As part of its aggressive push into global sports, Saudi Arabia is investing $500 million to launch a T20 cricket league, adding to its expanding sports portfolio
Saudi Arabia continues to expand its influence in the world of sports with heavy investments in LIV Golf, Formula 1, and securing the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Now, the kingdom is preparing to introduce a new global T20 cricket league backed by a significant $500 million investment, reported business-standard.
A Major Boost to Global Cricket
Maxwell, a former NSW and Victoria all-rounder who now manages Australian captain Pat Cummins, has been instrumental in the development of the league. He has worked closely with the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) to create the league as a potential revenue stream aimed at supporting Test Cricket, especially in markets outside India, Australia, and England.
The Saudi government has been pushing aggressively into global sports, aiming to increase its presence and investment. This new T20 league will add to its already vast sports portfolio, including stakes in LIV Golf and Formula 1, as well as hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The league would be overseen by SRJ Sports Investments, led by Danny Townsend, former CEO of the Australian Professional Leagues.
League Structure and Calendar Fit
According to reports, the T20 league will take place during open windows in the cricket calendar to avoid disrupting existing international and domestic T20 competitions such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Big Bash League (BBL). New franchise teams will be introduced, including one based in Australia, with both men’s and women’s competitions.
The final could be held in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the country’s growing ambitions to become a major cricketing destination
A Financial Lifeline for Smaller Cricket Nations
This new T20 league is designed to offer a more equitable distribution of wealth, unlike the traditional funding model that heavily favours India, Australia, and England. Smaller cricketing nations are expected to benefit from the league’s profits, helping them sustain their cricket programs and reduce their reliance on unprofitable Test matches.
The league will complement existing domestic T20 leagues, providing players with an additional lucrative platform while also addressing concerns over cricket’s financial sustainability in the long run.
Challenges and ICC Approval
The league will need approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and national cricket boards, including Cricket Australia, for it to move forward. The participation of Indian players is a key point of contention, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) currently prohibits Indian cricketers from playing in overseas T20 leagues outside the IPL. ICC Chair Jay Shah will play a pivotal role in determining whether the league can feature Indian players.
Saudi Arabia’s Sportswashing Controversy
Saudi Arabia’s increasing involvement in global sports has sparked accusations of “sportswashing”, with critics suggesting that the kingdom uses its financial clout to improve its international image amid controversies like the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the treatment of migrant workers. However, Saudi officials defend these investments as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, aimed at transforming the country’s economy and global standing.
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