Saudi Arabia is set to host major cricket matches for the first time, following a new agreement with the DP World International League T20 (ILT20). The UAE-based franchise competition has entered a “strategic partnership” with the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation (SACF), marking a significant step in expanding the sport across the Gulf.
As part of the deal, the SACF has licensed the ILT20 as an official league permitted to stage fixtures within the Kingdom in upcoming seasons. While all matches for the fourth season, starting in December, will take place in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, organisers are aiming to include venues in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere in the region in the future.
“The milestone serves as another important step in DP World ILT20’s efforts to expand and enrich cricket across the Gulf region,” the league said in a statement. “Through this partnership, the DP World ILT20 will work closely with the [SACF] and its commercial arm, the Cricket Investment Company, on developing cricket in the country besides identifying and nurturing talent.”
Although Saudi Arabia has previously expressed interest in launching its own T20 league and even hosting India-Pakistan bilateral series, a lack of grass cricket facilities and political obstacles have so far prevented these ambitions from being realised. However, the ILT20 deal brings the presence of top international cricketers in the Kingdom a step closer.
Cricket has been gaining momentum in Saudi Arabia, with support from major institutions and companies. Aramco is already a prominent sponsor of the International Cricket Council, while IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals have partnered with Neom, the ambitious mega-development in the country’s northwest. The Royals initiative aims to promote grassroots cricket, particularly tape-ball games among project workers, in the hope of nurturing future national team players.
The Saudi national team has shown recent promise in T20 internationals under coach Kabir Khan, formerly of the UAE and Afghanistan. The ILT20 partnership will provide these players with a direct route into the franchise league, further boosting the game’s profile within the Kingdom.
As part of preparations for the new season, the ILT20 will hold its first player auction on Wednesday. Each of the six franchises will be required to sign at least one player from Saudi Arabia.
“Saudi Arabia is a key part of the Gulf region, and its commitment to developing cricket is inspiring,” said ILT20 chairman Khalid Al Zarooni. “This partnership is built on our shared vision of growing the game beyond borders. The DP World ILT20 will create opportunities for players and hopefully bring world-class cricket closer to the fans.”
