Saudi Arabia is planning a global T20 league and is awaiting ICC approval. According to The Age, the league will feature eight teams, modelled after tennis Grand Slams, and will have matches across four locations annually.
With T20 leagues like the IPL and BBL reshaping cricket, Saudi Arabia’s league represents a significant step in the country’s cricket growth, providing opportunities for local and international players.
The league is backed by Saudi Arabia’s SRJ Sports Investments, the sports division of the kingdom’s $1 trillion sovereign wealth fund. The ICC is currently discussing its approval.
The league’s idea comes from former Australian cricketer Neil Maxwell, who also manages Pat Cummins and has served on various cricket boards, including the Australian Cricketers’ Association and Cricket NSW.
In collaboration with the Australian Cricketers’ Association, the league aims to generate revenue to address key cricket challenges, particularly ensuring Test cricket’s sustainability beyond traditional powerhouses like India, Australia, and England.
Sources indicate that a consortium of investors is ready to support the new league, with Saudi Arabia poised to invest approximately $800 million. These details were shared anonymously.
“Sources familiar with the discussions, who requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of the talks, have revealed that a group of investors is set to support the still-unnamed global cricket league. Saudi Arabia is expected to be the primary financial backer, with the kingdom reportedly ready to invest $500 million (approximately $800 million) into the cricket venture,” the report stated.
SRJ Sports Investments, led by former Australian soccer executive Danny Townsend, is behind the initiative. Additionally, the Saudi Public Investment Fund has acquired a minority stake in DAZN, which owns the Australian cricket broadcaster, Foxtel.
Maxwell and Townsend have not publicly commented, but reports suggest the tournament will fit around major events like the IPL and BBL. The league will feature both men’s and women’s competitions, with the final in Saudi Arabia.
The league still needs approval from Cricket Australia and the ICC, with the final decision resting with ICC Chairman Jay Shah, former secretary of the BCCI.