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Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 remains the most profitable T20 league in the world. Whether it’s in terms of finances, world-class player participation, or social media presence, the IPL remains unbeatable when compared to other T20 leagues around the world. However, things may soon change as Saudi Arabia has reportedly offered IPL owners the opportunity to create “the richest T20 league in the world” in the country. Having invested heavily in other sports such as football and Formula One, Saudi Arabia has now turned its attention to cricket.
Currently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prohibits Indian players from participating in overseas leagues. However, the Saudi Arabian government’s proposal for a new T20 league there could see India’s board of directors change their stance on the issue.
According to The Age, negotiations on this matter have been going on for about a year. But before anything significant happens, the league must be sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Not too long ago, ICC Chairman Greg Barclay confirmed Saudi Arabia’s interest in cricket.
“If you look at the other sports they played, I think cricket will be attractive to them,” he said. “Given their progress in the sport in general, cricket would suit Saudi Arabia just fine.
“They are very eager to invest in the sport and given their regional presence, cricket seems pretty obvious,” Barclay added.
“Our goal is to create a sustainable industry for locals and expats living in the Kingdom and make Saudi Arabia a global destination for cricket,” Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud, chairman of the Saudi Cricket Federation, told Arab News last month.
According to the report, a number of Saudi Arabian government and business officials have been spotted in India’s cricketing activities, seeking to get IPL owners and BCCI itself involved in their planned Twenty20 league, which will go head to head with the IPL in terms of financial prowess.
There are also reportedly plans to host the annual Asian Cup, opening match or even an IPL round in Saudi Arabia.
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