Saudi T20 League: Saudi Arabia Approaches IPL Franchise Owners With Plans to Set up World’s Richest League 

Saudi T20 League: The Saudi Arabian government has proposed to the Indian Premier League’s owners to establish the richest T20 League in the history of the Gulf. While the Saudi Arabian government has been actively investing in a variety of sports. After breaking into Formula 1 with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and the LIV Golf. Their next objective is fully realizing cricket’s potential.

While the Gulf state has signed on as a sponsor for the IPL 2023 season. Plans to create the richest T20 league in the world and has contacted the IPL owners about it. Indian players are currently prohibited from competing in foreign T20 competitions by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The suggestion from Saudi Arabia’s government representatives for their biggest T20 league may be necessary to persuade BCCI to change its regulations. The Age reported that discussions on the Saudi Arabian league had been ongoing for almost a year.

Saudi T20 League: “Cricket Would Work Quite Well” – Greg Barclay

While any prospective Gulf league must receive approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its member nations, including Australia. Saudi Arabia has come under fire for trying to cover up its poor record on human rights by investing heavily in major sports and events worldwide. Including the Public Investment Fund’s purchase of Premier League club Newcastle United. After massively funding other sports like football and Formula 1. ICC Chairman Greg Barclay revealed that Saudi Arabia was eager to invest extensively in cricket.

The Development Of Cricket In Saudi Arabia

While the report further states that Saudi Arabia intends to improve its relations with India through cricket. And to surpass India as the top tourist destination by 2030. The Covid-19 outbreak in India necessitated the IPL to be held outside the subcontinent. The United Arab Emirates has been the preferred country whenever games are hosted in the Gulf. The ILT20, a T20 league created by the UAE, was also introduced last year, and many IPL owners became participants.

While Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud, the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation president. Expects Saudi Arabia to eventually become a “destination for global cricket.” According to the report, several Saudi government and business representatives have been seen observing Indian cricket events. And attempting to court IPL owners and the BCCI to participate in their proposed Twenty20 league. Which would rival the IPL in terms of financial strength. It is also rumored that preparations are afoot to hold the annual Asia Cup. The first game, or perhaps a round of the IPL in Saudi Arabia.