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ByWomen’s cricket took a meaningful step forward as a structured, community-led initiative brought together players, schools, families, and volunteers for a professionally executed sporting festival in the Eastern Province.
The Festival of Cricket – Women’s Edition 2026, organized by Global India Saudi Arabia (GISA) and conducted in association with the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation (SACF), featured 23 teams and 255 registered women players competing at Sports Yard, Sports City, Al Khobar.
An estimated 2,500 spectators attended throughout the day, reflecting strong family and community support for women’s participation in organized sport.
Designed as more than a tournament, the Women’s Edition focused on creating a structured and accessible platform for women and schoolgirls. A beginner-friendly format ensured safety and inclusivity, while centralized scheduling, appointed match officials, defined operational roles, and disciplined coordination ensured professional execution aligned with federation standards.
The initiative was led by Anil Malpani (President – FOC), supported by Alok Kanekar (CEO) and Shamroze Mohideen (COO), who transformed a community concept into a full-scale sporting festival grounded in governance and sustainability.
“This initiative was built to strengthen community integration through sport while creating structured opportunities for women to participate with confidence,” said Anil Malpani, President – FOC. “When women step onto the field and the community stands behind them, empowerment becomes real and sustainable.”
A key highlight of the event was the integration of the ICC–SACF CRIIIO grassroots cricket program, which engaged hundreds of additional participants through structured coaching sessions under certified supervision, further strengthening long-term development pathways.
Strong family and community backing was visible throughout the day, with parents, spouses, educators, volunteers, and local associations actively encouraging participation and reinforcing the inclusive character of the initiative.
Cash prizes in the Women’s Category (Champions: SAR 11,111; Runners-Up: SAR 5,555), alongside trophies and medals, reinforced the seriousness and recognition of women’s competition.
With disciplined execution and broad community participation, the Women’s Edition 2026 has established a scalable framework for future women’s cricket initiatives in Saudi Arabia — demonstrating how organized community leadership can meaningfully advance women’s empowerment through sport.
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