PCB in talks with Saudi board to build cricket stadium in Jeddah
Lahore (PTI): The Pakistan Cricket Board is in talks with the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation to build a stadium in Jeddah, a proposal that has already received approval from the PCB's Governing Board.
Sources within the PCB revealed that chairman Mohsin Naqvi is leading discussions with Saudi cricket officials, and an expression of interest for the stadium's construction has already been submitted.
"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.
He added that discussions are underway to identify a suitable site for the stadium, which will feature floodlights and a seating capacity sufficient for top-level matches, including the potential to host PSL games.
The source added that Saudi cricket officials had approached the PCB for the project, noting that the oil-rich kingdom has recently shown a growing interest in promoting cricket and has even explored the possibility of launching its own 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," the source added.
So far, the United Arab Emirates has been the primary international cricket hub in the Middle East, regularly hosting Tests, international fixtures, Asia Cup tournaments, the Indian Premier League, and even ICC Cricket World Cup matches, in addition to staging its own International League T20.
The UAE has three established Test venues -- Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah -- and between 2010 and 2019, it regularly hosted Pakistan's home Tests and other international fixtures. The PSL was also launched in 2016 in Dubai, at a time when overseas players were reluctant to visit Pakistan due to security concerns.
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CSK's Ayush Mhatre ruled out of remainder of IPL 2026 due to hamstring injury
New Delhi (PTI): Chennai Super Kings batter Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing IPL season due to a hamstring injury, dealing a major blow to the five-time champions.
The franchise said Mhatre, who sustained the injury during CSK’s previous game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18, will require a rehabilitation period of six to 12 weeks.
"Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 due to a left hamstring injury sustained while batting during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18.
"Ayush's injury will require a rehabilitation period of 6-12 weeks," CSK announced on its social media on Tuesday.
The 18-year-old, who came in as an impact substitute, was seen in visible discomfort and clutched his hamstring while attempting a run during CSK’s 10-run loss to SRH in Hyderabad.
He required on-field treatment and, although he continued briefly, was dismissed soon after.
"It looks pretty bad, unfortunately. And he's going to be a big, big loss because he's been in really nice touch for us," CSK's batting coach Mike Hussey had said at the post-match press conference.
Mhatre has been CSK's standout batter this season. He lea collecting 201 runs from six matches at a strike-rate of 177.87.
Chennai Super Kings have endured a poor start to the 2026 season, losing four of their six matches to languish in eighth place.
