Saudi Arabia are intensifying efforts to qualify for the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with a focus on improving playing standards, expanding international experience and creating a more professional environment for cricket. The national team’s unbeaten run in the recent Asian sub-regional qualifiers has strengthened its ambitions of reaching the global tournament.
Saudi Arabia won all five of their matches in the qualifying competition, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 5 to 14 October. Thirteen teams competed across two groups, with Saudi Arabia finishing top of Group B. Hong Kong and Malaysia also advanced from the group, while Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar progressed from Group A.
The six teams will compete in the Asian Regional Final in 2027. The top two sides will then qualify for the global qualifying play-off, where eight of the 16 participating teams will secure places at the 2028 T20 World Cup.
For Saudi Arabia, the immediate challenge is to maintain their recent momentum and prove they can compete consistently against more experienced regional opponents.
Experienced Rivals Pose a Tough Challenge
Despite their impressive performance in the qualifiers, Saudi Arabia face a demanding task against Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. Their previous results against these teams highlight the work still required to become more competitive.
Since 2019, Saudi Arabia have played 11 T20 internationals against Qatar, winning only three. They have also recorded three victories in seven matches against Kuwait and two wins in six encounters with Bahrain.
The difference in international experience is another concern. Saudi Arabia have played 62 T20 internationals, compared with 134 for Bahrain, 90 for Qatar and 88 for Kuwait.
Regular international competition helps players develop tactical awareness, improve decision-making and learn to handle pressure in closely contested matches. Saudi Arabia will need to strengthen these areas if they are to maintain their progress and challenge their regional rivals in the 2027 final.
Infrastructure Remains a Major Obstacle
A shortage of international-standard cricket grounds is another significant challenge for Saudi Arabia.
The country lacks sufficient facilities to host international matches at the required standard, meaning the national team have played most of their international fixtures in Qatar and Oman.
Developing suitable cricket grounds could allow Saudi Arabia to host more international matches at home. It could also provide local players with greater exposure, encourage young people to take up the sport and help expand cricket’s domestic following.
However, infrastructure development alone will not guarantee success. Regular domestic competitions, quality coaching, structured player development and opportunities to face stronger opponents will also be essential to improving the national team’s performance.
Cooperation with Pakistan and More Matches
Iqbal Sikander, general manager of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, has said the country’s cricket structure is moving towards a more organised system.
The federation is focusing on improving playing standards, expanding competitive opportunities and establishing a professional environment for cricketers.
Plans are also being considered to organise bilateral, triangular and quadrangular series to give players more opportunities to compete. Such tournaments could help the squad gain experience against different opponents, improve tactical preparation and build greater consistency.
Cooperation with Pakistan could also support Saudi Arabia’s long-term cricket development. Training opportunities, coaching expertise and the exchange of experience could help strengthen the country’s cricketing structure and prepare its players for higher levels of competition.
Franchise Cricket Opens Doors for Saudi Players
Saudi Arabia are also using franchise cricket to provide local players with greater exposure to professional competition.
Teams in the DP World ILT20 league are required to include at least one Saudi cricketer in their squads. Four of the six Saudi players selected for the 2026 edition have secured places in teams.
Playing alongside experienced international cricketers can help local players improve their technical skills, understand professional preparation and learn to perform under pressure. The experience could also benefit them when representing the national team in important international fixtures.
Ishteaq Ahmed has already delivered an encouraging performance. On 11 October, he claimed four wickets, including a hat-trick, in Saudi Arabia’s 10-run victory over Hong Kong.
His contribution highlighted the potential within the Saudi squad and demonstrated how individual performances can make a difference in competitive matches.
Women’s Cricket Also Part of the Development Plan
Saudi Arabia are pursuing the development of women’s cricket alongside the men’s game as part of broader efforts to expand participation in the sport.
Providing female players with regular competitive opportunities could help establish a stronger foundation for women’s cricket in the country. However, an international women’s tournament and the men’s Dunes T20 franchise league have been postponed because of technical issues.
Organising such competitions consistently would help players gain valuable match experience, encourage participation and support the long-term growth of the sport.
A Long Road to the 2028 World Cup
Saudi Arabia’s five-match winning run in the sub-regional qualifiers has given the team a significant boost, but securing a place at the 2028 T20 World Cup remains a considerable challenge.
The team must demonstrate that its recent success can be sustained against stronger and more experienced opponents. Increasing the number of international fixtures, improving infrastructure, expanding franchise opportunities and investing in player development will all be important.
The 2027 Asian Regional Final will be a crucial test of the country’s progress. A strong performance could take Saudi Arabia closer to the global qualifying play-off and, ultimately, a place at the World Cup.
For now, the priority is to build on the team’s recent achievements while addressing the gaps in experience and infrastructure. Sustained progress in these areas will determine whether Saudi Arabia can turn its World Cup ambitions into reality.