Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed hope that an under-development stadium at King Fahd University in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah will soon host international matches as the Kingdom steps up efforts to expand the sport with support from Pakistan’s cricket authorities.
MoU Signed for International Cricket Stadium
The cricket boards of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to build an international cricket stadium in Saudi Arabia, with the partnership aimed at strengthening cricket infrastructure in the Kingdom. The agreement was signed by Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Mohammad Al-Saud and Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister and was in the Kingdom this week to discuss security, counter-narcotics and institutional cooperation.
Naqvi Inspects Stadium Site
The PCB said on Friday that Naqvi along with the SACF chairman visited the stadium at King Fahd University, where the Pakistani cricket chief inspected different sections of the sports facility. “The stadium will greatly help in the promotion of cricket in Saudi Arabia and it will soon be possible to organize international events here,” Naqvi was quoted as saying by the PCB. “It is a great honor for the Pakistan Cricket Board to contribute to the glorious journey of cricket in Saudi Arabia.”
Collaboration Details
As per the agreement, both countries will work together on infrastructure development, technical expertise, venue planning and operational standards to deliver a modern cricket venue that meets the requirements of international competition, according to a joint statement issued on Wednesday. “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,” the SACF chairman was quoted as saying in the joint statement.
Broader Framework for Cricket Development
The agreement also provides a framework for broader collaboration between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in developing cricket competitions, technical and development programs, and the exchange of expertise. Saudi Arabia has seen a rise in cricket’s popularity in the Kingdom with the establishment of the SACF in 2020. The board has since then lined up a series of programs to promote the sport at home and prepare national teams to compete with the world’s best in the future.
History of Cricket in Saudi Arabia
Cricket was introduced to the Kingdom in the early 1960s by expatriates from Pakistan and India, after which local clubs began to take shape in the country. The Kingdom became an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council in 2003 and was promoted to associate membership in 2016.
