Saudi Arabia eyes entry into franchise Cricket with $500 million T20 League

Saudi Arabia is set to make a major foray into franchise cricket with plans to launch a global T20 league backed by a $500 million (Rs 4347,42,00,000) investment. The proposed competition, featuring eight teams, will follow a Grand Slam-style format, with matches held in four different locations throughout the year.

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The initiative is spearheaded by SRJ Sports Investments, led by Danny Townsend, formerly of Australia’s A-League. Discussions between SRJ and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have been ongoing for a year, with the concept reportedly driven by Australian cricket administrator Neil Maxwell.

The league aims to address critical concerns in international cricket, particularly the financial sustainability of Test matches beyond powerhouses like India, Australia, and England. It is envisioned as an alternative revenue model that would offer significant player compensation while redistributing earnings to smaller cricketing nations, reducing their financial struggles.

If approved by the ICC, the league would be scheduled in vacant windows to avoid clashes with established T20 tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).

While no official confirmation has been made, reports indicate that the league would feature new franchises across traditional and emerging cricket markets, including Australia. The finals may even be staged in Saudi Arabia, marking a historic shift in the global cricketing landscape.