Pakistan, Saudi Arabia seal landmark deal for Jeddah International Cricket Stadium

• PCB, Saudi Cricket Federation sign MoU to strengthen cricket infrastructure in the Kingdom

• Project to support Saudi Arabia’s ambition to host international matches under Vision 2030

• Mohsin Naqvi says partnership will strengthen cricketing ties and leave a lasting legacy

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop an international-standard cricket stadium in Saudi Arabia, marking a major step in bilateral sports cooperation aimed at strengthening cricket infrastructure in the Kingdom and supporting its ambition to host top-tier international events.

The agreement was signed by Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Mohammad Al Saud, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF), and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister. Naqvi arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday for talks with Saudi Arabia’s leadership on security, counter-narcotics and institutional cooperation, according to Pakistani state media.

Under the agreement, both sides will collaborate on infrastructure development, technical expertise, venue planning and operational standards to deliver a modern cricket stadium that meets international competition requirements, according to a joint statement issued after the signing.

“Today’s partnership is not only about developing an international cricket stadium in Jeddah; it is about building a long-term future for cricket in Saudi Arabia through shared ambition, trusted partnerships and sustainable investment,” Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Mohammad Al Saud said in the joint statement.

The stadium is expected to play a key role in enabling Saudi Arabia to host international cricket matches and major sporting events while promoting sports investment, sports tourism and community engagement in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 programme.

“The partnership also includes cooperation in developing integrated venue infrastructure, including playing surfaces, broadcast and media facilities, hospitality areas, training facilities and spectator services, creating a comprehensive environment for players, officials, fans and commercial stakeholders,” the statement added.

The agreement also provides a framework for broader cooperation between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in developing cricket competitions, technical and development programmes and the exchange of expertise, contributing to the sustainable growth of cricket in Saudi Arabia and creating new opportunities for future generations.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board is honored to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s exciting cricket journey,” Naqvi said. “Together, we are creating a partnership that will strengthen the game, connect our cricketing communities and leave a lasting legacy.”

Cricket has witnessed growing popularity in Saudi Arabia since the establishment of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation in 2020. The federation has since launched a series of initiatives to promote the game across the Kingdom and prepare its national teams to compete at the highest international level.

The sport was introduced to Saudi Arabia in the early 1960s by expatriates from Pakistan and India, after which local cricket clubs gradually emerged. The Kingdom became an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2003 and was elevated to associate membership in 2016.