Saudi Arabia is planning to launch the world’s most lucrative Twenty20 cricket tournament, according to media reports in Australia.
High-level discussions have begun between the Saudi government and owners of Indian Premier League (IPL) teams.
The IPL is currently the most-watched cricket league in the world and Saudi Arabia plans to enter the market and make the Kingdom a global cricketing destination.
Saudi Arabia Twenty20 cricket league
According to reports in Australia’s Sydney Morning Herald and The Melbourne Age news sites, Saudi Arabia is in discussions to allow Indian players to compete in the tournaments.
Previously Indian players have been banned from participating in overseas T20 tournaments.
Saudi Arabia has invested huge sums in sport development, sponsorship and ownership.
Speaking to Arab News last month Prince Saud bin Mishal al-Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Cricket Board, said the Kingdom is planning multiple leagues.
He said: “There will be leagues on all levels, not just one league. We’ve developed great relationships with the ICC and the Asian Cricket Council, as well as some successful international cricket boards and big cricketers globally.
“And then we hired experts to help us develop a model of a league. Of course, a lot of infrastructure and development are required, but we’ll announce when it’s time.”
The presence of Indian players in a possible T20 league would virtually guarantee huge audiences and generate new interest in the sport.
Source:- The Arabian Business