By: Abubakar Bin Tallat
RIYADH, KSA: Riyadh Cricket Association (RCA) hosted a splendid prize distribution ceremony at RCA Sports Complex. The event witnessed the participation of cricket players and fans who gathered to celebrate the conclusion of the Al Kharj League and the Prince Abdulaziz Bin Naasir T20 Tournament. The final match of the tournament saw Ecric Store CC triumph over Mrsool CC by 8 wickets.
Following the final match, an array of prizes was distributed to the deserving recipients. Trophies were awarded to the winner, Ecric Store CC, and the runners-up, Mrsool CC. In addition, individual accolades were bestowed upon the top performers of the tournament. Notably, Mr. Ishfaq Bhat, Joint Secretary of RCA, was presented with a special shield to recognize his exemplary services to the association.
In the final match, Mrsool CC batted first and amassed a formidable score of 248 runs, with Najeeb contributing 83 runs and Kamran Akram adding 54 runs to the total. However, Ecric Store CC showcased their batting prowess and successfully chased down the target of 249 runs with 8 balls to spare. Saudi Arabia’s star batsman, Abdul Waheed, played a remarkable innings of 92 runs, while Faisal Khan remained unbeaten with 74 runs and opener Ishaq scored a blistering 47 runs off just 14 balls. Abdul Waheed was declared the Man of the Match for his stellar performance.
Several players were recognized for their outstanding contributions throughout the tournament. Usman Khalid was awarded the title of Best Batsman, Mohammed Saud received the Best Bowler award, Ishaq Ahmed was honored as the Best Fielder, and Iftikhar Ali was named the Player of the Tournament.
The ceremony commenced with a recitation of the Holy Quran by Mr. Abul Hasan, followed by Mr. Nasir Mehmood Abbasi, the Senior Vice President of RCA, who served as the host. The Chief Guest for the event was renowned all-rounder, former first-class cricketer, and qualified coach, Mr. Muhammad Nadeem Babar, hailing from Saudi Arabia.
Distinguished guests in attendance included Mr. Rana Asif Masood, the Pakistan Embassy School Sports Officer, Mr. Ishfaq Bhat, RCA Joint Secretary, Mr. Atif Amin, RCA Media Coordinator, Mr. Maqbool, a senior RCA umpire, and Mr. Asif Butt, Captain of Samacom CC.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Nadeem Babar expressed gratitude to the esteemed guests and attendees. He also extended his appreciation to the Patron-in-Chief of Riyadh Cricket Association, Prince General Dr. Abdul Aziz Bin Nasser Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, acknowledging his instrumental role in making RCA the largest cricket association in the country. Mr. Babar emphasized that under Prince General Dr. Abdul Aziz’s leadership, RCA has emerged as a pioneer association in Saudi Arabia and an affiliate member of the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation (SACF) CEO. Moreover, he announced that first-class cricket would soon commence in Saudi Arabia, thanks to the support of SACF.
In his speech, Mr. Nasir Abbasi, former National Player of Saudi Arabia and Senior Vice President of RCA, provided an overview of the association’s activities during the 2022-2023 season.
The event also served as an opportunity to pay tribute to the late RCA Patron/Chairman, Mr. Muhammad Anwar Shaheed, and Senior Vice President, Abdul Karim Khan, for their significant contributions to the development.
