RIYADH: Looks like Saudi Arabia is on a global recognition spree. Having invested heavily in Football and Formula 1, Saudi Arabia now eyes cricket. The Arab nation as per reports has offered IPL to set up the ‘world’s richest T20 League’ in the country – a cutthroat competition for IPL in terms of financial prowess.
“Yes, talks are underway but it is not yet clear whether it will be a full tournament or just friendly fixtures with IPL teams in action. Cricket, however, has a future in Saudi for sure,” an insider tracking developments said.
This is not the first time, talks of Saudi Arabia’s interest in cricket have surfaced. Not too long ago, ICC chairman Greg Barclay had confirmed the Arab heavyweight’s interest in cricket.
Speaking in regards to the sport, Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud at a press conference earlier pressed on the desert nation’s interest to create a sustainable industry for locals and ex-pats in the Kingdom and emerge as a global cricketing destination.
Reports have also mentioned that representatives from the Saudi Govt have been spotted around India’s cricketing activities looking to communicate to execute their T20 plans. Last year, Aramco, the world’s largest oil company, came on board as the sponsor of IPL’s Orange and Purple Cap. The deal was extended for this edition too. Additionally, BCCI signed up Saudi Tourism as one of IPL’s official partners ahead of the ongoing season, replacing Unacademy, for the 2023 edition. The deal is likely to run for multiple years and was estimated at Rs 60 crore per season.
“We believe that the partnership will help promote Saudi’s unique and diverse offering and position it as the leading leisure and tourism destination in the world. This partnership will create newer opportunities for cricket in Saudi and strengthen the sport in the region,” BCCI Secretary Jay Shah had said on Saudi Tourism coming on board.
The BCCI in India bars its players from participating in leagues abroad. However, it remains to see what response the council would give.
Meanwhile, sources have hinted at the restructuring of IPL players’ contracts, forcing players to seek NOC from franchises to play for national sides. In what may be called the ‘One Contract to Rule Them All’, IPL megastars like David Warner, Steve Smith, and Pat Cummins would be roped in to play in multiple franchises. The idea follows the current pattern of MI, SRH, LSG, and KKR apart from CSK which operates multiple teams in SA20, ILT20, IPL, and even CPL.