Saudi’s NEOM partners with India’s Rajasthan Royals for first ever cricket programme

The pilot programme aims to facilitate an active and healthy lifestyle within the growing workforce, forecast to reach 60,000 people by the end of the year

by Gulf Business

May 23, 2023

NEOM has partnered with one of India’s premier T20 cricket league teams, Rajasthan Royals, to deliver NEOM’s first ever cricket programme.

The pilot programme aims to facilitate an active and healthy lifestyle within the growing workforce, forecast to reach 60,000 people by the end of the year.

Founded in 2008 and hailing from Jaipur, Rajasthan, the Rajasthan Royals cricket team is recognised for its academies and community foundation work.

Rajasthan Royals’ lead owner visits Neom

To mark the partnership, Rajasthan Royals lead owner, Manoj Badale, visited NEOM to meet CEO, Nadhmi Al-Nasr, community members and take part in a selection of cricket sessions.

The cricket programme will focus on inclusivity and reflects the Royals’ commitment to promoting the development and innovation of cricket internationally. With a workforce of thousands already based at NEOM, cricket has become one of the project’s most popular sports, attracting more participation and a growing number of spectators from those working on site.

Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation said: “It’s important that we develop a thriving cricket ecosystem that can be enjoyed by everyone. We are excited to see NEOM’s cricket program partnered by Rajasthan Royals offer that, while also contributing to the growth of the sport in the kingdom.’

✍🏼بحضور رئيس مجلس الإدارة الأمير سعود بن مشعل آل سعود، والرئيس التنفيذي ل @neom نظمي النصر و المالك الرئيسي لفريق @rajasthanroyals مانوج بادالي، اعلنت نيوم عن عقد شراكة مع فريق راجستان رويالز من ال@IPL بهدف إطلاق برامج و منشآت للكريكيت pic.twitter.com/mFkKSEZW0n

— الاتحاد السعودي للكريكيت | SACF (@cricketsaudi) May 22, 2023

Jan Paterson, managing director of NEOM Sport, added: “NEOM is committed to nurturing the most physically active society globally and our partnership with the Royals is the latest step in making that vision a reality.

Cricket is already a hugely popular sport in NEOM and we want to capture and nurture that enthusiasm and make sure it is being felt throughout the region.

Working with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation and the Royals will enable us to provide cricket for men and women, girls and boys alike, in the community at NEOM.”

Badale said: “We are thrilled to partner with NEOM and launch this grassroots cricket programme. This partnership allows us to contribute to NEOM’s vision of fostering an inclusive, active and healthy community.

We look forward to witnessing the growth of cricket within NEOM and creating a lasting impact for the workforce, residents and society.”

The cricket programme will be delivered by specialist partners, Rise, and Red Bear Sports, who will oversee the delivery of an authentic T20 cricket league on site at NEOM. It will be community based and be supported by a participation programme to be delivered by the end of the year.

Sport is seen as essential to the enrichment of lives at NEOM, and the organisation is aiming to support the development of sport leaders within the workforce.