To counter a new global T20 league backed by Saudi Arabia, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have joined forces.
These two influential cricket boards have decided that if the proposed tournament is launched, they will not grant permission to their players to participate.
Saudi Arabia aims to launch four T20 leagues in four different countries at different times of the year, modeled after tennis’s Grand Slam. The country has plans to invest around ₹6,000 crore through the state-owned SRJ Sports Investments to support this initiative.
However, the BCCI and ECB believe that if the league materializes, it would have a negative impact on the IPL and The Hundred.
According to British media outlet The Guardian, Cricket Australia (CA) has shown interest in Saudi Arabia’s proposed T20 league and even wants to host one of the four leagues. CA sees this as an opportunity to profit as a cricket board. Currently, Australia hosts the Big Bash League (BBL), a T20 tournament owned by the board and state teams, which limits CA’s franchise-based revenue compared to tournaments like the IPL or the PSL.
In contrast, the BCCI earns significantly through the IPL, which is franchise-based and backed by large corporate groups. Similarly, the ECB has generated substantial income through The Hundred, having recently sold 49% of the ownership in its teams. India and England believe that a Saudi-backed league with heavy investment would pose a threat to the success of both the IPL and The Hundred.
The Guardian also reported that during the ICC World Test Championship Final earlier this month, the BCCI and ECB agreed to oppose the new league. Both boards have resolved not to issue ‘No Objection Certificates’ (NOCs) to their players and will lobby the ICC to withhold approval for the tournament.
The BCCI and ECB’s stance is a major blow to Saudi Arabia’s plans. Indian business groups already own teams in leagues like South Africa’s SA20 and the UAE’s ILT20 outside of the IPL.
According to ICC regulations, no more than four overseas players can play in a team during a match in an approved tournament. With few native Saudi cricketers, the absence of Indian and English players could create a major challenge for the league. Requiring seven local players per team and the lack of Indian and English stars could also reduce interest from sponsors and broadcasters.
Altogether, the future of Saudi Arabia’s planned T20 league remains uncertain.
