Saudi Arabia is now set to enter cricket after their revolutionary move in football, which significantly boosted their global economy through high-profile transfer fees, bringing a major shift in European football’s top five leagues. Now, Saudi Arabia is eyeing an IPL-style franchise-based tournament with an $800 million investment from SRJ Sports Investment to conduct a year-long global T20 tournament across four countries.
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The mastermind behind this idea is Neil Maxwell, the manager of Australian captain Pat Cummins and a former cricketer. Maxwell proposed this mega franchise league to the Saudi investors. He is also a member of the Australia Cricket Association and the NSW Blues Cricket Academy in Australia. This move is said to be in collaboration with the Australia Cricket Association.
Sources familiar with the discussions, who requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of the talks, revealed that a group of investors is ready to support the still-unnamed global cricket league. Saudi Arabia is expected to be the primary financial backer, reportedly ready to invest $500 million (approximately $800 million) into the cricket venture. - Reports
Both Saudi investors and the involved parties have submitted the formal proposal to the ICC and Cricket Australia for collaboration. The proposal is currently on the desk of ICC Chairman Jay Shah, and it is now up to him to approve it.
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The tournament will feature both men's and women's leagues, similar to the IPL and BBL, with the final set to be held in Saudi Arabia.
