The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced plans to expand the Pakistan Super League (PSL) into Saudi Arabia, marking a major milestone in the tournament’s international growth.
The board approved collaboration with the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation (SACF) to build a new stadium in Jeddah, which will host future PSL matches.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi finalised the decision during a board meeting in Lahore. He had earlier met Prince Saud bin Mishal Al‑Saud in Riyadh to explore cricket infrastructure development. Officials said the move aims to counter the Indian Premier League’s growing influence and attract fans from across the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia’s cricket ambitions have surged since the formation of SACF in 2020. The country, an ICC associate member since 2016, has invested heavily in domestic competitions and hosted the IPL 2024 auction in Jeddah. The new stadium project reflects its intent to become a regional cricket hub.
The PSL’s expansion follows successful seasons in the UAE, where matches were held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. The inclusion of Saudi Arabia is expected to boost revenue, global visibility, and fan engagement.
PCB officials confirmed that the 2026 season continues in Pakistan with 32 matches already played, but future editions will feature Jeddah as a key venue.
