WEBDESK: Saudi Arabia is set to launch the KSA Global T20 League, a new international cricket tournament backed by its massive $1 trillion sovereign wealth fund. The league will feature eight teams and aims to bring top-level cricket to different parts of the world.
The project is led by Australian cricket figure Neil Maxwell, and backed by SRJ sports.
The KSA Global T20 League is inspired by tennis’ Grand Slam model, where matches will be played in four different locations globally each year. This approach is expected to attract top players and create new opportunities for smaller cricketing nations. Saudi officials believe the league will help support Test cricket while also filling gaps in the international cricket calendar.
The project, which involves a $500 million investment, is currently in discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC). If approved, the KSA Global T20 League will run alongside existing T20 tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Australia’s Big Bash League, rather than competing with them.
One of the biggest challenges for the league is securing participation from Indian cricketers. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) currently does not allow its players to take part in foreign T20 leagues. For the KSA Global T20 League to feature top Indian talent, the BCCI would need to revise its policy.
Saudi Arabia has been making major investments in sports, including football, Formula 1, and now cricket. With its vast financial resources and growing interest in the game, the kingdom hopes to make the KSA Global T20 League a major event in world cricket.
If all goes as planned, cricket fans could soon see a new, high-profile T20 tournament that brings together the best players from around the world in exciting global matchups.
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