Jay Shah Mohsin Naqvi. Image Credits: AFP
In a significant development, Pakistan Cricket agreed to a historic deal with Saudi Arabia to build an international stadium in Jeddah. The agreement marks a new era as cricket expands its footing in the Gulf region.
Until now, Saudi Arabia had only local cricket grounds to support their promising talents. However, with the sport’s popularity on the rise in the Gulf region, the country’s federation thought it was the best time to expand with the help of an ally, Pakistan.
Pakistan to build international stadium in Jeddah
Having said that, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build an international cricket stadium in Jeddah.
An MoU is not a construction contract. Instead, it is an agreement that both parties will work together on a project. Pakistan is bringing its expertise in building and operating international cricket venues.
The PCB will help Saudi Arabia with designing, pitch preparations, staff training, hospitality and broadcasting. Pakistan is essentially acting as a technical partner rather than simply funding the project.
Also, the reason Saudi Arabia is building a cricket stadium is that it wants to diversify its sporting portfolio under its Vision 2030 initiative. In recent years, it has invested heavily in football, F1, golf and boxing.
Cricket is the next major sport that it wants to develop because millions of expatriates from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and other countries already follow the game in the Kingdom.
Not only is Pakistan building a new stadium, there are multiple agreements for upliftment of cricket in Saudi Arabia. Other notable agreements include:
- International Cricket Stadium
- Development of an international cricket stadium in Jeddah.
- Hosting International Events
- Strengthening Saudi Arabia's readiness to host major international tournaments and sporting events.
- Cricket Ecosystem
- Empowering national talent and enhancing the development of players, coaches, and match officials.
- Cricket Development
- Advancing competitions, delivering technical programs, and promoting the exchange of expertise.
- Investment & Sports Tourism
- Creating new investment opportunities and strengthening sports tourism.
- Saudi Vision 2030
- Supporting the sports sector, increasing community participation, and enhancing quality of life.
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Why did Saudi Arabia choose Pakistan over India?
Having said that, India is definitely more financially equipped and experienced when it comes to building stadiums, as the BCCI is the richest cricket board in the world.
However, Saudi Arabia chose Pakistan due to strong diplomatic ties. The two nations have always been on good terms politically. Moreover, PCB chairman and Pakistan interior minister Mohsin Naqvi’s involvement also played a huge role.
But the new stadium won’t immediately be considered for hosting ICC events. The project will serve as a medium to improve cricket infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and raise the standard of domestic cricket.
Its future depends on how much Saudi Arabia is willing to invest. If it continues investing, it could eventually become a regular host for ICC tournaments, franchise leagues and neutral-venue international series.
PCB to revamp central contract structure
Meanwhile, back in Pakistan, PCB took a bold decision to replace its long-standing A to D central contract system with a format-based contract model.
For years, Pakistan's centrally contracted cricketers were divided into four categories, A, B, C and D, with each category determining salary, bonuses and other benefits.
However, the system raised questions regularly over why certain players received higher categories than others. To address those concerns, the PCB has decided to eliminate the grading structure altogether.
Instead, players will now be assigned to one of four "format tracks" based on the formats they specialise in. Under the revised system, players will be classified as Track A for Test specialists, Track AB for Test and ODI players, Track BC for ODI and T20I specialists and Track D for T20 specialists.
Unlike the previous contract model, the focus shifts from a player's overall stature to the role they play across international cricket.
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