Pakistan extends support to Saudi Arabia in advancing cricket, stadium development

Mohsin Naqvi invites Prince Saud to Pakistan for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 during a meeting on cricket collaboration

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Interior Minister and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has extended comprehensive support to Saudi Arabia in promoting cricket and building stadiums, following a meeting with Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud in Riyadh on Wednesday.

Naqvi offered to assist the kingdom in its cricket development plans, including the construction of new stadiums. He proposed a player exchange programme, suggesting that emerging Saudi players could train in Pakistan.

"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 said.

 

 

 

 

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Prince Saud expressed a keen interest in strengthening bilateral ties in cricket. He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s progress, pointing out the kingdom’s victory in the Asian Cricket Council Challenge Cup and its growing pool of around 18,000 cricketers.

“We are eager to work closely with Pakistan to further develop the sport in Saudi Arabia,” he added.

Naqvi also extended an invitation to Prince Saud to visit Pakistan and witness matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Additionally, Naqvi visited the King Fahd Security College in Riyadh, where he was welcomed by the Director General, Major General Dr Ali Al-Daij.

During the visit, the interior minister praised the college's advanced educational standards and its strategic approach to modern-day security challenges.

The two leaders explored opportunities for exchange programmes, aimed at strengthening cooperation between the brotherly countries in the field of security.

 

 

 

 

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Naqvi also visited the Saudi Directorate of Passports, where he was welcomed by Acting Director General Major General Dr Saleh Al-Murabaa. He commended Saudi Arabia's modern passport system and discussed measures to improve passport security and prevent fraud.

The minister emphasised the importance of Saudi expertise in enhancing Pakistan's passport system and announced plans to establish a call centre in Pakistan modelled on Saudi Arabia's efficient system.

The visit also addressed the recent apprehension of 3,700 Pakistanis at Saudi airports for travelling on tampered or fake documents, underscoring the need for stronger preventive measures.

"With Saudi Arabia’s support, we can catch offenders involved in passport forgery and document tampering within Pakistan itself," Naqvi remarked.