After Saudi Arabia’s cricketers beat Hong Kong in the ACC Premier Cup at a picturesque ground beneath the Hajjar Mountains in a suburb of Muscat on Sunday, there was no congratulatory message from Cristiano Ronaldo.
Neymar Jr was otherwise preoccupied with recuperation, as well as Al Hilal’s coming Champions League tie against Al Ain.
LIV’s golfers were probably too taken by speculation over whether Viktor Hovland or even Rory McIlroy might actually be on their way, to take notice.
And yet, just quietly, the result was a significant one for Saudi cricket. Hong Kong might be an inconsistent version of the side that once took a win off Bangladesh in a T20 World Cup. But they are still ranked 10 places above Saudi Arabia in the official ICC standings.
OK, so it was not exactly seismic, but it does represent incremental progress in Saudi Arabia’s vision to develop cricket from both outside and within.
And, according to Kabir Khan, the former Pakistan bowler who is the team’s coach, the result will have been appreciated by the right people.
“They have learnt,” Kabir said of the administrators who are overseeing the growth of the sport in the kingdom.
“Our chairman is a local prince. Our CEO is from there. They have studied cricket, so they know about the rankings, and they are supporting us fully. We have full support from the government and the [Saudi Arabian Cricket] federation.
“These matches will open their eyes to the fact the team is doing well. And when the team does well, extra support comes in.”
As yet, cricket has not had its own headline moment in Saudi Arabia of the like of Ronaldo, Neymar, et al in football, the LIV Tour in golf, or Tyson Fury prize fights in boxing.
Talk of the world’s richest cricket league being staged there, and bilateral matches between India and Pakistan, at present remains just that: talk.
Kabir thinks the arrival of “commercial cricket,” as he terms it, is just a matter of time. In the meantime, he is more closely focused on improving the country’s current stable of cricketers.
There are challenges. For instance, there are no fully-operational grass cricket fields in the country as yet. Sourcing suitable clay for wicket blocks within Saudi has not been simple, but he says there are approvals for turf grounds, which the private sector is backing.
The cricket federation have set up academies in Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam. Around 80 per cent of club cricket is being played in those three cities, with approximately 500 clubs, and 12,000-15,000 registered cricketers across the country.
The standard for almost all is “fun, weekend cricket,” according to Kabir, but the building blocks are being put in place for progress, he says.
“Cricket is part of it,” Kabir said of sport’s role in Saudi Vision 2030. “We want to improve our ranking, but also host leagues and big tournaments as well to bring that soft image of the country.
“That means we are playing a double type of role. We think that we could be the centre of cricket in the Gulf region because of the vast country we have, and the sponsorship being centralised.
“The people at the top know what they are doing. They are planning for leagues, planning for international matches, and within a year or two I think we will see that, as well as our own cricket developing.
“My job is to develop cricket. Leagues will come. Commercial cricket will come. It has to come, with the country and its vision.
“But parallel to that, my mission is to improve cricket, and that is going well. Giving an amateur side 16 months ... now they are beating top teams, and giving a tough time to other top teams, is a good effort.”
The ACC Premier Cup, a 10-team event which carries with it one place at the Asia Cup next year, is the highest standard of competition Saudi Arabia have yet featured in.
Despite their win against Hong Kong, they fell just short of a place in the semi-finals after losing a rain-affected game against Nepal in the decisive fixture.
The fact they pushed Nepal close was just as indicative of the strides the side have made as the win over Hong Kong. Nepal will be playing at the T20 World Cup in the United States and Caribbean this summer, and faced the might of India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup last year.
Despite the embryonic infrastructure for the sport in the country, Saudi Arabia's progress is perhaps not entirely surprising. After all, they have a coach who has a glowing and diverse CV, which includes among its entries a successful stint as UAE coach.
His broad spectrum of experience also includes leading Afghanistan to the top tier of the world game, a spell assisting Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League, as well as a stint with Pakistan’s women’s team.
He accepted an approach by the Saudis in 2021 with his eyes open. “I knew there was zero infrastructure,” he said. “There were 100 grounds, but all cement [wickets]. There was no grass, so I knew they were going to struggle on turf pitches and struggle with their fielding.
“But the numbers they had were good. They had a pool of players, and it was all about selecting them and training them.”
On the evidence of the ACC Premier Cup, his methods are still on point.
“It is a challenge for me,” Kabir, 50, said. “At my age, having done everything, you need something challenging. You can’t go with something that is already structured.
