The popular T20 leagues across the world might soon find competition as Saudi Arabia intends to bankroll a cash-rich league of their own. And to do so, they seek the IPL and the BCCI's help.
According to a report in The Age, Saudi representatives have held informal discussions with IPL owners over the past 12 months about the possibility of setting up a T20 event in the Asian nation.
It is not new for the IPL franchises to venture into other leagues around the world. Their expertise and the power of Saudi money could form a deadly combination.
The report in The Age also claims that the Indian cricketers, who are not allowed to play in any T20 league outside the IPL, may also be permitted to join the proposed Saudi league.
While such a possibility would seem lucrative for the players, one wonders if it is good for overall international cricket, which is already sandwiched between numerous global leagues, struggling for relevance and attention. The trend of international players retiring early to ply their trade in the high-income leagues might jeopardise the international game further.
Such a domestic league would need permission from the International Cricket Council (ICC). But it seems that would not be a problem as the global body would want the Saudi to invest in cricket. “They’re pretty keen to invest in sport, and given their regional presence, cricket would seem a pretty obvious one to pursue,” Greg Barclay, the ICC chairman, was quoted as saying by the report.
Saudi Arabia is an associate member of the ICC.
The oil-rich gulf country's heightened interest in sports is a recent phenomenon. Even Cristiano Ronaldo found it hard to dodge Saudi money power.