Season two of employee cricket program records 85% increase in participation and closes with thrilling final
The second season of the NEOM and Rajasthan Royals’ cricket program for NEOM employees and contractors drew to a successful close over the weekend (December 13) with a thrilling men’s final. The spectacular finish, hosted by Alfanar Global Development in one of the largest cricket grounds in NEOM, capped a triumphant season, with an 85% increase in participation recorded over the first year.
The cricket program is part of NEOM’s multi-year partnership with Rajasthan Royals, a popular Indian Premier League (IPL) team. Building on the 2023 pilot program, season two’s T10-style tournament contest featured 146 matches and 84 teams from more than 150 companies, with the tournament showcasing exceptional talent and marking another step forward in NEOM’s commitment to nurturing a physically active society.
In an exciting final in front of 2,000 spectators and cricketing legends Rahul Dravid and Kumar Sangakkara, Tabuk Tigers emerged victorious against NESMA Fighters, with the game concluding the six month-long competition. The curtain-raiser to the decider featured an exhibition match between two women’s teams in recognition of NEOM’s inaugural women’s cricket initiative which was introduced this season.
HRH Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, said: “We are delighted to support NEOM’s cricket partnership with the Rajasthan Royals, which aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of developing and growing the sport at every level. By developing a vibrant cricket community, we aim to inspire widespread participation and to further establish cricket as a key contributor to the Kingdom’s sports ambitions.”
Jan Paterson, Managing Director of NEOM Sport, said: “NEOM’s partnership with Rajasthan Royals is reflective of our commitment to fostering an inclusive community and driving lasting social impact through sport. Building on the success of last year’s pilot program, we are thrilled to continue developing cricket as a platform for growth, inclusion and opportunity across NEOM.
“Together with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation and the Rajasthan Royals, we’re creating pathways for men, women, boys and girls to actively engage in cricket while strengthening community ties and contributing to the growth of the sport across the Kingdom.”
Manoj Badale, Lead Owner of Rajasthan Royals, said: “Transforming society through cricket is central to everything the Royals do, and our partnership with NEOM aligns perfectly with this purpose. Beyond the boundaries of the game, this collaboration is about fostering participation, inclusivity, and active lifestyles.
“Over the past couple of years, cricket has shown its ability to connect and inspire communities, and we are thrilled to be a part of this mega initiative that has brought the NEOM communities closer.”
Capturing the spirit of community and competition, NEOM and Rajasthan Royal’s cricket program supports NEOM’s vision in growing cricket and redefining livability by placing sport and physical wellness at the center of lifestyles, in alignment with the Kingdom’s national sports strategy.
NEOM’s partnership with Rajasthan Royals highlights its aspiration to become a global destination for sports through collaborations with renowned organizations, championing livability for its residents and contributing to NEOM’s dynamic economy.
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About NEOM
NEOM is an accelerator of human progress and a vision of what a New Future might look like. It is a region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea being built from the ground up as a living laboratory – a place where entrepreneurship will chart the course for this New Future. It will be a destination and a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new model for exceptional livability, creating thriving businesses and reinventing environmental conservation.
NEOM will include hyperconnected, cognitive cities, ports and enterprise zones, research centers, sports and entertainment venues and tourist destinations. As a hub for innovation, entrepreneurs, business leaders and companies will come to research, incubate, and commercialize new technologies and enterprises in groundbreaking ways. Residents of NEOM will embody an international ethos and embrace a culture of exploration, risk-taking and diversity.
For further information email media@neom.com or visit www.neom.com and www.neom.com/en-us/newsroom.
About Saudi Cricket Federation
The Saudi Cricket Federation is a Saudi sports federation responsible for the sport of cricket and is concerned with the promotion and development of cricket in Saudi Arabia. It was founded in 2020 as the “Saudi Cricket Federation” under the auspices of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports.
HRH Prince Saud bin Mishaal Al Saud was appointed as the first Chairman of the Board of Directors. SACF is a member of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
About Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals were the champions of the inaugural 2008 season and are one of the 10 teams competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The franchise completed a major shareholding restructure in 2021, with Emerging Media having the majority ownership of the franchise with support from new co-investor RedBird Capital Partners.
For more information, please log on to www.rajasthanroyals.com/
