By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will turn sports, especially cricket, nto a strong bridge of friendship and regional harmony, Federal Minister for Interior, Narcotics Control and Chairman PCB, Mohsin Naqvi emphasized during an important meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sports, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, in Riyadh on Wednesday.
Mohsin Naqvi, discussed wide-ranging plans to enhance sports cooperation between the two countries. The meeting focused on the promotion of cricket in Saudi Arabia, encouraging youth participation in healthy activities, and strengthening bilateral collaboration in the sports sector.
Naqvi praised Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal’s dynamic leadership in advancing the Kingdom’s sports landscape under Vision 2030. He noted that Saudi Arabia, under its leadership, has made history by securing the hosting rights for major global tournaments.
During the meeting, 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.
Naqvi highlighted that both countries can create new avenues for youth development through cricket infrastructure projects, joint training programs, bilateral tours, and junior and youth-level tournaments.
Both sides agreed that the relevant institutions in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will accelerate coordination. Practical planning will soon be finalized to launch joint initiatives aimed at providing maximum opportunities for young people in both nations.
