Once considered an afterthought in the Gulf’s sporting pages, cricket in the Kingdom is now being framed as a strategic effort to develop the game across the continent. “The development of cricket in Bahrain is not just a national goal—it is part of a collective dream to grow the game in Asia,” said Mohammad Mansoor, one of the main figures behind the push, highlighting an initiative that combines grassroots coaching, marquee tournaments and diplomatic sports development.
What makes Bahrain’s bid appealing is the combination of heritage and ambition. The island nation has built momentum with franchise-style local competitions and by hosting international matches that give homegrown talent regular high-pressure contexts for development. This strategy has proven effective as Bahrain has secured regional titles and won the Rwanda Tri-Nation T20I series, proving that the players from the Kingdom are capable of achieving the agreed-upon plan.
Bahrain’s progress is not occurring in isolation. The establishment of legitimacy has relied on historic results and international cooperation by the country’s cricket federation. The national team’s celebrated rise during its first ICC World Cricket League season—highlighted by a 304-for-seven innings and a 233-run victory over Norway—serves as a stark reminder of what smaller cricket countries can achieve, given an appropriate framework.
There is a skilful soft-power dimension: high-profile visitors, trophy tours and royal patronage have each played their part in growing light fans into community supporters. Events like the ICC World Cup trophy tour in Bahrain and partnerships with area apex bodies have built the type of civic occasion that turns a match into a movement.
Here’s something to ponder for the stats fans out there: Even though cricket’s essence has long been rooted in the subcontinent, the Asia-Pacific region is already heavily invested in the cricket bat market—owning over a third of the market share globally—proving that demand (and investment in equipment) follows where enthusiasm exists. If Bahrain can maintain its momentum, the ripples may soon be felt in both multipurpose stadiums and sports shops.
Also, whether it’s street cricket in Juffair, intentionally academy sessions for girls, or national teams bringing trophies back with them, Bahrain’s experience raises an audacious question: Is it possible that a small country can help be the continental catalyst for cricket? If the recent results and institutional aspirations indicate anything, it suggests a strong possibility that Asia’s cricket map may soon be slightly altered in the coming years.
