Countries will jointly develop infrastructure, exchange technical expertise and improve operational standards
Saudi Cricket Federation President Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Muhammad Al Saud and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi sign a memorandum of understanding on a new stadium project in Jeddah. PHOTO: APPLICATION
Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on a new stadium project in Jeddah on Monday.
The MoU was signed by Saudi Cricket Federation President Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Muhammad Al Saud and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi.
The partnership marked a step towards the expansion of cricket in the Middle East, as well as the growth of the sport in Saudi Arabia, with Pakistan bringing decades of expertise in the design, construction and management of cricket facilities.
Under the agreement, Islamabad and Riyadh would jointly work to plan the stadium, develop infrastructure, exchange technical expertise and improve operational standards, to develop a modern and world-class cricket venue.
Speaking on the occasion, Prince Al Saud said that the partnership is not limited to the construction of a cricket stadium in Jeddah, but will prove to be the basis for the long-term development of cricket in Saudi Arabia.
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The prince added that the project reflected a shared vision, a strong partnership and a sustainable investment. He said the proposed stadium would play an important role in enabling Saudi Arabia to host international cricket matches and major sporting events.
In addition, the project is expected to promote investments in sports, tourism and community engagement, which is in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. The new Jeddah stadium could host international matches, regional tournaments and training camps, with the project in line with Riyadh’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify entertainment and sports infrastructure.
This collaboration has strengthened sports diplomacy between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia beyond traditional ties. This could also create opportunities for Pakistani engineers, architects, coaches and sports administrators. It could also prompt international cricket boards to consider Saudi Arabia as a neutral venue, with the success of the project potentially leading to more cricket infrastructure projects across the Middle East.
Naqvi arrived in Riyadh on July 1, where he also held talks with Saudi authorities regarding bilateral cooperation in various areas, including security, drug prevention and institutional cooperation.
