Saudi Arabia Proposes Plan To IPL Owners Regarding Setting Up The World’s Richest T20 League In The Gulf: Reports
Apr 14, 2023 at 6:44 PM
Owners of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises have been approached by Saudi Arabian government representatives regarding setting up the biggest T20 league in the Gulf region.
Currently, Indian players are banned from playing in other leagues, but as reported this new league could be the defining point in many ways for the Men in Blue players. It becomes pertinent to mention here that ‘Visit Saudi’ is one of the sponsors for the IPL 2023.
While cricket could be the new limelight for the Saudi government, as in the past with Al Nassr’s surprise pick of football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia. Image Credits: Twitter
According to a report in ‘The Age’, talks regarding the Saudi Arabian league have been underway for nearly a year now–and any potential league formed in the Gulf would have to be sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the member countries, including Australia.
Having invested heavily in major sports and events across the world, including the takeover of Premier League Club–Newcastle United by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the Gulf state has often been criticised for trying to whitewash its human rights record through its investments in sports.
Earlier, ICC Chairman Greg Barclay had confirmed that Saudi Arabia is looking to invest heavily in cricket, after pumping funds into others sports like football and F1.
Also read: IPL 2023: Shubman Gill Is Going To Dominate World Cricket For The Next Decade – Matthew Hayden
