The Indian Premier League is the biggest cricket league in the world right now. BCCI has been organizing it since 2008. Since then, most countries have had their own T20 league. The players are also earning a lot from the league. It can be understood that only BCCI gives Rs 7 crore annually to players with top grade A+ of central contract. At the same time, for IPL 2023, Punjab Kings bought England all-rounder Sam Curran in the auction for Rs 18.5 crore. He has to play only 17 matches.
That means they will get more than one crore for one match. Now Saudi Arabia is preparing for the world’s biggest T20 league. For this, discussions have also been held with the IPL franchisee. The ICC considers this step important for the development of the game.
According to the news of the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, representatives of the Saudi Arabian government have held talks with the owners of the Indian Premier League regarding the T20 league. Senior cricket administrators, coaches and players from many countries said they have been preparing for this for over a year. There is also talk that Indian players can also be allowed for the T20 league.
Right now, no Indian player can enter a foreign T20 league before retirement. It is known that the franchise teams of IPL are already fielding their teams in many countries of the world.
ICC recognition is necessary for any tournament. ICC President Greg Barclay said that Saudi Arabia is keen to invest in cricket. He told that he had done a good job in other sports as well.
Saudi Arabia has set a target of becoming the number-1 one tourist destination for India by 2030. However, there is a lack of a cricket stadium right now. Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud, president of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, told Arab News, “Our aim is to make Saudi Arabia a global cricket venue. Formula-1 is already being organized here. Has also bought a stake in the English Football Club Newcastle.”
Recently, Saudi Arabia’s Football Club Al Nasser added veteran player Cristiano Ronaldo. There has also been a huge investment in golf. This clearly shows that Saudi Arabia is looking at sports as a big business.
Aramco announced a major partnership with IPL in February after ICC and BCCI. Regarding this, representatives of the Saudi Arabian government and businesses are in constant touch with the IPL owners and the BCCI.
