Saudi Arabia targets global T20 cricket league with $500 million investment | It may pose a challenge to IPL T20 cricket league

Saudi Arabia targets global T20 cricket league | T20 cricket league in Saudi Arabia

A new global Twenty20 cricket league, backed by Saudi Arabia’s SRJ Sports Investments, is in the works and could mark one of the most significant changes to the sport in decades. It may pose a challenge to IPL T20 league backed by BCCI. The Sydney Morning Herald said that the T20 league has been in the works for more than a year and was created by Neil Maxwell, the manager of current Australian captain Pat Cummins and a former all-rounder for Victoria and New South Wales.

The proposed eight-team league is modeled after the Grand Slams of tennis, and games will be held annually in four different places across the globe. Saudi Arabia is set to be the league’s major financial backer, contributing $500 million (AU$800 million) to the initiative. The International Cricket Council (ICC), which oversees cricket worldwide, is still being consulted.

A major driving force behind the suggestion has been Maxwell, a former all-rounder for Victoria and NSW who currently coaches Australian skipper Pat Cummins. In order to establish the league as a new source of income that may support Test Cricket outside of the three main markets of India, Australia, and England, he has collaborated closely with the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA).

By making significant investments in Formula 1, LIV Golf, and the 2034 FIFA World Cup hosting rights, the Saudi government has been actively increasing its footprint in international sports. The addition of this T20 league would broaden its portfolio.

Danny Townsend, the former CEO of the Australian Professional Leagues, is the head of SRJ Sports Investments. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, which has a share in the streaming service DAZN, has expanded its influence in cricket by establishing connections with Australian broadcasters.