Saudi Arabia makes major entry into cricket with ILT20 partnership

Saudi Arabia has taken a decisive step into the world of cricket. After months of speculation about the Saudi Riyal’s potential to disrupt the sport, much like it has in football and other arenas, the Kingdom has moved from talk to action by joining forces with its neighbour, the UAE, through a collaboration with the International League T20 (ILT20).

The league has formed a strategic alliance with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF), opening the door for ILT20 matches to be staged in the Kingdom. Notably, the partnership extends beyond men’s cricket, with plans also underway to host women’s matches, an unprecedented development on Saudi soil.

As part of this collaboration, ILT20 will work closely with the SACF and its commercial arm, the Cricket Investment Company (CIC), to foster the growth of the sport in Saudi Arabia and nurture local talent. The partnership officially takes effect from the upcoming ILT20 season, which begins on December 2.

"...SACF has sanctioned and licensed the DP World ILT20 as an official T20 league (men and women) to host matches within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of the forthcoming seasons. The milestone serves as another important step in ILT20's efforts to expand and enrich cricket across the Gulf region,” a statement read from the UAE league as quoted by Cricbuzz.

"In another exciting development, Saudi Arabia players will also have a direct pathway into the ILT20. Notably, the ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction, scheduled for Wednesday, (October 1), will require each franchise to secure at least one player from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the coming years, World ILT20 matches will also be staged in Saudi Arabia,” it added.

Prince Saud Bin Mishal Al-Saud, Chairman of Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation (SACF), said:

"We are proud to partner with the ILT20. This collaboration reflects our commitment to developing cricket in the country and providing our players with opportunities to grow and succeed on an international stage. It also provides a platform for fan engagement within the Kingdom and opens up further avenues for developing the game across infrastructure and tourism,” said 

"With Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 placing strong emphasis on sport and community engagement, we believe this partnership will inspire more young men and women to take up cricket and will play a vital role in the sport's growth in the country as part of SACF's strategy to enable the private sector within Saudi Arabia,” he added.

Khaild Al Zarooni, Chairman ILT20, said:

"We are very proud to announce our partnership with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation. Saudi Arabia is a key part of the Gulf region, and its commitment to developing cricket is inspiring. This partnership is built on our shared vision of growing the game beyond borders. ILT20 will create opportunities for players and hopefully bring world-class cricket closer to the fans.”

David White, CEO ILT20, said:

"This is a significant step in our vision to grow the game across the Gulf region. We have seen first-hand how young players from the UAE, and the broader ecosystem, have benefited from the DP World ILT20 platform under world-class coaching and playing alongside international stars. With Saudi Arabia's dynamic growth in sport and entertainment, this partnership provides a tremendous opportunity for Saudi cricketers to develop,” said David White, CEO ILT20.

"In the coming years we will be hosting DP World ILT20 tournament matches in Saudi Arabia while from next year, a development tournament will also be staged there which will provide opportunity to the local talent to make a claim for the main event,” he added.