By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control and Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Mohsin Naqvi held a significant meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, in Riyadh, on Tuesday.
The two leaders discussed plans to promote cricket in Saudi Arabia, enhance youth engagement through sports, and expand bilateral cooperation in various sporting fields.
Mohsin Naqvi praised Prince Abdulaziz’s dynamic leadership, noting that Saudi Arabia is rapidly transforming its sports landscape under Vision 2030. He said the Kingdom has “created history” by securing the hosting rights of major global sporting events.
Naqvi congratulated the Saudi Minister on Saudi Arabia’s successful bids for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, Asian Winter Games 2029, Asian Games 2034, and the FIFA World Cup 2034.
Highlighting opportunities for collaboration, Naqvi emphasized the potential for cricket infrastructure development, joint training programs, bilateral tours, and youth and junior-level tournaments. Such initiatives, he said, would create new avenues for young athletes in both countries.
He added that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia aim to make sports—particularly cricket—a “strong bridge of friendship and regional harmony.”
Both sides agreed to accelerate institutional coordination and finalize joint projects soon to provide greater positive opportunities for their youth.
