Cricket in the Middle East.

Cricket’s footprint in the Middle East has grown steadily over the past two decades, and few know this better than Betway’s ambassador Graeme Smith.

Reflecting on his own career, Smith recalls how the sport began to gain momentum in the region when Pakistan hosted the majority of their home fixtures there. Since then, major events such as the IPL and various international tournaments have made the Middle East a key hub for cricket, helping to bring the game closer to a diverse and passionate fanbase.

Smith highlights the iconic venues that have shaped cricket in the region, from the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium to the state-of-the-art Dubai International Stadium. These grounds have hosted unforgettable matches that challenged both batters and bowlers, including Smith’s own career highlight — scoring a memorable double hundred against Pakistan. Such moments underscore the role the Middle East has played in producing thrilling cricket and unforgettable sporting memories.

Looking ahead, Smith discusses the growing importance of the region for the global cricketing landscape. As the commissioner of Betway SA20, he emphasizes that markets like the Middle East are central to the tournament’s expansion strategy. Partnerships with the ICC for both men’s and women’s cricket in the region represent a commitment to growing the game and creating opportunities for local fans to experience world-class cricket firsthand.

Perhaps most importantly, Smith sees the future of cricket in the Middle East as an opportunity to inspire the next generation. By bringing high-level cricket closer to local communities, the sport can create new heroes and role models for young fans. With cricket already commanding one of the largest global audiences, Smith believes its continued growth in emerging markets like the Middle East could elevate the game to even greater heights.

For cricket fans across Oman , BW Arabia is your destination to keep up with the sport’s evolution — from regional tournaments to international showdowns — plus the latest in sports news, insights, and entertainment from Betway.