Saudi Arabia Steps Up to the Crease with ILT20 Cricket Partnership

In a potentially groundbreaking development, Saudi Arabia has made a significant move into the cricket world. After much speculation about the Saudi Riyal’s influence on cricket similar to its impact on other sports, the oil-rich country has transitioned from talk to action by collaborating with the UAE through the ILT20.

The league has formed a strategic partnership with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF), allowing ILT20 matches to take place in Saudi Arabia. Importantly, the partnership embraces both men’s and women’s matches, marking a unique development for Saudi sports.

Through this alliance, ILT20 will collaborate with SACF and its commercial entity, the Cricket Investment Company (CIC), to nurture and promote cricket in Saudi Arabia. This association will commence in the upcoming season, starting on December 2.

A statement from the UAE league read, “…SACF has approved and licensed the DP World ILT20 as an official T20 league (for both men and women) to hold matches within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the upcoming seasons. This milestone represents a vital step in ILT20’s mission to enrich and expand cricket throughout the Gulf region.”

The statement also revealed, “In another exciting development, Saudi Arabian players will have direct access to ILT20. Notably, during the ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, each franchise will be required to include at least one player from Saudi Arabia. In the coming years, World ILT20 matches will also take place in Saudi Arabia.”

Prince Saud Bin Mishal Al-Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF), expressed, “We are delighted to partner with ILT20. This collaboration signifies our commitment to the growth of cricket in our nation, providing opportunities for our players to excel internationally. It also offers a platform for fan involvement in the Kingdom and paves the way for game development in infrastructure and tourism.

“With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 putting significant focus on sports and community participation, we believe this partnership will inspire more young individuals, both men and women, to take an interest in cricket, playing a crucial role in the sport’s expansion within our country, aligned with SACF’s strategy to engage the private sector in Saudi Arabia.”

Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of ILT20, stated: “We are extremely pleased to announce our partnership with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation. Saudi Arabia plays a vital role in the Gulf region, and its dedication to cultivating cricket is commendable. This partnership arises from our shared vision to promote the game beyond borders and will create opportunities for players while delivering world-class cricket to fans.”

David White, CEO of ILT20, commented, “This is a pivotal step in our strategy to expand cricket across the Gulf. We have observed firsthand the benefits that young players from the UAE and the larger ecosystem have gained from the DP World ILT20 platform, receiving world-class coaching and competing alongside international stars. Given Saudi Arabia’s dynamic growth in sports and entertainment, this partnership presents an excellent opportunity for Saudi cricketers to develop.”

“Over the next few years, we plan to host DP World ILT20 tournament matches in Saudi Arabia. From next year, a developmental tournament will also be held there, providing local talent an opportunity to qualify for the main event.”