The government of Saudi Arabia is in talks with the management of the Indian Premier League, which could bring substantial changes to the shorter format of the game.
Reportedly, Saudi Arabia is not satisfied with its previous sporting investments, which include the Formula 1 Grand Prix and LIV Golf. Now the Gulf kingdom is eyeing the world’s richest T20 tournament. as its next project on the list.
Currently, Indian players are prohibited under the terms and conditions set by BCCI, which restricts them from participating in any kind of overseas T20 league. Nevertheless, KSA’s proposal might allow them some relaxation in these rules.
Chairman International Cricket Council, Greg Barclay, confirmed the investment interests of KSA into franchise cricket and said, “If you look at other sports they’ve been involved in, cricket is something I imagine would be attractive to them.”
“Given their advance into sport more generally, cricket would work quite well for Saudi Arabia. They’re pretty keen to invest in sport, and given their regional presence, cricket would seem a pretty obvious one to pursue,” he added.
If the investments are made timely and rightly by Saudi Arabia and if the negotiations are done in a rather fruitful manner, then there are higher chances and a larger success ratio that this game-changing competition will fortify the relationship between both countries, with the latter aiming up to make itself the primer tourist destination for India by 2030.
As of yet, United Arab Emirates is the preferred location for the planned matches; however, Saudi Arabia is tying their hopes to be a ‘global cricketing destination’ sooner or later.
Wasim Akram, former Pakistani fast bowler, also visited Riyadh earlier this year and had a meeting with Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud, the Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, to talk about the future of cricket in Saudi Arabia. Akram expressed his eagerness to establish a cricket league in the country in a statement released after the meeting.
“What a trip to Riyadh. Had a great meeting with H.H. Saud (bin) Mishal, talked about cricket in Saudi Arabia, and so looking forward to (starting) a Saudi league insha Allah very soon,” said Akram
