost certainly feel differently. That adds an extra dimension to the coming games. Whatever happens, Saudi Arabia need to ensure that they do not slip out of the top four while they battle for a place in the top two.


Dhoni snaps Chennai’s five-match IPL losing streak

Dhoni snaps Chennai’s five-match IPL losing streak
Updated 14 April 2025
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Dhoni snaps Chennai’s five-match IPL losing streak

Dhoni snaps Chennai’s five-match IPL losing streak
  • Chasing a tricky 167, Chennai rode on an unbeaten stand of 57 between Shivam Dube, who hit 43, and Dhoni to achieve their target
  • Result snapped Chennai’s streak of losses but they still remain bottom of the 10-team table with two wins in seven matches

LUCKNOW: Former India captain M.S. Dhoni rolled back the years with an unbeaten 26 as Chennai Super Kings bounced back from five losses to down Lucknow Super Giants by five wickets in the IPL on Monday.
Chasing a tricky 167, Chennai rode on an unbeaten stand of 57 between Shivam Dube, who hit 43, and Dhoni to achieve their target with three balls to spare at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium.
The 43-year-old Dhoni, who took over as captain from the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad in their previous defeat, strode in at number seven and smashed four fours and a six in his 11-ball knock to silence suggestions that he had lost his touch as a master finisher.
The left-handed Dube, who came in as an impact substitute for the five-time champions, got the winning boundary in his 37-ball knock.
The result snapped Chennai’s streak of losses but they still remain bottom of the 10-team table with two wins in seven matches.
They started strongly with openers Shaik Rasheed and New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, who hit 37, putting together a 52-run partnership inside five overs.
Pace bowler Avesh Khan struck first to cut short Rasheed’s knock on 27 and Lucknow’s ploy to bring in part-time spinner Aiden Markram worked when the South African dismissed the left-handed Ravindra.
Impact substitute Ravi Bishnoi struck with two key blows as he caught and bowled Rahul Tripathi for nine and then had Ravindra Jadeja taken at long-on for seven to dent Chennai’s chase.
But Dube took charge and took Chennai over the line alongside Dhoni who walked in to loud cheers from the Lucknow crowd largely supporting Chennai.
Lucknow suffered their third loss in seven matches but can take consolation from skipper Rishabh Pant’s back-to-form 63 in their 166-7 after being invited to bat first.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Pant, who had scores of 0, 15, 2, 2, 21 in his previous five innings, started cautiously with Lucknow on 23-2.
The swashbuckling left-hander played six dot balls to Afghanistan left-arm wrist spinner Noor Ahmad in the middle of his knock but finished with four fours and fours sixes in his 49-ball stay.
Pant’s innings involved key stands, adding 50 with Mitchell Marsh, who hit 30 on his return after he missed the previous match, and 53 with Abdul Samad, who made 20.
Pant finally fell to Sri Lanka pace bowler Matheesha Pathirana, who took two wickets in the 20th over.
Jadeja stood out with figures of 2-24 in his three overs of left-arm spin.


Newcastle manager Eddie Howe recovering from pneumonia

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe recovering from pneumonia
Updated 14 April 2025
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Newcastle manager Eddie Howe recovering from pneumonia

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe recovering from pneumonia
  • 47-year-old sat out Sunday’s 4-1 Premier League win at home to Manchester United as he was kept in hospital

NEWCASTLE: Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is recovering in hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia and will miss this week’s matches, the Premier League club said on Monday.
The 47-year-old sat out Sunday’s 4-1 Premier League win at home to Manchester United as he was kept in hospital after feeling unwell for several days.
He missed Newcastle securing their first league double over the Old Trafford side since the 1930-31 season.
“A huge thank you to everyone connected with Newcastle United and the wider football community for your messages and warm wishes. They have meant a lot to me and my family,” Howe said in a statement from the club.
Howe has become a hero in Newcastle after arriving at the club in 2021 after coaching Bournemouth and Burnley.
He led the club to a League Cup final triumph over Liverpool in March, becoming the first home-grown coach to win one of England’s top domestic honors since 2008 and securing the club’s first domestic trophy in 70 years.
He was celebrated by 150,000 Newcastle fans in the streets of the city and honored with a massive banner unfurled outside St. James’ Park.
Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will take charge of the team for the matches against visitors Crystal Palace on Wednesday and away to Aston Villa on Saturday.
Newcastle are fourth in the table with 56 points.


