Saudi’s Cricket Grand Slam Plan With $500m T20 League
Saudi Arabia is preparing to make a significant entry into global cricket with a proposed Twenty20 league modelled on the structure of tennis grand slams. The ambitious project, devised by Australian cricket figure Neil Maxwell, has been in the works for over a year and could reshape the sport’s financial landscape, The Age reported. The league, backed by Saudi Arabia’s SRJ Sports Investments, plans to feature eight teams playing across four different locations throughout the year. With the Saudi government reportedly ready to inject $500 million into the venture, discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC) are ongoing.
The concept has been developed in partnership with the Australian Cricketers’ Association as a new revenue stream aimed at ensuring the sustainability of Test cricket beyond the dominant trio of India, Australia, and England. The proposed league would complement existing national T20 tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Australia’s Big Bash League by scheduling its matches during gaps in the international calendar. The plan includes both men’s and women’s competitions, with new franchises set up in established cricket nations as well as emerging markets. The league’s final is expected to be staged in Saudi Arabia.
This initiative marks Saudi Arabia’s most significant move into cricket, adding to its expanding sporting investments, which include LIV Golf, Formula 1, and the hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The Saudi Public Investment Fund, which owns a minority stake in streaming company DAZN, is now partially involved with one of Australian cricket’s television broadcasters. The Kingdom’s growing relationship with cricket was further highlighted last year when the IPL auction was hosted in Jeddah, a move that strengthened ties between Saudi authorities and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The new T20 league could provide financial relief to struggling cricket nations such as the West Indies. While cricket’s financial model currently favours powerhouses like India, Australia, and England through broadcast revenues and ICC distributions, this league aims to create a broader revenue-sharing mechanism. Sources suggest the league’s funding would help smaller nations sustain their cricketing infrastructure and reduce reliance on bilateral series that often struggle to generate profits.
Despite the lucrative potential of Saudi investment, the proposal is likely to face scrutiny due to the Kingdom’s human rights record. Saudi Arabia has been accused of “sportswashing” by investing billions into sport to divert attention from its rights abuses. The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 and the treatment of migrant workers in the lead-up to the 2034 World Cup have drawn widespread condemnation. However, Saudi officials have consistently defended their sports investments as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and promote tourism.
The involvement of Indian players remains a key factor in the league’s success. The BCCI currently enforces a strict policy preventing Indian cricketers from participating in overseas franchise leagues outside the IPL. The final decision on the league’s approval will likely rest with ICC chair Jay Shah, who has strong ties to the BCCI. If approved, the Saudi-backed league could be positioned as a solution to some of cricket’s most pressing financial challenges, potentially opening doors for Indian players to participate in the future.
Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in cricket is evident in its increasing sponsorship deals with IPL teams and international tournaments. State-owned companies like Aramco and Visit Saudi have already secured high-profile partnerships with cricketing bodies, and the Kingdom has expressed long-term interest in hosting major matches once its infrastructure is fully developed. The nation is undertaking a vast construction programme that includes building modern stadiums and futuristic cities, aligning with its broader strategy to become a global sports hub.
Cricket’s history shows how financial power can reshape the game. The emergence of T20 leagues, particularly the IPL, transformed the sport’s economy and player priorities. With the IPL now valued at $16.4 billion, cricket’s commercial appeal continues to grow. Saudi Arabia’s entry into the cricketing world could introduce another financial shift, potentially rivalling established leagues in terms of player contracts and global reach. The Kingdom’s financial muscle has already disrupted golf and football, and cricket could be its next major venture.
Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia is considering further cricket investments beyond the proposed league, including potential stakes in existing IPL franchises. Some cricket boards, including England’s ECB, believe the Saudi Public Investment Fund may be interested in expanding The Hundred tournament, potentially adding a franchise based in the UK’s northeast. With its deep financial resources, Saudi Arabia is likely to find ways to establish its presence in the sport, even if regulatory hurdles initially limit its ambitions.
For now, the fate of the Saudi-backed T20 league depends on ICC approval and the willingness of cricketing nations to embrace this new financial model. While the Kingdom’s involvement in sport remains controversial, its vast investment potential cannot be ignored. Cricket may soon face a decision similar to what golf and football have encountered—whether to resist or embrace Saudi Arabia’s growing influence.
