The Saudi Arabian government has reportedly held talks with Indian Premier League owners, in a plan that could change the format forever.
Not satisfied with its sporting footprint through the Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grand Prix, and the investments made in LIV Golf, the gulf state is looking to cricket as its next project for the world’s richest Twenty20 tournament.
Currently, under rules set by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Indian players are banned from participating in overseas T20 competitions, however a proposal from Saudi Arabian government representatives could result in that rule being relaxed.
According to a report in The Age, talks behind the plan began over a year ago, with any proposed league needing to be sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and approved by member countries.
Saudi Arabia’s investment interests in cricket was confirmed by ICC chairman Greg Barclay.
“If you look at other sports they’ve been involved in, cricket is something I imagine would be attractive to them,” he said.
“Given their advance into sport more generally, cricket would work quite well for Saudi Arabia.
“They’re pretty keen to invest in sport, and given their regional presence, cricket would seem a pretty obvious one to pursue.”
The potential for a game-changing competition is all part of strengthening the relationship between India and Saudi Arabia with the latter hoping to make itself the No.1 tourist destination for India by 2030.
Currently, United Arab Emirates is the preferred location for cricket matches in the Western Asian region, however Saudi Arabia has hopes to be a ‘global cricketing destination’ according Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud.
UAE already has its own short-form competition with the ILT20 launching last year, featuring a number of overseas players due to the weak domestic system in the country. (NINE.COM.AU)