PCB in Talks With Saudi Arabia to Build New Cricket Stadium in Jeddah, PSL Expansion Likely | Reports

PCB is in early-stage talks with Saudi Arabia to build a cricket stadium in Jeddah, with plans to host PSL matches and expand the sport’s reach in the Middle East.

The Pakistan Cricket Board is exploring a major expansion plan as it enters discussions with the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation to construct a new cricket stadium in Jeddah. The proposal has already received approval from the PCB’s Governing Board, indicating serious intent from both sides.

As per reports from PTI, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is personally leading the negotiations with Saudi officials, highlighting the importance of the project. An expression of interest has already been submitted, marking the first formal step toward development.

A source close to the development stated, “The PCB wants to promote cricket in the Saudi Kingdom and also hold some Pakistan Super League matches there, but a final document is yet to be signed for starting work on the new stadium,” the source said.

Stadium Plans and PSL Expansion Vision

Discussions are currently focused on identifying a suitable location for the stadium, which is expected to feature modern infrastructure, including floodlights and sufficient seating capacity to host high-profile matches. The long-term vision includes staging Pakistan Super League fixtures in Saudi Arabia, potentially expanding the league’s global footprint.

Interestingly, the initiative reportedly began from the Saudi side, reflecting the country’s growing ambition in cricket. Saudi Arabia has shown increasing interest in the sport and is even exploring the possibility of launching its own T20 league in the future.

On the progress of talks, the source added, “Talks are in the initial stages but PCB has made it clear it is on board with the Saudi body because of the brotherly ties between the two countries,” the source said.

Middle East Cricket Landscape and Strategic Push

The PCB’s interest is also driven by the large South Asian expatriate population in Saudi Arabia, which could provide a strong fan base for cricket events.

“The PCB has shown interest because of the presence of a large Pakistani and other South Asian expatriate community in the kingdom,” the source added.

Currently, the United Arab Emirates remains the primary cricketing hub in the Middle East, having hosted major global events including the ICC Cricket World Cup, Asia Cup, and the Indian Premier League. Cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah have long served as neutral venues, especially when Pakistan hosted its home matches abroad between 2010 and 2019.

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The PSL itself was launched in Dubai in 2016 during a period when international teams were reluctant to tour Pakistan. With this new initiative, the PCB now appears keen to replicate and expand that model into Saudi Arabia, potentially reshaping cricket’s footprint in the region.