From Formula 1 to Saudi Pro League — how Sunil Patel is capturing the region’s biggest sporting moments

From Formula 1 to Saudi Pro League — how Sunil Patel is capturing the region’s biggest sporting moments
Updated 14 April 2025
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From Formula 1 to Saudi Pro League — how Sunil Patel is capturing the region’s biggest sporting moments

From Formula 1 to Saudi Pro League — how Sunil Patel is capturing the region’s biggest sporting moments
  • The Whisper co-founder and CEO spoke to Arab News about starting out at the BBC, setting up base in Saudi Arabia and his production company’s recent Netflix show

LONDON: On December 31, 2022, just days after the World Cup ended in Qatar, Cristiano Ronaldo stunned the footballing world by joining Saudi Pro League and Riyadh giants Al-Nassr.

What had seemed to be only rumor was now reality, and it kick-started a football revolution that continues to reverberate around the Kingdom and the world.

The recent Netflix documentary series, “Saudi Pro League: Kickoff,” gave a glimpse into Saudi football in the same way “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” has into the echelons of top-tier motorsport.

Sunil Patel, co-founder and CEO of Whisper, the production house behind the show, recognizes this was a critical milestone for his company.

“We had built a relationship with the [Saudi] Ministry of Sport, and they wanted us to capture the essence of the SPL,” he explains.

However, when Whisper approached Netflix with the idea, there was initial skepticism: “Netflix didn’t believe we had the access to the SPL that we claimed.”

To allay any doubts, Whisper invited Netflix executives to their offices.

“We played them the tape of everything we’d shot, and they were blown away,” Patel recalled. This pivotal moment led to Netflix taking ownership of the project, marking the first significant access point in Saudi Arabia for the streaming giant.

“It was a watershed moment for us,” added Patel.

The resulting production struck a balance between the excitement of football and the broader narrative surrounding the SPL’s growth, incorporating critical discussions on infrastructure and the region’s evolving football landscape.

The program, however, was not an overnight success. Nor was it a case of jumping on the bandwagon of one of the world’s biggest sports stories. As with the Saudi Pro League itself, years of hard work had gone into getting Whisper to the that point.

The company was born out of Sunil’s experiences within the BBC, particularly during his time covering Formula 1.

“I joined the BBC in 2003, and in late 2008 we had secured the rights to Formula 1,” Patel told Arab News during an interview in his London office.

At the time, the BBC football department was a powerhouse and the idea of covering a sport as complex as F1 was daunting. Sunil vividly remembers a management meeting where he advocated for the internal production of F1 content instead of outsourcing it to the Top Gear team, as existed at the time.

His bold suggestion was welcomed and led to a shift in strategy, bringing in experienced personnel and transitioning him from football to F1.

“From that moment, they went out and got a really experienced executive in, Mark Wilkin, and he ran the Formula 1. And then I moved from football to Formula 1 to launch it,” he said.

It proved a turning point for Patel. He took on the role of creative lead, collaborating with a talented team that included presenters like Jake Humphrey and David Coulthard, who had recently retired from racing with the Red Bull team.

Patel’s experience allowed him to cultivate relationships with various stakeholders in the F1 ecosystem — drivers, teams, and sponsors. This set the stage for Whisper’s emergence in sports media.

In 2010, after two years in F1 production, Patel made a pivotal decision and left the BBC to start Whisper with Humphrey.

“I had no experience of running a business, nor did Jake. We had no name, no money,” he said. However, the duo was driven by a shared vision and an understanding of the unique storytelling opportunities in sport.

The partnership quickly proved to be a winning combination. Humphrey’s rapport with drivers and team principals, coupled with Patel’s content delivery expertise, laid a solid foundation for their new venture. They became known for producing compelling content that resonated with audiences and stakeholders alike.

“Then David [Coulthard], who was in the meetings that we were having generally, and he was around the team, said, ‘Well, why didn’t you ask me to be part of the company?’,” Patel recalled.

Once on board, Coulthard played a crucial role. His insights into the industry and dedication to high standards significantly influenced Patel’s approach to production.

