THE PAKISTAN CRICKET BOARD (PCB) and the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a modern international-standard cricket stadium in Jeddah, marking a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to expand its cricket infrastructure and strengthen the sport’s presence in the Kingdom.
The agreement was signed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and SACF Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Mohammad Al Saud during Naqvi’s official visit to Saudi Arabia.
Under the agreement, the two cricket bodies will collaborate on the planning and construction of a state-of-the-art stadium that meets international standards for hosting elite cricket competitions. The partnership also covers cooperation in infrastructure development, technical expertise, venue planning and operational standards, with the objective of creating a world-class cricket facility capable of staging international matches and major tournaments.
According to a joint statement, the project is aimed at strengthening cricket’s ecosystem in Saudi Arabia by combining Pakistan’s cricketing expertise with the Kingdom’s growing investment in sports infrastructure. Beyond the stadium itself, the MoU provides a framework for collaboration on cricket development initiatives, knowledge sharing and best operational practices to support the long-term growth of the game in Saudi Arabia.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi described the agreement as a historic milestone for cricket in Saudi Arabia and said the collaboration would contribute significantly to the sport’s expansion in the region. Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Mohammad Al Saud said the partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambition to develop world-class sporting infrastructure and create new opportunities for cricket to flourish in the Kingdom.
The agreement builds on discussions that began in late 2024, when the PCB and SACF first explored avenues for cooperation. Earlier this year, the PCB’s Board of Governors approved an expression of interest to work with the Saudi federation on the Jeddah stadium project, paving the way for Thursday’s formal agreement.
The project also supports the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, under which the Kingdom has invested heavily in developing its sports industry through new infrastructure, international events and strategic partnerships. Cricket has emerged as a growing focus due to Saudi Arabia’s large South Asian expatriate population and increasing domestic participation in the sport. The new stadium is expected to enhance the country’s ability to host international fixtures while supporting grassroots development and broader investment in cricket.
