From Abid Usman
LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday offered comprehensive support to Saudi Arabia in promoting cricket and constructing cricket stadiums. The development came during a meeting between PCB Chairman Naqvi and Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud in Riyadh.
During the meeting, the PCB chairman, who is also the interior minister, extended an invitation to his Saudi counterpart to visit Pakistan and witness the Champions Trophy tournament matches.
Naqvi proposed a player exchange programme to enhance cricket development, suggesting that Ri-yadh could send emerging players to Pakistan for training. “We are committed to fully supporting Saudi Arabia in cricket development and stadium construction. For every Pakistani, Saudi Arabia is like a second home, and we are delighted to collaborate,” Naqvi stated.
In response, Prince Saud expressed his eagerness to strengthen ties with Pakistan in cricket promo-tion. Saudi Arabia is actively working on player development and boasts approximately 18,000 cricket-ers, he added. He highlighted the kingdom’s victory in the Asian Cricket Council Challenge Cup as a tes-tament to their growing cricketing prowess.
He also expressed his desire to work closely with Pakistan to foster cricket growth in Saudi Arabia, un-derscoring the potential for cooperation between the two nations in the sport.
Later, Naqvi, who arrived in the Gulf country on Sunday, paid a visit to the King Fahd Security College, where he was warmly welcomed by the institution’s Director General, Major General Dr Ali Al-Daij.
During the visit, Naqvi expressed admiration for its cutting-edge educational standards.
He highlighted the significance of the college’s Master’s programme, describing them as well-aligned with modern-day security challenges and advancements.
The minister also praised the institution’s comprehensive five-year strategic plan, commending the leadership of Major Gen Al-Daij for steering the college toward excellence.
In a meeting with the director general, both parties discussed potential exchange programmes to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
They explored opportunities for graduates from both countries to engage in study tours and training sessions.
Naqvi extended an invitation to the Master’s degree graduates to visit Pakistan under the exchange programme and proposed short-term training courses for Pakistani graduates at King Fahd Security College.
Describing the college as “a remarkable example of Saudi leadership’s innovative and futuristic vision,” Naqvi noted its role as a global leader in addressing modern security issues.
