New Delhi: The Indian Premier League i.e. IPL is the biggest cricket league in the world right now. BCCI is organizing it since 2008. Since then most countries are having their own T20 league. The players are also earning a lot from the league. It can be understood that BCCI gives Rs 7 crore annually to players with top grades A+ of central contracts. At the same time, for IPL 2023, Punjab Kings bought England all-rounder Sam Karen in the auction for Rs 18.5 crore. He has to play only 17 matches. That means they will get more than one crore for one match. Now Saudi Arabia is preparing for the world’s biggest T20 league. For this, discussions have also been held with the IPL franchisee. The ICC is considering this step as important for the development of the game.
According to the news of the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, representatives of the Saudi Arabian government have held talks with the owners of the Indian Premier League regarding the T20 league. Senior cricket administrators, coaches, and players from many countries told that they were aware of this for more than a year. There is also talk that Indian players can also be allowed for the T20 league. Right now no Indian can enter a foreign T20 league before retirement. It is known that the franchise teams of IPL are already fielding their teams in many countries of the world.
Eager to invest in cricket
ICC recognition is necessary for any tournament. ICC President Greg Barclay said that Saudi Arabia is keen to invest in cricket. He told that he has done a good job in other sports as well. In such a situation, they can do the same in cricket. They are keen to invest in sports and they have a huge opportunity due to the popularity of cricket in Asia.
Ronaldo has reached Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has set a target of becoming the number-1 one tourist destination for India by 2030. However, there is a lack of a cricket stadium right now. Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud, president of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, told Arab News, “Our aim is to make Saudi Arabia a global cricket venue. Formula-1 is already being organized here. Has also bought a stake in the English Football Club Newcastle. Recently, Saudi Arabia’s Football Club Al Nasser has added veteran player Cristiano Ronaldo with them. There has also been a huge investment in golf. It is clear from this that Saudi Arabia is looking at sports as a big business.
Aramco announced a major partnership with IPL in February after ICC and BCCI. Representatives of the Saudi Arabian government and businesses are in constant touch with the IPL owners and the BCCI regarding this. But this can also make a difference to the IPL. Apart from this, due to the ever-increasing T20 league, players are also withdrawing from international cricket. Talking about IPL 2023 itself, all the big players of New Zealand are playing in the T20 league, while the Kiwi team has reached Pakistan for the International Series.