“David instilled all of the fundamental principles that we still operate in our business, like attention to detail, marginal gains and feedback,” Patel explained.

He acknowledges his experiences in F1 set a high bar for expectations: “Working with David took me to another level.”

This shift in mindset helped the company establish a strong reputation. For the next few years, Whisper capitalized on the relationships built during Sunil’s time in F1. They became the in-house production partners for several key teams and sponsors, including Red Bull Racing and Williams.

While early focus was primarily on Formula 1, Patel and his team quickly recognized the need to diversify.

To fuel growth, they sought strategic investments and partnerships. Collaborating with Channel 4 allowed Whisper to pitch for larger projects, including live sports coverage.

“Winning the production contract for Formula 1 on Channel 4 was a game-changer for us,” said Patel. “From a business of a handful of people, we suddenly had 20, 30 people in the office.”

The influx of work necessitated moving offices and enhancing their operational capacity.

As they ventured into new sports, including the NFL, women’s football and Paralympic sports, Whisper’s portfolio expanded significantly. Partnership with Sony further opened doors, enabling them to diversify into entertainment programming including quiz shows and documentaries. An office in Cardiff was launched.

Whisper’s ambition did not stop at the UK market, however. Recognizing the potential for global growth, the company began exploring opportunities beyond Europe. The COVID-19 pandemic allowed the company to expand into new territories, including New Zealand and Saudi Arabia.

“During COVID, an opportunity came up to open an office in Auckland, [leveraging] our cricket productions,” Patel said.

The expansion marked the beginning of Whisper’s international journey. The entry into the Saudi market was a significant milestone.

“We were involved in the Race of Champions [2018], which was a critical moment for us,” recalled Patel. “We found a place that was challenging yet ripe for storytelling and creativity. I think people wanted to work with us because of our creativity, our storytelling, our product was really strong.”

This reputation facilitated strong relationships, allowing Whisper to thrive.

“I think what’s really interesting is, ever since we started working in Saudi, one project has always led to another,” said Patel.

“So whether it was Race of Champions giving us that footprint in the region, the pay-per-view boxing, so we did AJ v Usyk, we did Tommy Fury versus Jake Paul, and those relationships mean that you talk to people, people trust you. From there we ended up working with the Ministry of Sport and talking about a few football projects.”

Reflecting on the reception of the Netflix show, Patel acknowledges that while it may not have received extensive global promotion, it served its purpose in the region: “I think the reaction was good, in the sense that we told a balanced story of the kinds of challenges facing the league and teams, and players moving to the region, in terms of the infrastructure being developed ahead of the 2034 World Cup bid, and that was really interesting.”

It resonated with viewers and stakeholders, underlining Whisper’s commitment to quality and authenticity. “We challenged figures like Ronaldo and the Ministry of Sport,” Patel said.

Looking ahead, he is enthusiastic about the future of Whisper in Saudi Arabia, particularly in light of the country winning the bid for the 2034 World Cup: “A lot of our focus now is on supporting the Saudi 2034 team and telling the stories that will emerge from this monumental event.”

The build-up to the World Cup will involve significant infrastructural changes and developments in women’s and grass roots football, which promise to provide more storytelling opportunities.

Beyond this, Patel identifies various upcoming events that could present new opportunities for Whisper.

“There’s the AFC Asian Cup 2027, the 2029 Asian Winter Games, and the Riyadh Expo 2030,” he said, highlighting the importance of a Riyadh office to engage with these developments.

“We want to leverage these landmark moments to showcase the rich culture and evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia,” he concluded.


Pakistani bowler Usman Tariq reported for suspect bowling action in PSL

Pakistani bowler Usman Tariq reported for suspect bowling action in PSL
Updated 14 April 2025
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Pakistani bowler Usman Tariq reported for suspect bowling action in PSL

Pakistani bowler Usman Tariq reported for suspect bowling action in PSL
  • Tariq reported by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Chris Brown after Quetta lost to Lahore Qalandars by 79 runs 
  • Last year, Tariq was also reported for a suspect bowling action during Quetta’s match against Karachi Kings 

ISLAMABAD: Quetta Gladiators’ off-spinner Usman Tariq of Pakistan was reported for a suspect bowling action during the Pakistan Super League T20 tournament.

