Thu, September 17, 2026
Riyadh (Web Desk): Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have entered into a landmark partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of a new cricket stadium in Jeddah, underscoring the two countries' growing cooperation in the field of sports.
The agreement was signed by Saudi Cricket Federation Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Mohammed Al Saud and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
The initiative represents a major boost to cricket's presence in the Middle East while supporting Saudi Arabia's ambitions to further develop its sporting landscape.
According to the agreement, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia will collaborate on every stage of the project, including the stadium's planning, infrastructure development, technical cooperation, and the adoption of international operational standards.
Drawing on Pakistan's decades of experience in cricket venue development and facility management, the project aims to deliver a state-of-the-art cricket stadium in Jeddah.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Mohammed Al Saud said the partnership extends well beyond the construction of a sports venue and is intended to establish a lasting foundation for the future of cricket in Saudi Arabia.
He described the initiative as a reflection of the shared vision, close cooperation, and long-term investment commitment of both countries.
The Saudi Cricket Federation chief noted that the proposed stadium would strengthen Saudi Arabia's ability to stage international cricket fixtures and other major sporting events.
The project, he added, would also contribute to increased investment in sports, tourism, and community engagement, complementing the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives.
Once completed, the Jeddah stadium is expected to host international matches, regional competitions, and training camps. The development aligns with Saudi Arabia's wider efforts to diversify its entertainment and sports sectors while expanding world-class infrastructure under Vision 2030.
The partnership also reinforces sports diplomacy between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia by opening new avenues of cooperation beyond their traditional bilateral ties. It is expected to create professional opportunities for Pakistani engineers, architects, coaches, and sports administrators, while further enhancing the popularity of cricket across the Gulf region.
The modern venue could also encourage international cricket boards to view Saudi Arabia as a potential neutral destination for global fixtures. If the project proves successful, it may pave the way for similar cricket infrastructure developments elsewhere in the Middle East.
Earlier, Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Riyadh, where he held discussions with Saudi officials on expanding bilateral cooperation in several areas, including security, counter-narcotics initiatives, and institutional collaboration.
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