Saudi Arabia has taken another major step in its ambition to become a significant force in international cricket, turning to Pakistan as a strategic partner to help accelerate the Kingdom's cricketing development under Saudi Vision 2030.
The Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Riyadh to jointly develop a modern international-standard cricket stadium in Jeddah, marking one of the most significant cricket infrastructure collaborations in the region.
The agreement was signed in the presence of SACF Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Mohammad and Pakistan's Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The MoU goes beyond the construction of a world-class stadium. It provides a framework for cooperation in technical expertise, facility planning, stadium operations and the adoption of international best practices, with the aim of strengthening Saudi Arabia's cricket ecosystem and enhancing the Kingdom's ability to host major international tournaments in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The partnership also underscores Pakistan's growing role as a trusted cricketing ally. With decades of experience in producing elite players, hosting international events and developing cricket infrastructure, Pakistan will provide expertise as Saudi Arabia builds the foundations of its long-term cricketing ambitions.
The establishment of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) in 2020 marked a turning point for the sport, with the governing body launching structured development programmes, expanding the game at grassroots and investing in pathways to prepare Saudi national teams.
Cricket in Saudi Arabia has traditionally been most popular among the Kingdom's expatriate communities, particularly those from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, which make up some of the country's largest foreign populations. Saudi Arabia became an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2003 before being granted associate membership in 2016.
The latest agreement with Pakistan comes as Saudi Arabia prepares for another landmark moment in its cricket journey. The Kingdom is set to enter the global franchise cricket landscape with the launch of the Dunes T20 League, a six-team tournament scheduled to begin in October 2026 in Taif, near Jeddah.
The competition has been developed through a partnership between South Asian Network Ltd, Unique Sports Group and Prolithic Sports as part of a broader strategy to expand cricket's footprint across the Kingdom and establish Saudi Arabia as an emerging destination for international cricket.
Taken together, the Jeddah stadium project and the launch of the Dunes T20 League illustrate Saudi Arabia's rapidly evolving cricket strategy. By combining substantial investment in infrastructure with Pakistan's cricketing expertise and an expanding domestic ecosystem, the Kingdom is laying the foundations for a sustainable future in the sport and positioning itself as an emerging cricket hub in the Middle East.
The Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Riyadh to jointly develop a modern international-standard cricket stadium in Jeddah, marking one of the most significant cricket infrastructure collaborations in the region.
The agreement was signed in the presence of SACF Chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Mohammad and Pakistan's Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The MoU goes beyond the construction of a world-class stadium. It provides a framework for cooperation in technical expertise, facility planning, stadium operations and the adoption of international best practices, with the aim of strengthening Saudi Arabia's cricket ecosystem and enhancing the Kingdom's ability to host major international tournaments in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The partnership also underscores Pakistan's growing role as a trusted cricketing ally. With decades of experience in producing elite players, hosting international events and developing cricket infrastructure, Pakistan will provide expertise as Saudi Arabia builds the foundations of its long-term cricketing ambitions.
The establishment of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) in 2020 marked a turning point for the sport, with the governing body launching structured development programmes, expanding the game at grassroots and investing in pathways to prepare Saudi national teams.
Cricket in Saudi Arabia has traditionally been most popular among the Kingdom's expatriate communities, particularly those from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, which make up some of the country's largest foreign populations. Saudi Arabia became an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2003 before being granted associate membership in 2016.
The latest agreement with Pakistan comes as Saudi Arabia prepares for another landmark moment in its cricket journey. The Kingdom is set to enter the global franchise cricket landscape with the launch of the Dunes T20 League, a six-team tournament scheduled to begin in October 2026 in Taif, near Jeddah.
The competition has been developed through a partnership between South Asian Network Ltd, Unique Sports Group and Prolithic Sports as part of a broader strategy to expand cricket's footprint across the Kingdom and establish Saudi Arabia as an emerging destination for international cricket.
Taken together, the Jeddah stadium project and the launch of the Dunes T20 League illustrate Saudi Arabia's rapidly evolving cricket strategy. By combining substantial investment in infrastructure with Pakistan's cricketing expertise and an expanding domestic ecosystem, the Kingdom is laying the foundations for a sustainable future in the sport and positioning itself as an emerging cricket hub in the Middle East.
