Mumbai, 25 November 2025: In a landmark achievement for Maharashtra and the Indian diaspora, Dubai-based financial advisor Mandar Shrikant Joshi has facilitated a massive ₹150-crore investment to boost cricket infrastructure and development in Saudi Arabia.
The agreement was finalised after high-level discussions with Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud, chairman of the Saudi Cricket Board, who approved the proposal and cleared it for immediate implementation. The investment will support the construction of modern stadiums, upgrade existing facilities, and provide financial backing for hosting international tournaments.
Officials say the move is expected to significantly accelerate the growth of cricket in the Middle East, where the sport is rapidly gaining popularity.
Speaking about the milestone, Mandar Joshi said:
“This is just the beginning. Under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, sports are entering a transformative phase, and cricket has immense potential here. We expect more global investors to join this project in the coming months.”
Joshi, known for advising major Indian business groups, has brought pride to the Marathi community with this international breakthrough. Experts believe the initiative could reshape the Asian cricket landscape and strengthen India–Saudi sporting ties.
The development marks a new chapter for cricket in Saudi Arabia, with Indian participation playing a decisive role in expanding the sport beyond traditional strongholds.
