Key Points
- Cricket matches to debut December 2
- Men’s and women’s games included
- Saudi players mandated in ILT20 teams
ISLAMABAD: In a potentially transformative move, Saudi Arabia has formally entered the world of cricket, ending months of speculation about its ambitions in the sport. Saudi Arabia has partnered with neighbouring UAE through a collaboration with the International League T20 (ILT20).
This alliance between the ILT20 and the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) will see matches played in Saudi Arabia for the first time, starting from the upcoming season on 2 December. The agreement includes both men’s and women’s games.
ILT20 will work alongside SACF and its commercial branch, the Cricket Investment Company (CIC), to promote the sport and nurture cricketing talent within the country.
A statement from the league confirmed: “…SACF has sanctioned and licensed the DP World ILT20 as an official T20 league (men and women) to host matches within Saudi Arabia as part of the forthcoming seasons…”
ILT20 franchises
In addition, ILT20 franchises will be required to include at least one Saudi player from the Season 4 Player Auction, taking place on 1 October. Matches in Saudi Arabia will follow in the coming years.
Prince Saud Bin Mishal Al-Saud, SACF Chairman, said, “We are proud to partner with the ILT20… This collaboration reflects our commitment to developing cricket in the country… and opens up further avenues for developing the game across infrastructure and tourism.”
Khalid Al Zarooni, ILT20 Chairman, added: “Saudi Arabia is a key part of the Gulf region… ILT20 will create opportunities for players and hopefully bring world-class cricket closer to the fans.”
CEO David White noted, “In the coming years, we will be hosting DP World ILT20 tournament matches in Saudi Arabia… a development tournament will also be staged there.”
