Social Cricket program promotes women’s participation

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SACF has launched the Social Cricket program, promoting women’s participation in the sport. (Supplied)
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SACF has launched the Social Cricket program, promoting women’s participation in the sport. (Supplied)
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SACF has launched the Social Cricket program, promoting women’s participation in the sport. (Supplied)
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SACF has launched the Social Cricket program, promoting women’s participation in the sport. (Supplied)
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SACF has launched the Social Cricket program, promoting women’s participation in the sport. (Supplied)
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SACF has launched the Social Cricket program, promoting women’s participation in the sport. (Supplied)
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SACF has launched the Social Cricket program, promoting women’s participation in the sport. (Supplied)
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Updated 27 February 2025
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Social Cricket program promotes women’s participation

  • Mohammed Alharbi: Our event in the IMSIU was under our Social Cricket program, which is focusing on promoting cricket within families and individuals
  • Alharbi: Our goal for 2025 is to make at least one event each month under the Social Cricket program in five different cities across the Kingdom

RIYADH: With the inspiring rise of cricket in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation has launched the Social Cricket program, promoting women’s participation in the sport.

Under the ambitious program, SACF aims to organize camps for boys and girls in different cities across the Kingdom.

One such camp was organized by the SACF at the Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh recently, where more than 250 female students experienced the game of cricket for the first time.

“A day filled with fun, teamwork, and discovering a new passion! ” the federation posted on X.

Mohammed Alharbi, SACF media coordinator, told Arab News: “Our event in the IMSIU was under our Social Cricket program, which is focusing on promoting cricket within families and individuals, creating opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the sport.”

“Our goal for 2025 is to make at least one event each month under the Social Cricket program in five different cities across the Kingdom,” Alharbi said.

The five cities are Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Yanbu and Jubail. “After Riyadh, we are working on a camp in other cities and we will announce it soon,” he said.

In collaboration with the International Cricket Council, the SACF is also organizing the Women’s Criiio Festival, promoting women’s cricket in the different cities.

SACF runs a social media campaign ahead of the events, encouraging cricket-lovers to join the program in their city.

“Don’t miss out on a weekend of fun, energy, and unforgettable moments!” the SACF posted on X, promoting the campaign.

Earlier this month, the SACF, represented by Alaa Alduaijy, also participated in the ICC Asia Women’s Development Conference, joining discussions on the growth of women’s cricket in the region.

The conference focused on development strategies, collaboration opportunities, and initiatives to further advance women’s cricket.

Last year, the federation launched the Schools Cricket program, aimed at promoting the sport among boys and girls across the Kingdom.


Sabalenka sets up potential Raducanu showdown at Australian Open

Updated 21 January 2026
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Sabalenka sets up potential Raducanu showdown at Australian Open

  • Sabalenka is favorite to win a third Australian Open in four years, having been defeated in the final 12 months ago by Madison Keys

MELBOURNE: Top seed Aryna Sabalenka set up a potential third-round showdown with Emma Raducanu at the Australian Open after a straight-sets win Wednesday over Chinese qualifier Bai Zhuoxuan.
The world number one saw off the awkward Bai 6-3, 6-1, having threatened at one stage to complete the job in even more express fashion.
Britain’s 2021 US Open champion Raducanu plays Russia-born Austrian Anastasia Potapova later Wednesday at Melbourne Park, with Sabalenka lying ominously in wait.
Sabalenka is favorite to win a third Australian Open in four years, having been defeated in the final 12 months ago by Madison Keys.
“Tricky opponent,” said the Belarusian.
“Super-happy to close the (first) set, it gives me confidence that my game is there, my focus is there.
“Step by step. Super-happy with my win. There is always a little gap to improve.”
Sabalenka won the first nine points in a row to surge into a 2-0 lead at Rod Laver Arena against her outclassed opponent ranked 702 in the world.
After just eight minutes it was 3-0, then 5-0, with Sabalenka seemingly intent on getting the job done in time for an early lunch.
But the 23-year-old Bai, playing the biggest match of her life, worked through her nerves and finally held serve.
She then stunned center court by breaking Sabalenka’s serve to reduce the deficit to 5-2, and doggedly held her own serve for 5-3.
The 27-year-old US Open champion Sabalenka was beginning to show signs of frustration as she saw numerous set points come and go.
She finally got the job done after 39 minutes on her seventh chance, slamming a ball she was holding in her hand down on the court in a flash of anger.
The second set was more serene, Sabalenka’s superior power taking its toll as she sealed the match in 72 minutes.