“I have been a development coach working with UAE, Afghanistan, and for all the teams I have worked with, it has been about making stars, not playing with stars.
“My job is to take teams to the top level, and make stars. I don’t want to work with readymade stars.”
He might already have a new star in his midst. Abdul Waheed, a 30-year-old fitness trainer from Riyadh, marked himself out as an opener of significant talent with a string of fine innings in Muscat.
Waheed was born and brought up in Saudi. The national teams of many Gulf countries often feature players who learnt their cricket in the subcontinent before relocating for work as adults, but the Saudi side is mostly populated by players who were brought up there.
Waheed, for example, is the son of a civil engineer who moved from Pakistan to Saudi 46 years ago. He picked up cricket via his dad and two uncles, and has only been to Pakistan twice himself.
“In my whole life I have played cricket only in Saudi Arabia, plus a couple of matches in the Qatar and Kuwait leagues,” Waheed said.
“Coming to play here [in Muscat], it does feel different for our boys. But I am using my past experience. I have made 29 international tours for Saudi Arabia.
“We also have good coaches who are working really hard with the boys. For me, it all depends on your mentality and how you play.
“If you think you are playing on cement or concrete when you are playing on turf wickets, it will be easy for anyone.”
Waheed works as a fitness trainer at Arkan Sports Academy in Riyadh, which is the first indoor cricket and multi-sports facility in Saudi.
It provides players with a more comfortable environment to hone their cricket skills than what he was afforded growing up while being coached by his uncles, Abdul Wahab and Abdul Karim.
“They were the first ones who supported me to play cricket,” he said. “Whether it was summer or any type of weather, we had to go to the ground to play cricket.
“If it was 42 degrees, 45 degrees, it didn’t matter. We had to come and play cricket. This is how I started. My uncle, Abdul Wahab was my first coach and that is how I learnt batting.”
On the evidence of Muscat, they taught him well. And, while his celebrity might not be quite that of Ronaldo, Neymar, or Salem Al Dawsari, he is proud to make a contribution to the development of sport in his country.
“Honestly, Saudi Arabia is a country which loves sports,” Waheed said.
“Ronaldo has been in Saudi Arabia, and cricket is also moving forward. As of now, we are waiting for the grounds and facilities. When that happens it will motivate other people, locals, and this is how Saudi Arabia cricket will go to the next level.
“My mission is to help bring Saudi Arabia to the next level. Still, I’m not satisfied with my performance, and I can get much better. But wins for the country are achievable for us.”
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
2.0
Director: S Shankar
Producer: Lyca Productions; presented by Dharma Films
Cast: Rajnikanth, Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson, Sudhanshu Pandey
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
More from Neighbourhood Watch
Sting & Shaggy
44/876
(Interscope)
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
Tottenham advance on away goals rule after tie ends 3-3 on aggregate
Final: June 1, Madrid
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Hydrogen: Market potential
Hydrogen has an estimated $11 trillion market potential, according to Bank of America Securities and is expected to generate $2.5tn in direct revenues and $11tn of indirect infrastructure by 2050 as its production increases six-fold.
"We believe we are reaching the point of harnessing the element that comprises 90 per cent of the universe, effectively and economically,” the bank said in a recent report.
Falling costs of renewable energy and electrolysers used in green hydrogen production is one of the main catalysts for the increasingly bullish sentiment over the element.
