ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation (SACF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop a modern international-standard cricket stadium in Jeddah, marking a significant step in efforts to expand the sport’s footprint in the Kingdom.
The agreement was signed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and SACF Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud during Naqvi’s official visit to Saudi Arabia.
سعودی عرب کرکٹ فیڈریشن اور پاکستان کرکٹ بورڈ کے مابین جدہ میں کرکٹ اسٹیڈیم کی تعمیر اور ترقی کے لیے ایک اسٹریٹجک مفاہمتی یادداشت پر دستخط,اسٹریٹجک اقدامات کرکٹ کے فروغ، ترقی، اور سعودی وژن 2030 کے اہداف کی تکمیل میں اس شراکت داری کے متوقع مثبت اثرات کی عکاسی کرتے ہیں: سعودی کرکٹ pic.twitter.com/pgXJFUlL8M
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Under the MoU, the two cricket bodies will collaborate on the construction of a state-of-the-art cricket venue equipped with international-standard infrastructure, modern playing surfaces, advanced media facilities and other amenities required to host top-level international matches and tournaments.
The agreement also provides a broader framework for cooperation aimed at promoting cricket in Saudi Arabia through player, coach and umpire exchanges, technical assistance and joint development programmes.
It is also expected to pave the way for future bilateral initiatives, including the possibility of staging Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in the Kingdom.
It may be added here that the latest agreement follows months of discussions between the two boards as Saudi Arabia seeks to accelerate the development of cricket under its Vision 2030 programme.
The PCB had formally approved an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the project during its Board of Governors meeting in April this year after Saudi cricket authorities approached the board for collaboration on infrastructure development.
The partnership builds on earlier engagements between the two sides. During a visit to Riyadh in December 2024, Naqvi had offered Pakistan’s full support for the construction of cricket facilities, player development and technical cooperation to help strengthen the game in Saudi Arabia. Subsequent discussions in 2025 also explored youth development programmes, bilateral tours and long-term cricketing collaboration.
Naqvi arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday as part of an official visit in his capacity as Pakistan’s interior minister, during which he also held talks with Saudi officials on security cooperation, counter-narcotics and broader bilateral relations.
