Kamal Ghorui
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in discussions with the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation over plans to build a new cricket stadium in Jeddah, a proposal that has already received approval from the PCB’s Governing Board.According to sources quoted by PTI, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is leading the talks with Saudi cricket officials, and an expression of interest for the project has already been submitted.“The PCB is keen to promote cricket in Saudi Arabia and also explore the possibility of hosting Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches there. However, a final agreement is yet to be signed,” a source said.Early-Stage DiscussionsTalks are currently focused on identifying a suitable location for the proposed stadium, which is expected to feature modern facilities, including floodlights and seating capacity capable of hosting top-level matches. The venue could potentially stage PSL games in the future.The initiative reportedly originated from the Saudi side, reflecting the kingdom’s growing interest in expanding its presence in global cricket. Saudi Arabia has recently explored plans to launch its own T20 league as part of its broader sports development push.“Discussions are still in the early stages, but PCB has expressed willingness to collaborate, especially considering the strong ties between the two nations,” the source added.Strategic Interest and Fan BaseThe PCB’s interest is also driven by the significant South Asian expatriate population in Saudi Arabia, including a large Pakistani community, which could support cricket events in the region.Currently, the United Arab Emirates remains the primary hub for international cricket in the Middle East. It has regularly hosted major tournaments such as the Asia Cup, ICC events, and even the Indian Premier League.The UAE boasts three established international venues, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, and served as Pakistan’s home base for international cricket between 2010 and 2019. It also hosted the early seasons of the PSL, particularly when security concerns prevented matches from being held in Pakistan.
