Riyadh, June 27 (V7N) — In a move set to reshape the landscape of global franchise cricket, Saudi Arabia is planning to launch a T20 league worth ₹6,000 crore (approx. $720 million) to rival the Indian Premier League (IPL) and England’s The Hundred. However, the ambitious project faces a significant hurdle as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have united to oppose the plan.

The proposed Saudi T20 League, backed by SRJ Sports Investments, a Saudi government-controlled company, aims to emulate the tennis Grand Slam model, holding tournaments at four different times of the year across four countries. The league’s scale and financial muscle could challenge the IPL’s dominance and disrupt England’s The Hundred.

The BCCI and ECB, whose domestic leagues are major revenue sources, see the Saudi plan as a threat. During the recent World Test Championship final, the boards reportedly agreed not to allow their players to participate in the Saudi league and to lobby the International Cricket Council (ICC) against its approval.

This joint stance is a significant blow to Saudi Arabia’s vision. Without the participation of Indian and English cricketers, the league could struggle to attract sponsors, broadcasters, and global fan interest. Moreover, with Saudi Arabia having limited local cricketing talent, assembling competitive teams would be a challenge under existing franchise rules that mandate at least seven local players in a playing XI, allowing only four overseas players.

Despite the opposition, Australia is reportedly supportive of the Saudi initiative, offering some hope to the project’s backers. The coming months will determine whether Saudi Arabia can overcome these obstacles and establish its place in the crowded world of franchise cricket.

END/RH/AJ