Saudi Arabia is planning to start the world's richest T20 league. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 continues to be the most lucrative T20 league in the world. Be it in terms of finance or involvement of world label players, or its presence on social media.
Compared to other T20 leagues across the world, IPL remains at the forefront. However, things may soon change as Saudi Arabia has offered IPL owners to set up the 'world's richest T20 league' in the country. After investing heavily in other sports like football and Formula 1, Saudi Arabia is now eyeing cricket.
Currently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) bars Indian players from participating in any foreign league. However, the board may change this rule after the Saudi Arabian government's proposal to set up a new T20 league.
Permission will have to be taken from ICC
According to the media report, talks on this topic are going on for almost a year. But, before confirming anything in this matter, permission has to be taken from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Recently ICC President Greg Barclay confirmed Saudi Arabia's interest in cricket.
Barkley said, "If you look at the other sports he has been involved in, I think cricket would be attractive to him." Cricket will work very well for Saudi Arabia considering their progress in the game in general. He further said, they are very keen to invest in cricket.
Our aim is to make Saudi Arabia a global cricket destination
Prince Saud bin Mishaal Al-Saud, president of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, told Arab News last month, our aim is to create a sustainable industry for locals and expatriates living in the Kingdom and Saudi Arabia. To make it a global cricket destination.
