Saudi Arabia plans global T20 cricket league with $500 million investment

Saudi Arabia is expanding its presence in global sports with major investments in LIV Golf, Formula 1, and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Now, the kingdom is set to launch a new T20 cricket league, backed by a $500 million investment, in what could be one of the most significant changes to the sport in decades.

A game-changing T20 league

The proposed eight-team tournament, inspired by tennis' Grand Slams, will feature matches played across four different locations worldwide each year. The initiative is being led by Australian cricket figure Neil Maxwell and has been in development for over a year, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. Saudi Arabia's SRJ Sports Investments is expected to be the league's biggest financial backer, with discussions ongoing with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Maxwell, a former New South Wales and Victoria all-rounder who now manages Australia captain Pat Cummins, has been a driving force behind the project. He has worked closely with the Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) to develop the league as a new revenue stream, aiming to support Test cricket outside the dominant markets of India, Australia, and England.

Saudi Arabia's growing sports influence

The Saudi government has been aggressively expanding its involvement in international sports, investing heavily in LIV Golf, Formula 1, and securing hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. This new T20 league would further bolster its influence.

SRJ Sports Investments is led by Danny Townsend, former CEO of the Australian Professional Leagues. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) also owns a stake in streaming service DAZN, which has ties to Australian cricket broadcasting, further strengthening the kingdom's position in the sport.

League structure and scheduling

Reports indicate that the tournament will be scheduled during open windows in the cricket calendar to minimise disruption to international matches and domestic T20 leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Australia's Big Bash League (BBL).

The league is expected to introduce new franchise teams, including one based in Australia, and will feature both men's and women's competitions. The final could be staged in Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its ambitions to become a major cricket destination.

Financial benefits for smaller cricket nations

Unlike traditional cricket funding models, which heavily favour India, Australia, and England, this league is designed to distribute revenue more evenly. Smaller cricketing nations could benefit financially, reducing their reliance on loss-making Test matches.

Positioned as a complement rather than a competitor to existing T20 leagues, the tournament aims to provide players with an additional lucrative platform while addressing concerns about cricket's long-term financial sustainability.

Challenges and ICC approval

For the league to proceed, ICC approval and support from national cricket boards, including Cricket Australia, will be crucial. The final decision may rest with ICC chairman Jay Shah, particularly regarding the participation of Indian players. Currently, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prohibits Indian cricketers from competing in overseas T20 leagues outside the IPL, a policy that may need reconsideration.

Controversy and 'sportswashing' accusations

Saudi Arabia's increasing role in global sports has drawn criticism, with human rights groups accusing the kingdom of "sportswashing" to improve its international image. Issues such as the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the treatment of migrant workers have fuelled concerns.

Despite this, Saudi Arabia insists its investments in sports are part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at diversifying the economy and enhancing the country's global standing. The kingdom has already deepened its ties with cricket, hosting the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah and planning major investments in cricket infrastructure, including state-of-the-art stadiums.