Saudi Arabia has firmly denied recent reports claiming plans to launch the world's richest cricket league, which would rival the Indian Premier League (IPL). Prince Saud bin Mishaal Al Saud, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF), addressed these rumors during the IPL auction in Jeddah, stating unequivocally, "That is not correct."
Additionally, Prince Saud clarified that the Kingdom has no intentions of investing in the IPL, further stating, "That is not true as well."
Speculations vs. Reality
Earlier reports suggested Saudi Arabia’s wealthy Sheikhs, leveraging the Kingdom's oil wealth, were planning to disrupt global cricket by forming a high-profile league featuring international stars. However, this idea faces challenges due to the International Cricket Council's (ICC) rule restricting foreign players in franchise-based teams. Unlike the UAE’s ILT20, which predated this restriction, new leagues cannot adopt similar models.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also proactively safeguarded its interests by passing a resolution preventing private investments in its leagues, a move perceived as aimed at curbing potential Saudi investments.
Saudi Arabia’s Cricket Ambitions
While denying the league rumors, Prince Saud expressed the Kingdom's interest in hosting IPL matches in the future. "Why not?" he remarked, emphasizing the potential of cricket's growth in Saudi Arabia. He announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art stadium in Jeddah, which is expected to be ready next year, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to building cricket infrastructure.
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