New Delhi: Saudi Arabia has rubbished reports about the potential launch of the world’s richest cricket league that would have competed with the most lucrative league in the world currently – the Indian Premier League (IPL). Prince Saud bin Mishaal Al Saud, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF), dismissed the reports as incorrect and stated that the Saudi Kingdom has no plans to launch such a league.
Saudi Prince quashes rumours of IPL rival league
“That is not correct,” the Saudi Arabian prince told Indian reporters on the sidelines of the IPL auction in Jeddah on November 25 and 26. He also denied the possibility of the Saudi Kingdom investing money in the IPL, the world’s most lucrative cricket league and one of the biggest tournaments in the world. “That is not true as well,” he added
Earlier, reports claimed that the Saudi government backed by the riches of oil, were in talks to launch a cricket league featuring international players. The Saudis have already made inroads in the global sports market, having made investments in the rebel LIV Golf Tour and European football.
ICC regulations and BCCI investment policy impact Saudi plans
The plan to launch a high-profile cricket league is not feasible due to a recent rule introduced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) that limits the inclusion of foreign players in any franchise-based team. While the UAE’s ILT20 fields more than four foreign players, it remains an exception as the rule was implemented after the league’s launch.
Sensing a potential investment move from the Saudis, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) passed a resolution to prevent private investment in the board or its leagues.
Saudi Arabian companies such as Aramco and Saudi Tourism, have already made inroads in the global cricket market.
Aramco, the Saudi oil giant, sponsors the ICC events and has even featured in the IPL as an associate sponsor. Similarly, Saudi Tourism was also associated with the cash-rich Indian T20 League a couple of years ago.
Saudi Arabia has rubbished reports of launching the world’s richest cricket league that will rival the Indian Premier League (IPL) – the world’s most lucrative cricket league. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
