LONDON: The head of the Saudi Cricket Federation has praised the sport's progress in the Kingdom in 2023.

Commenting on the federation’s annual report issued this week, Prince Saud bin Mishal said the national team’s victory in the ACC Challenger Cup last year laid the groundwork for success in the tournaments they contested in 2024.

The Greens defended their Challenger Cup title in February and followed that up with a quadrangular series win in Thailand.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank our wise leadership for the generous support it provided the sports sector with. I would also like to thank the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee headed by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal and his deputy Prince Fahd bin Jalawi,” Prince Saud said.

In its report, the SACF said it was continuing to focus on developing and promoting cricket among Saudis and residents across the Kingdom, and that it had achieved positive results in general operational and technical assessments as per the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee.

It also announced the launch of its Cricket Investment Company, through which it aims to diversify sources of income, achieve financial sustainability, expand the scope of eligible national players, and enhance the quality of life of the residents interested in cricket.

The SACF statement said its future priorities included developing the Kingdom’s cricket infrastructure by increasing the number of local programs and creating a professional league.