The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced plans to build a state-of-the-art international cricket stadium in Jeddah after signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation (SACF), marking a major step in the Kingdom’s growing ambitions to become a global cricket destination.
The agreement was signed in Riyadh by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Saudi Cricket Federation Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Mohammed Al Saud. It is the first strategic partnership of its kind between the two cricket bodies and aims to strengthen cricket infrastructure and expand the sport’s footprint in Saudi Arabia.
Under the MoU, the two boards will jointly develop a modern international-standard cricket stadium in Jeddah equipped to meet International Cricket Council (ICC) requirements. The partnership also covers stadium planning, technical expertise, operational standards, facility management, and capacity building to help Saudi Arabia host international cricket matches and tournaments in the future.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Mohsin Naqvi said the PCB was proud to contribute to cricket’s growth in Saudi Arabia, adding that the partnership would strengthen sporting ties between the two countries while creating new opportunities for players and fans alike. Prince Saud described the agreement as a long-term investment in cricket, saying it would help establish a sustainable future for the sport across the Kingdom.
The project forms part of Saudi Arabia’s wider Vision 2030 strategy, under which the Kingdom has invested heavily in global sports, including football, Formula One, boxing, golf and esports. The new Jeddah stadium is expected to further boost Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to host major international cricket events while catering to its large South Asian expatriate community, where cricket enjoys immense popularity.