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The recent news surrounding Saudi Arabia's alleged intention to launch a rival cricket league to the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been decisively refuted by His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishaal Al Saud, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF). In a statement made to Indian reporters on the sidelines of the IPL auction in Jeddah, Prince Saud explicitly denied the reports, clarifying that the Kingdom harbors no such plans. This denial extends to any potential Saudi investment in the IPL itself, further dispelling rumors of significant financial involvement from the Saudi government or its wealthy sheikhs in the existing global cricket landscape. The clarification comes after widespread speculation fuelled by Saudi Arabia’s substantial investments in other global sporting arenas, notably the LIV Golf Tour and football, leading many to believe that a similar foray into cricket was imminent. This ambitious move into other sports, however, has not translated into cricket investment in the way speculated.
The feasibility of establishing a new, major cricket league in Saudi Arabia faces significant obstacles. The International Cricket Council (ICC) recently imposed a restriction on the number of foreign players allowed in franchise-based teams, limiting the potential for a new league to attract top international talent and achieve the desired global reach. While the UAE’s ILT20 stands as an exception, having been launched prior to the rule implementation, any new venture would struggle to replicate this model. This regulatory hurdle significantly impacts the potential success of any competing league. Furthermore, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the governing body of the IPL, has also taken preemptive measures to prevent private investment in the board or its leagues, likely in response to potential interest from Saudi entities. This resolution underscores the BCCI’s determination to maintain its exclusive control over Indian cricket and the financial aspects thereof.
Despite the denial of involvement in a new league, Saudi Arabia's engagement with the world of cricket remains significant. Companies such as Aramco and Saudi Tourism have already established a presence in the sport, sponsoring ICC events and the IPL itself. This existing sponsorship demonstrates a level of commitment to the sport and underscores that Saudi Arabia's interaction with cricket isn't solely dependent upon the creation of a rival league. Prince Saud, while dismissing the rumors of a competing league, expressed openness to the possibility of hosting IPL matches in Saudi Arabia in the future. This suggests a willingness to foster closer ties with the IPL and contribute to the growth of the game within the Kingdom. This strategy aligns with the long-term vision for infrastructure development in Saudi Arabia, aiming to elevate the nation's sporting profile and establish itself as a leading host for global cricketing events.
The Prince’s focus, for the foreseeable future, seems to be on building a robust cricket infrastructure within Saudi Arabia. He announced plans for the construction of an international-standard cricket stadium in Jeddah, projected to be completed by next year. The success of the recent IPL auction in Jeddah is cited as a crucial first step in achieving this ambitious plan, showcasing the Kingdom’s capabilities to host major cricketing events. This achievement, the Prince notes, would not have been possible without substantial support from the Saudi government and the BCCI secretary, Mr. Jay Shah. The stadium construction highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing the domestic cricket scene and hosting larger international events in the near future. This long-term strategy of investment in infrastructure and participation in established leagues represents a more sustainable and less disruptive approach to engaging with the global cricket market, compared to launching a new and potentially challenging competing league.
Source: Saudi Arabia denies reports of launching world's richest cricket league