Saudi Arabia has officially entered the world of franchise cricket with the launch of the Dunes League T20, marking another major expansion of the Kingdom’s growing sports portfolio.
The inaugural season of the tournament is set to take place in October this year, signalling the country’s latest move to establish itself as a global sporting hub.
The league has received official approval from the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation (SACF) and will feature retired international players who are still active in franchise cricket around the world.
According to a top media news channel, Saudi Arabia has gained prominence in recent years through its heavy investment in global sports and by hosting major international events. After football, tennis, boxing and golf, the Kingdom has now officially entered the world of cricket.
Six teams will participate in Dunes League T20
Six teams will participate in the Dunes League T20, with matches set to be played in the city of Taif, near Jeddah. The league has been developed in collaboration with the South Asian Network and two leading talent agencies, Unique Sports Group and Prolith, both of which represent several international cricketers.
Yuvraj Singh expected to be appointed as ambassador of League
Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh is expected to be appointed as the ambassador of the league. Reports suggest that the tournament will feature players who have retired from international cricket but continue to compete in franchise leagues worldwide.
The Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation stated that the primary objective of the league is to place the country on the global cricket map and help promote local talent. Officials also said that each team may include a maximum of four players who have represented a full ICC member nation within the last two years, to avoid complications related to ICC approval.
Reports further claim that players participating in the league could earn up to US$100,000, attracting significant attention across the cricketing world.
It is worth noting that rumours about Saudi Arabia launching a major T20 league have been circulating for several years, with many believing it could eventually challenge some of the world’s leading franchise cricket leagues.
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