Saudi Arabia and PCB Collaborate on New Cricket Stadium in Jeddah

The Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation is collaborating with the Pakistan Cricket Board to construct a new stadium in Jeddah. This initiative aims to promote cricket in the region and potentially host matches from the Pakistan Super League. With ongoing discussions about the stadium's location and features, this partnership reflects the growing interest in cricket within Saudi Arabia, particularly among the large South Asian expatriate community. As the UAE has been the main hub for international cricket in the Middle East, this new development could mark a significant shift in the region's cricket landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 21, 2026, 16:54 IST

Plans for a New Cricket Stadium in Jeddah

The Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation is currently in discussions with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to establish a cricket stadium in Jeddah. The PCB's Governing Board has already given its approval for this initiative. According to sources from the PCB, an expression of interest for the stadium's construction has been submitted, with chairman Mohsin Naqvi leading the negotiations with Saudi cricket officials.

The PCB aims to enhance cricket's popularity in Saudi Arabia and potentially host some matches of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) there. However, a formal agreement to commence construction has yet to be finalized. Ongoing discussions are focused on identifying a suitable site for the stadium, which is expected to feature floodlights and ample seating for high-profile matches, including PSL games.

Recently, the oil-rich nation has shown an increasing interest in cricket, even exploring the idea of launching its own T20 league. Saudi cricket officials have reached out to the PCB regarding this initiative. Although these discussions are still in the early phases, the PCB has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the Saudi cricket body, reflecting the strong ties between the two nations.

The PCB's interest is also driven by the significant presence of a large Pakistani and South Asian expatriate community in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has been the primary center for international cricket in the Middle East, regularly hosting Tests, international matches, Asia Cup events, the Indian Premier League, and ICC Cricket World Cup fixtures. From 2010 to 2019, Pakistan's home Tests and other international games were often played in the UAE, which boasts three recognized Test venues: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Due to security issues, foreign players were reluctant to travel to Pakistan when the PSL was first launched in Dubai in 2016.