Goa Cricket Association Delegation Meets Mohammad Mansoor; Discusses Cricket Development and exploring Bahrain–Goa Collaboration

PANAJI: A delegation from the Goa Cricket Association (GCA), led by President and former Ranji player Mahesh Dessai, Treasurer Abdul Majid, and former President Chetan Dessai, met with prominent businessman and international sports administrator Mohammad Mansoor during his visit to Goa.

The meeting featured a constructive exchange of views on cricket development, sports administration, infrastructure, international exposure, and opportunities for greater collaboration between Goa and Bahrain.

Mohammad Mansoor is the Founder and CEO of SAARA Group, a diversified business group with interests across sectors including Oil & Gas, infrastructure, education, energy and media. He is currently Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Bahrain Cricket Federation and an Executive Board Member of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

Mansoor has also held several leadership positions in sports, business and youth development. His roles include Board Member of the Bahrain India Society, Director of The Council at World Youth Group (UN), Vice President of KHK Heroes Foundation, and Vice President of BRAVE Combat Federation for India and South East Asia.

Mansoor was in India on a business visit and travelled to Goa as part of SAARA Group’s ongoing business expansion initiatives. During his interaction with the GCA delegation, he expressed his appreciation for the progress being made by the Association and applauded the efforts of President Mahesh Dessai and his team towards strengthening cricket infrastructure and development in Goa.

The discussions also explored possibilities for Bahrain–Goa cricket cooperation, including the exchange of cricketing expertise, technical knowledge, coaches and development programmes, as well as opportunities for teams to gain international exposure through tours and matches.

The meeting comes at a time when Goa cricket is increasingly exploring international engagement, with a Goa team having recently toured Oman.

During his visit, Mansoor also visited the new cricket ground currently under construction in Goa and expressed his appreciation for the project and its potential contribution to the future of cricket in the state.

“The development of quality cricket infrastructure can have an impact far beyond hosting matches. Goa already has a strong international tourism identity, and world-class cricket facilities can create opportunities to develop cricket tourism, attract visiting teams for training camps and tournaments, and strengthen Goa’s position as a sporting destination,” Mansoor said.

He also invited the Goa cricket team to visit Bahrain, opening the possibility of future bilateral cricketing activities and exchanges.

Both sides discussed areas where the Goa Cricket Association and Bahrain Cricket Federation could benefit from closer engagement, particularly through the sharing of cricket expertise, player and coaching exposure, development programmes, team visits and other mutually beneficial initiatives.

The interaction concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing interest in continuing discussions and exploring a structured framework for future collaboration.