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New Delhi: Pakistan have agreed to lent their expertise in building a cricket stadium in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah after receiving a proposal from the oil-rich state.

Pakistan Cricket Board‘s governing board has already approved a plan and talks have been held with Saudi Cricket Federation.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is at the epicentre of discussions with an an expression of interest for construction already submitted to Saudi Arabia’s federation.

“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,” a board source told PTI.

A suitable place is currently being explored for the stadium that will have enough seats and floodlights to host top-tier matches, including Pakistan Super League games in the future.

Saudi officials had approached the PCB for the project as part of the country’s efforts to promote cficket even as it explores an idea of launching a franchise-based T20 league.

“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 added.

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

Mirroring UAE

Like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia also wants to be a top international cricket hub.

UAE’s has regulalrly hosted international fixtures, including World Cup, Asia Cup matches and even Indian Premier League matches.

The country also hosts the International League T20 in three establised Test venues of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

Between 2010 and 2019, UAE hosted Pakistan’s home Tests and other international fixtures due to security concerns and the PSL was launched in Dubai in 2016.