Tariq was reported by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Chris Brown after Quetta lost to Lahore Qalandars by 79 runs at Rawalpindi on Sunday. Tariq bowled his quote of four overs and returned figures of 1-31.

He also picked up 2-26 against Peshawar Zalmi as Quetta began its campaign with a thumping 80-run win.

“As per the rules, Usman can continue to bowl in future (PSL) matches,” the Pakistan Cricket Board said in a statement. “However, if he is reported again, he will be suspended from bowling and will need to obtain clearance from an ICC-accredited lab before he can resume bowling.”

Last year, Tariq was also reported for a suspect bowling action during Quetta’s match against Karachi Kings at the same venue before the franchise voluntarily pulled out the off-spinner from the tournament to undergo the bowling test.

Later in last August, an ICC-accredited laboratory in Lahore cleared the off-spinner’s bowling action and he competed in domestic tournaments without being reported.


Alexxanderr triumphs at Global Champions Arabians Tour in Riyadh

Alexxanderr triumphs at Global Champions Arabians Tour in Riyadh
Alexxanderr claimed Gold in Riyadh for Al Mirqab Farm, Qatar. (SUPPLIED)
Updated 14 April 2025
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Alexxanderr triumphs at Global Champions Arabians Tour in Riyadh

Alexxanderr triumphs at Global Champions Arabians Tour in Riyadh
  • One of the most renowned stallions in the world was crowned Gold Senior Stallion Champion at Jump Saudi arena

RIYADH: The fourth stage of the Global Champions Arabians Tour in Riyadh saw Alexxanderr, one of the world’s most celebrated stallions, emerge triumphant at the purpose-built Jump Saudi arena.

With Tour legends such as Shahalel Al-Shaqab, D Borkan and Berlin MP returning to the arena alongside an impressive array of Saudi and international contenders, the event drew a strong crowd of breeders, dignitaries and fans for four days of competition.

Alexxanderr was crowned Gold Senior Stallion Champion while Arabella Al-Shahania took home the first gold for Al-Shahania Stud, Qatar, winning the Yearling Fillies Championship with a polished and elegant performance. Behind her Areej Akmal, representing Saudi Arabia’s AKMAL Stud, took silver, while AJ Sindala, gold medal winner in Muscat, completed the podium with a bronze for Ajman Stud.

In the Yearling Colts Championship, Mistiq Al-Shahania dazzled for Al-Shahania Stud with fluid, refined movement to claim gold. Nebras NA secured silver for Al-Naif Stud, Saudi Arabia, while Sharar Al-Manhal, a consistent presence on the Tour, earned bronze for SK Arabians, Qatar.

Shahalel Al-Shaqab extended her undefeated run with another gold for Al-Shaqab Stud, Qatar, in the Junior Fillies Championship, with Shahbrys HVP again following closely with silver for Ajmal Stud, Saudi Arabia, and Expectations Al-Wajba taking bronze for Al-Wajba Stud, Qatar.

D Borkan returned with force in the Junior Colts Championship, seizing his second consecutive gold for Dubai Arabian Horse Stud with yet another high-scoring performance. Chalino CJ earned silver for Al-Shahania Stud, and Naif Al-Areeb took bronze for Al-Nouf Stud, Saudi Arabia.

The Senior Mare Championship saw a commanding win for D Beisan of Al-Shaqab, delivering a flawless presentation of type and femininity. RK Sadeem earned silver for Ajman Stud, while Najla Umm Al-Udham earned a proud bronze for Umm Al-Udham Stud, Saudi Arabia.

In the final championship of the event, Alexxanderr claimed the Gold Senior Stallion Championship for AL Mirqab Farm, Qatar. Berlin MP, the Muscat champion, followed with silver for Hleetan Stud, Qatar, while ES Harir took bronze for SK Arabians, UAE.

As the Tour progresses to its next destinations, Shahalel Al-Shaqab continues to lead the female rankings with an unbeaten record, while Sharar Al-Manhal climbs in the male standings. The handler leaderboard remains topped by Paolo Capecci, who continues to impress with consistent performances across categories.

Next week, the Global Champions Arabians Tour makes its American debut in Miami Beach, USA, from April 17-19 at 36th Street Park, marking the second stage of the GCAT Americas Series. The Tour then returns to Europe in June for the Cannes stage.