The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build an international-standard cricket stadium in Jeddah.
Under the agreement, the two organizations will work together in various areas of cricket infrastructure, technical expertise, stadium planning, and sports promotion to promote cricket in Saudi Arabia at the global level.
According to a joint statement issued by the cricket boards of the two countries, the agreement was signed by Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Muhammad Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF), and Mohsin Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Federal Minister for Interior.
Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday on a visit to Saudi Arabia, where he is also discussing various issues, including security, anti-narcotics, and institutional cooperation with the Saudi leadership.
According to the joint statement, under the agreement, both parties will work jointly on infrastructure development, technical expertise, site selection, planning, and operational standards for the construction of a modern international standard cricket stadium.
Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Mohammed Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, said that this partnership is not limited to the construction of an international cricket stadium in Jeddah, but is an important step towards laying the foundation for a bright future for cricket in Saudi Arabia, establishing reliable partnerships, and promoting sustainable investment.
The statement said that the proposed stadium will enable Saudi Arabia to host international cricket matches and major tournaments in the future, while the project will also play an important role in promoting investment in sports, sports tourism, and public participation under the Saudi Vision 2030.
In addition to the stadium, the agreement also includes the development of a complete cricket infrastructure, which will include the provision of quality cricket grounds, broadcast and media facilities, hospitality arrangements, training centers, and modern facilities for fans, to provide a world-class environment for players, officials, spectators, and commercial partners.
In addition, the two countries will also cooperate in organizing cricket competitions, coaching and technical programs, developing skills, and exchanging mutual experiences, which will create opportunities for the sustainable development of cricket in Saudi Arabia and for the new generation.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on this occasion that the Pakistan Cricket Board is proud to be part of the journey of promoting cricket in Saudi Arabia. He said that this partnership will be helpful in bringing the cricket communities of the two countries closer, strengthening the game, and leaving a lasting legacy.
It should be noted that the popularity of cricket in Saudi Arabia has increased significantly after the establishment of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation in 2020. The federation has launched several projects for the preparation of national teams, training young players, and promoting the game.
Cricket was first introduced to Saudi Arabia in the 1960s by immigrants from Pakistan and India, while the kingdom became an affiliate member of the International Cricket Council in 2003 and an associate member in 2016.
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