The cost of electrolysers used in green hydrogen production has halved over the last five years and will fall to 60 to 90 per cent by the end of the decade, acceding to Haim Israel, equity strategist at Merrill Lynch. A global focus on decarbonisation and sustainability is also a big driver in its development.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Company profile
Company name: Suraasa
Started: 2018
Founders: Rishabh Khanna, Ankit Khanna and Sahil Makker
Based: India, UAE and the UK
Industry: EdTech
Initial investment: More than $200,000 in seed funding
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Dubai Bling season three
Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed
Rating: 1/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More on animal trafficking
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner: Omania, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
5.30pm: Conditions (PA) Dh85,000 1,600m
Winner: Brehaan, Richard Mullen, Ana Mendez
6pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 1,600m
Winner: Craving, Connor Beasley, Simon Crisford
6.30pm: The President’s Cup Prep (PA) Dh100,000 2,200m
Winner: Rmmas, Tadhg O’Shea, Jean de Roualle
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Dh70,000 1,200m
Winner: Dahess D’Arabie, Connor Beasley, Helal Al Alawi
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: Fertile De Croate, Sam Hitchcott, Ibrahim Aseel
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
FIXTURES
December 28
Stan Wawrinka v Pablo Carreno Busta, 5pm
Milos Raonic v Dominic Thiem, no earlier then 7pm
December 29 - semi-finals
Rafael Nadal v Stan Wawrinka / Pablo Carreno Busta, 5pm
Novak Djokovic v Milos Raonic / Dominic Thiem, no earlier then 7pm
December 30
3rd/4th place play-off, 5pm
Final, 7pm
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
ICC Awards for 2021
MEN
Cricketer of the Year – Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Test Cricketer of the Year – Joe Root (England)
WOMEN
Cricketer of the Year – Smriti Mandhana (India)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Lizelle Lee (South Africa)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Tammy Beaumont (England)
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
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How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
ENGLAND TEAM
Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Joe Root (captain), Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Craig Overton, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
MATCH INFO
English Premiership semi-finals
Saracens 57
Wasps 33
Exeter Chiefs 36
Newcastle Falcons 5
Sinopharm vaccine explained
The Sinopharm vaccine was created using techniques that have been around for decades.
“This is an inactivated vaccine. Simply what it means is that the virus is taken, cultured and inactivated," said Dr Nawal Al Kaabi, chair of the UAE's National Covid-19 Clinical Management Committee.
"What is left is a skeleton of the virus so it looks like a virus, but it is not live."
This is then injected into the body.
"The body will recognise it and form antibodies but because it is inactive, we will need more than one dose. The body will not develop immunity with one dose," she said.
"You have to be exposed more than one time to what we call the antigen."
The vaccine should offer protection for at least months, but no one knows how long beyond that.
Dr Al Kaabi said early vaccine volunteers in China were given shots last spring and still have antibodies today.
“Since it is inactivated, it will not last forever," she said.
The five pillars of Islam
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Scorecard
Scotland 220
K Coetzer 95, J Siddique 3-49, R Mustafa 3-35
UAE 224-3 in 43,5 overs
C Suri 67, B Hameed 63 not out
Recycle Reuse Repurpose
New central waste facility on site at expo Dubai South area to handle estimated 173 tonne of waste generated daily by millions of visitors
Recyclables such as plastic, paper, glass will be collected from bins on the expo site and taken to the new expo Central Waste Facility on site
Organic waste will be processed at the new onsite Central Waste Facility, treated and converted into compost to be re-used to green the expo area
Of 173 tonnes of waste daily, an estimated 39 per cent will be recyclables, 48 per cent organic waste and 13 per cent general waste.
About 147 tonnes will be recycled and converted to new products at another existing facility in Ras Al Khor
Recycling at Ras Al Khor unit:
Plastic items to be converted to plastic bags and recycled
Paper pulp moulded products such as cup carriers, egg trays, seed pots, and food packaging trays
Glass waste into bowls, lights, candle holders, serving trays and coasters
Aim is for 85 per cent of waste from the site to be diverted from landfill
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Cracks in the Wall
Ben White, Pluto Press
The stats
Ship name: MSC Bellissima
Ship class: Meraviglia Class
Delivery date: February 27, 2019
Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT
Passenger capacity: 5,686
Crew members: 1,536
Number of cabins: 2,217
Length: 315.3 metres
Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)
Race card
6.30pm: Emirates Holidays Maiden (TB), Dh82,500 (Dirt), 1,900m
7.05pm: Arabian Adventures Maiden (TB), Dh82,500 (D), 1,200m
7.40pm: Emirates Skywards Handicap (TB), Dh82,500 (D), 1,200m
8.15pm: Emirates Airline Conditions (TB), Dh120,000 (D), 1,400m
8.50pm: Emirates Sky Cargo (TB), Dh92,500 (D)1,400m
9.15pm: Emirates.com (TB), Dh95,000 (D), 2,000m
Company%20Profile
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Three ways to boost your credit score
Marwan Lutfi says the core fundamentals that drive better payment behaviour and can improve your credit score are:
1. Make sure you make your payments on time;
2. Limit the number of products you borrow on: the more loans and credit cards you have, the more it will affect your credit score;
3. Don't max out all your debts: how much you maximise those credit facilities will have an impact. If you have five credit cards and utilise 90 per cent of that credit, it will negatively affect your score.
