Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to build international cricket stadium in Jeddah

New project supports Saudi Vision 2030 and future international tournaments

Jeddah cricket stadium
Caption: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed an MoU to develop a state-of-the-art international cricket stadium in Jeddah while expanding cooperation in cricket infrastructure, competitions and technical expertise.
Source: Mohsin Naqvi/X


RIYADH/ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop a state-of-the-art international cricket stadium in Jeddah, marking a major step in the Kingdom's growing ambitions for the sport

The agreement was formalised during Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's visit to Riyadh, where he met Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Mohammad Al Saud.

Beyond the new venue, the partnership also sets out a broader framework for cricket development, technical cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two nations.

Stadium plans

The agreement commits both cricket boards to working together on infrastructure development, venue planning, operational standards and technical expertise to deliver a modern stadium capable of hosting international cricket.

According to a joint statement, the project will include integrated facilities such as international-standard playing surfaces, broadcast and media infrastructure, hospitality areas, training facilities and enhanced spectator services. The venue is expected to strengthen Saudi Arabia's ability to stage international cricket matches and major sporting events while supporting sports investment, tourism and community engagement in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 strategy.

Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Mohammad Al Saud described the partnership as a long-term investment in Saudi cricket, saying it goes beyond constructing a stadium to building a sustainable future for the sport through shared ambition, trusted partnerships and continued investment.

Cricket in Saudi Arabia

The MoU also provides a framework for wider collaboration, including the development of cricket competitions, technical programmes and the exchange of expertise aimed at accelerating the sport's growth in Saudi Arabia.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the board was honoured to contribute to Saudi Arabia's cricket journey, adding that the partnership would strengthen the game, connect cricketing communities and help create a lasting legacy.

Cricket has gained increasing momentum in Saudi Arabia since the establishment of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation in 2020. Introduced to the Kingdom in the early 1960s by expatriates from Pakistan and India, the sport has continued to expand, with Saudi Arabia becoming an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council in 2003 before securing associate membership in 2016.