RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is set to make a major entry into franchise cricket with the launch of the Dunes T20 League later this year, marking the kingdom’s first fully-fledged domestic T20 competition.
The six-team tournament, scheduled to begin in October, has received official approval from the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation and is expected to feature a mix of retired international players and active franchise cricket stars from around the world.
The competition will be staged in Taif near Jeddah and forms part of Saudi Arabia’s wider effort to expand its presence in global sports and entertainment.
The league is being developed in partnership with Sports Asian Network and international talent agencies including Unique Sports Group and Prolithic. Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh will serve as the tournament’s ambassador.
Officials say the project aims to place Saudi Arabia “on the global cricket map” while also helping develop local cricket talent.
According to organisers, the Dunes T20 League will allow a limited number of recently active international cricketers in order to remain within ICC regulatory guidelines.
Top players in the tournament are expected to earn salaries of up to $100,000.
Saudi Arabia has already invested heavily in football, boxing, golf and tennis as part of its broader economic diversification strategy under Vision 2030.
