Saudi Arabia’s cricket push: Why this new T20 league could shake up the game

Saudi Arabia isn’t giving up on sports investments. After spending heavily on golf, football, and Formula 1, the country is now turning to cricket—but with a twist. A proposed T20 league, inspired by tennis’s Grand Slam events, is back on the table. Last year’s idea faded, but now the Public Investment Fund (PIF) is taking a second look. Golf’s struggles, where billions didn’t bring expected returns, pushed Saudi Arabia to explore sports with bigger audiences. Cricket’s popularity is undeniable. T20 leagues in India, Australia, and the UAE have proven that short, high-energy matches attract fans and sponsors. Saudi Arabia wants a slice of that pie. Their plan? A multi-event tournament spread over years, not clashing with existing matches. The goal is simple: global appeal, big money, and a fresh way to watch top players.But challenges loom. The cricket calendar is packed, leaving little room for new events. Even if Saudi Arabia finds space, they’ll need approval from the ICC and buy-in from cricket boards. The biggest hurdle? Indian players. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) restricts its stars from joining foreign leagues outside the IPL. Without them, the league’s star power—and profits—could take a hit. If this works, players could earn more, sponsors would jump in, and cricket’s commercial side would explode. But failure isn’t out of the question. Saudi Arabia’s sports bets haven’t all paid off. Will cricket be different?