IPL 2023 – Saudi Arabia Cricket: Indian Premier League could be dethroned as the world’s richest cricket competition in the near future, courtesy cash-strapped Saudis. As per reports, Saudi Arabian government authorities have discussed plans to host the biggest Twenty20 event in the world with IPL owners in the gulf state.
Senior cricket officials, coaches, and players from many nations told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald that they were aware of unofficial conversations that had been going on for more than a year.
Indian Cricketers could play in Saudi Arabia
There have been some conversations about the potential for Indian cricket players to be included in the proposed event, which would be a first. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has established rules that prohibit Indian players from competing in international T20 tournaments.
If all goes to the plan of Saudis, Indian players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Hardik Pandya could soon play in Saudi Arabia.
Any league would require approval from all the International Cricket Council’s members in order for it to be recognised.
Saudi Arabia is interested in bringing cricket to its roster of recent sporting initiatives, according to ICC chair Greg Barclay. He called the possibility the “logical” next step for cricket in the area.
Saudi Arabia and Cricket
By 2030, Saudi Arabia wants to be India’s top travel destination, according to its strategic plan. The kingdom supports regional men’s and women’s cricket programmes and is an associate member of the International Cricket Council.
Although it lacks the stadiums that are accessible in the UAE for cricket, it places a high priority on creating major sports arenas.
Saudi Arabia and it’s sporting ventures
The introduction of the Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grand Prix, the 2021 purchase of Newcastle United in the English Premier League, the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo for the Al Nassr club, and the funding of the LIV Golf circuit under the direction of Greg Norman are just a few of Saudi Arabia’s other sporting ventures.
All of these have drawn accusations of sportswashing to hide Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
BCCI, IPL and their Saudi Arbaian relationship
Whether it be sponsorship partnerships with Aramco or the more recent agreement between the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and the IPL, neither the BCCI nor the ICC have been hesitant to enter into business agreements with Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Tourism Commission announced a significant engagement with the IPL in February. During IPL 2023, one can witness Saudi Tourism advertisements very frequently.
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