Plans to build a cricket stadium in Saudi Arabia, possibility of hosting PSL matches in Jeddah

The Pakistan Cricket Board has taken a major step towards promoting cricket in Saudi Arabia and has prepared a plan to build a stadium, while Jeddah is also expected to host Pakistan Super League matches in the future.

According to sources, initial approval has been obtained from the governing board for this project, however, further matters are being considered before the final agreement is reached.

The Pakistan Cricket Board believes that a large number of Pakistani and other Asian communities in Saudi Arabia are keenly interested in cricket, while the Saudi government is also active in promoting sports.

In this context, a proposal has been made to build a modern cricket stadium in Jeddah, on which cooperation with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation was approved in the recent Board of Governors meeting.

Sources say that various locations are being reviewed for the stadium and if negotiations with local authorities are successful, an agreement can be reached soon, after which construction work will begin.

Given the fast-track strategy of Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, it is likely that the stadium can be completed within a year after the contract is awarded.

Under the project, the stadium will be equipped with floodlights, modern facilities and adequate capacity for spectators so that it will be possible to host other important matches including the Pakistan Super League in the future.

This initiative will not only provide an opportunity for overseas fans to watch cricket but also give young players at the local level an opportunity to hone their skills.