Saudi Arabia T20: Virat Kohli – Indian cricket fans could finally see the likes of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, & other cricketers playing other T20 League apart from the Indian Premier League (IPL). If reports are to be believed, then the Saudi Arabia government is luring IPL owners to host the biggest T20 tournament in Gulf. After roping in legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo to play in Saudi, Kohli many soon be entertaining the Gulf audience with his breath-taking knocks. Follow IPL 2023 Live Updates with InsideSport.IN.
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, but most requested to remain anonymous due to the private nature of the discussions.
Saudi Arabia T20 League: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya could play in Gulf soon, ICC chairman Greg Barclay elaborates
ICC Chairman Greg Barclay has confirmed the development of Saudi Arabia showing interest in starting their T20 League. For the uninitiated, Saudis are into Formula One Grand Prix since 2021 and football after the purchase of Newcastle United in the English Premier League. The government is now inclined towards acquiring cricket ventures too.
“If you look at other sports they’ve been involved in, cricket is something I imagine would be attractive to them,” he said.
“Given their advance into the sport more generally, cricket would work quite well for Saudi Arabia.
“They’re pretty keen to invest in sport, and given their regional presence, cricket would seem a pretty obvious one to pursue.”
Equation between BCCI, Saudi Arabia, & ICC
All three parties have been sharing a healthy relationship so far. Whether it’s sponsorship partnerships with Aramco, or the recent agreement between Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and the IPL, neither BCCI nor ICC are not too hesitant to enter into business deals with Saudi Arabia. Currently, UAE is the preferred option for cricket matches in the Gulf region, but by 2030, Saudi Arabia are desperate to make it the Number one tourist destination for India.
Will BCCI allow Indian players to play in Saudi Arabia T20 League
While till now BCCI are prohibiting its players to play any foreign T20 Leagues, BCCI could make an exception in this case if all goes according to their plans. Till now, nothing is confirmed from BCCI’s end. Any league would require approval from all the International Cricket Council members in order for it to be recognized.
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