Pakistan to construct new cricket stadium in Jeddah

Dhaka: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) to construct a new cricket stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

On this front, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and SACF Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which officials described as the first formal alliance between the two cricket bodies.

As part of the arrangement, Pakistan will assist in developing a state-of-the-art venue in Jeddah built to global benchmarks. Planned features include world-class playing surfaces, media and broadcast facilities, hospitality zones, training areas, and amenities for spectators.

The PCB said the stadium would be constructed to meet International Cricket Council (ICC) specifications, positioning Saudi Arabia to eventually host international matches and major cricket events.

Beyond the single project, the two boards have committed to a broader collaboration covering cricket infrastructure growth, venue planning, technical guidance, and operational frameworks, as Saudi Arabia works toward establishing a lasting foundation for the sport domestically.

The move also ties into the Kingdom's Vision 2030 program, which seeks greater investment in athletics, expanded sports tourism, wider public engagement, and an improved standard of living for citizens.

Following the signing ceremony, Naqvi described the pact as a landmark moment for Saudi cricket, noting the PCB's pride in backing the sport's expansion there.

He added that the collaboration would create fresh avenues for players and deepen sporting ties between the two nations.

Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud echoed similar sentiments, stating that the partnership's impact would reach well beyond the stadium itself, helping establish groundwork for cricket's sustained development in Saudi Arabia over the years ahead.