RIYADH – Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi called on Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal to discuss expanding cricket in Saudi Arabia and enhancing bilateral sports cooperation between the two countries.
The two leaders discussed detailed plans to promote cricket within Saudi Arabia and outlined strategies to strengthen the institutional coordination between the respective sports bodies of both nations.
The meeting comes at a time of rapid development in the sports sector of Saudi Arabia, driven by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a global sports hub.
Naqvi praised Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global sports arena, especially under the leadership of Prince Abdulaziz, who has played a key role in reshaping the country’s sports landscape. He emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s commitment to improving its sporting infrastructure and hosting major international competitions aligns with Pakistan’s desire to deepen cooperation in sports, particularly cricket.
“We commend Saudi Arabia’s progress in becoming a global sports destination,” Naqvi said. “Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom is setting new standards by hosting world-class events and contributing significantly to the global sports community,”.
In Riyadh It was a pleasure to meet His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
We had a detailed discussion on promoting cricket in Saudi Arabia and creating new avenues for youth engagement and talent development.
I… pic.twitter.com/fovlWANPRN— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) November 25, 2025
Naqvi also congratulated Prince Abdulaziz and the Saudi leadership on the country’s successful bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034. He described the achievement as a significant milestone, not only for Saudi Arabia but also for the entire Middle East, positioning the region as a future center for international sporting events.
During the discussions, both sides agreed that cricket could serve as a powerful tool to strengthen ties between the two nations, engage youth, and foster regional unity. Naqvi underscored the importance of cricket in connecting Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, noting that the sport’s immense popularity in both countries offers a strong foundation for future collaboration.
“The shared passion for cricket presents a unique opportunity for both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia to build a lasting relationship through sports,” Naqvi said. “By working together, we can provide valuable opportunities for athletes, coaches, and sports institutions in both nations,”.
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