bahrainthismonth.com | AUGUST 2025 INDIA IN BAHRAIN 40 THE ARCHITECT OF BAHRAIN’S Cricket Renaissance In the heart of the Gulf, a sporting revolution is unfolding and at its helm is Mohammad Mansoor, the visionary transforming Bahrain’s cricket. From humble sand pitches to aspirations of international glory, Mr. Mansoor, supported by the unwavering patronage of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, is rewriting the story of cricket in the kingdom. With a bold vision and relentless dedication, he has elevated Bahrain Cricket to new heights, blending grassroots passion with global ambition. A Vision Ignited The pivotal moment came after a meeting with Mohammed Shahid, Advisor to the Chairman of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, to integrate cricket into Bahrain’s broader sports vision. With HRH Shaikh Khalid’s support, this dream took flight, transforming Bahrain into a rising force in international cricket. Mr. Mansoor’s leadership, paired with strategic initiatives and a commitment to inclusivity, has yielded extraordinary milestones that continue to shape the sport’s future in the kingdom. Milestones That Define Excellence Under Mr. Mansoor’s guidance and HRH Shaikh Khalid’s patronage, Bahrain Cricket has achieved remarkable feats: • Franchise-Based Premier League (2018): Launched with the support of HRH Shaikh Khalid, this league sparked a surge of enthusiasm, fostering competitive excellence and captivating fans across Bahrain. • National Team’s Meteoric Rise: The Bahrain National Team climbed from a world ranking of 36 to an impressive 25, showcasing Mr. Mansoor’s focus on talent development and performance. • Women’s Cricket Breakthrough: The establishment of Bahrain’s first Women’s Team marked a historic moment, with the team securing five world records and earning global acclaim. • Global Recognition: Bahrain’s efforts in women’s cricket were honoured with the 100% Female Cricket Initiative of the Year Award at the ICC Annual General Meeting in Birmingham. • Hosting the Asian Cricket Council AGM: Mr. Mansoor’s efforts brought the ACC AGM to Bahrain for the first time, cementing the kingdom’s influence in regional cricket governance. • ICC World Cup Trophy Tour: A landmark event saw HRH Shaikh Khalid unveil the ICC World Cup Trophy, followed by a vibrant rally from Juffair to the Bahrain International Circuit, where BIC CEO Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa welcomed it amidst 10,000 fans. • Historic ICC Collaboration: Mansoor facilitated a groundbreaking meeting between ICC Chair Jay Shah and HRH Shaikh Khalid, advancing discussions on Bahrain’s cricket development. • ICC Level 3 Coaching Programme: Bahrain hosted this prestigious programme, drawing participants from 20 countries and establishing the kingdom as a hub for cricket education. • Global Representation: Mr. Mansoor’s leadership shone at the ICC Asia Panel in Hong Kong and the ICC AGM in Singapore, where Bahrain’s achievements earned widespread recognition. Grassroots to Global: The Criiio Vision Mr. Mansoor’s commitment extends beyond elite competition to the heart of Bahrain’s youth. Through the ICC Criiio programme, he has championed grassroots cricket in schools, aiming to cultivate a 100 percent Bahraini cricket-playing community within five years. “This is just the beginning,” Mr. Mansoor says, envisioning a future where homegrown talent dominates the sport. A Collective Triumph Mr. Mansoor’s achievements are a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Bahrain Cricket Federation’s board members, whose dedication has been instrumental in this transformation. With their support and HRH Shaikh Khalid’s visionary patronage, Bahrain Cricket has evolved from modest beginnings to a platform poised for global success. Looking Ahead Mr. Mansoor’s gratitude to the board and his ambition for Bahraini cricket burn brightly. From sand pitches to dreams of an international stadium, Bahrain is emerging as a cricketing powerhouse. With his leadership and a united vision, the kingdom’s cricket story is only just beginning, promising a future where Bahrain shines on the global stage.
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