The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 remains the world’s most lucrative T20 league. The IPL remains unrivalled when compared to other T20 leagues around the world, whether in terms of finances, participation of world-class players, or social media presence. Things could change soon, however, as Saudi Arabia has reportedly offered IPL owners the chance to establish the “world’s richest T20 league” in the country. After heavily investing in other sports such as football and Formula One, Saudi Arabia now has its sights set on cricket.
Currently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prohibits Indian players from competing in international leagues. However, a proposal from the Saudi Arabian government over a new T20 league being set up there could see the Indian board change its stance on the matter.
According to The Age, the discussions have been going on for about a year. However, before anything significant can happen, the International Cricket Council (ICC) must sanction the league. Recently, ICC chairman Greg Barclay confirmed Saudi Arabia’s interest in cricket.
“If you look at other sports they’ve been involved in, I imagine cricket would be appealing to them,” he said. “Given their general advancement in sports, cricket would work quite well for Saudi Arabia.”
“They’re pretty keen to invest in sport, and given their regional presence, cricket would seem like an obvious one to pursue,” Barclay added.
“Our aim is to create a sustainable industry for locals and expats living in the Kingdom and make Saudi Arabia a global cricketing destination,” Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud told Arab News last month.
According to the report, a number of Saudi government and business representatives have been spotted around India’s cricketing activities, looking to entice IPL owners and the BCCI itself into their planned Twenty20 league, which would compete with the Indian Premier League in terms of financial prowess.
The possibility of hosting the annual Asia Cup, the opening match, or even a round of the IPL in Saudi Arabia is also being discussed.
In its 15th year, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen its brand value increase by 77 percent to $8.4 billion in 2022, thanks to a new media rights auction and the addition of two new teams
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