Grassroots Cricket Expands Across Saudi Arabia

Grassroots cricket is growing steadily across Saudi Arabia, with academies and clubs now operating in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Dhahran, and Thuwal. The expansion gives residents and expats of all ages a wider range of options to take up or continue playing the sport.

The Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, the sport's national governing body, reports a sizeable base for the 2025–2026 season, including 370 registered clubs, 107 grounds, 15 regional associations, and 2 academies. That footprint reflects how the game continues to build momentum at the community level.

Where to play and what it costs

In Jeddah, the Net Indoor Cricket Academy lists registration at SAR 300. The JSC Cricket Academy runs sessions at the Spanish Academy in Al Faisaliyah and on Palestine Street in Al Waha, with classes on Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. for boys aged 5–13 and girls aged 5–10; no current fee is listed.

In Thuwal, KAUST Cricket Club sets annual membership at SAR 100, with non-members paying SAR 50, running from 1 October through 30 September. Its junior academy for ages 6–16 meets Wednesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Astro-2 near the Racquet Club and is free for the KAUST community. In Dhahran, Peninsula Sports Academy includes cricket among its programs, with listed packages of SAR 754 and SAR 1,559 and corresponding three-month options.

In Riyadh, Mark Cricket Academy and Riyadh Elite Game Changers Cricket Club are active, though published registration and tournament figures are not confirmed as current individual-player prices.

There is no unified public government registration fee or special application process for joining grassroots cricket clubs. Admission generally requires contacting the academy or club directly, as eligibility, equipment, schedules, and payment terms vary by venue.

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