Saudi Arabia is reportedly planning a global T20 league, which could impact the sport but is still awaiting ICC approval. According to The Age, the proposed competition will feature eight teams, modeled on tennis Grand Slams, with matches staged in four different locations throughout the year.

The rise of T20 cricket leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Big Bash League (BBL) has had a major impact on the sport. Saudi Arabia’s proposed T20 league is set to be a significant milestone in the country’s cricket development. It provides opportunities for both local and international players.

Saudi Arabia Planning Global T20 League, Awaits ICC Approval

According to The Age, Saudi Arabia’s SRJ Sports Investments, the sports division of the nation’s $1 trillion sovereign wealth fund, is backing a new global T20 league. Discussions are ongoing with the International Cricket Council regarding its approval.

The concept is the brainchild of former Australian cricketer Neil Maxwell, who also manages Pat Cummins and has served on the boards of the Australian Cricketers’ Association and Cricket NSW.

The league is being created in collaboration with the Australian Cricketers’ Association as a potential revenue source to address key issues in the sport, including ensuring the long-term sustainability of Test cricket beyond major nations like India, Australia, and England.

Saudi Arabia Prepared to Inject $800 Million for Global T20 League

The report added that a consortium of investors is ready to back the new global T20 league. Saudi Arabia is prepared to invest $800 million into the project, with the plans shared anonymously.

“According to sources with knowledge of the plans, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of talks, a consortium of investors is ready to get behind the as yet unnamed global league. Saudi Arabia would be the largest backer, with the kingdom prepared to inject $US500 million ($800 million) into the cricket start-up, sources say,” the report read.

Saudi-Backed T20 League Needs Approval from ICC and Cricket Australia

SRJ Sports Investments, led by former Australian soccer executive Danny Townsend, is behind Saudi Arabia’s proposed global T20 league. The Saudi Public Investment Fund has also acquired a minority stake in DAZN, which owns Australian cricket broadcaster Foxtel.

League organizers Neil Maxwell and Danny Townsend have not commented publicly, but it is reported that the tournament would fit into gaps in the international calendar between events like the IPL and BBL.

The league will introduce new franchises in established cricket nations, including Australia, as well as emerging markets. Both men’s and women’s competitions are planned, with the final in Saudi Arabia.

The proposed Saudi-backed T20 league requires approval from major cricketing bodies, including Cricket Australia and the International Cricket Council. The final decision rests with ICC chairman Jay Shah, who previously served as the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

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