Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is in talks with a Saudi Arabia-backed group to establish a new global T20 league, which could potentially bring about a major revolution in the world of cricket. This league will be held across four different locations and will feature eight teams.
According to a report by the Australian newspaper The Age, Saudi Arabia is a key investor in this project, with a prominent Australian cricket administrator also backing it. This initiative could prove to be the most significant development in cricket since the launch of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The report states that this league is part of a concept proposed by former Australian cricketer Neil Maxwell. Maxwell, a former all-rounder for New South Wales and Victoria, has also been associated with Cricket New South Wales and the Australian Cricketers’ Association. He is currently the manager of Australian captain Pat Cummins.
As per News 18, several investors are ready to support this T20 league, but the biggest investor is Saudi Arabia, which is prepared to spend 5billionontheproject.SaudiArabia′ssportswing,”SRJSportsInvestments,”whichoperatesundera5billionontheproject.SaudiArabia′ssportswing,”SRJSportsInvestments,”whichoperatesundera 1 trillion fund, has shown particular interest in this initiative and has already held preliminary discussions with the ICC.
One of the key objectives of this league is to make Test cricket a more stable and sustainable format, especially for teams outside the traditional powerhouses of India, Australia, and England. Additionally, the league aims to promote cricket in new markets.
The report further mentions that the league will be scheduled during periods when there are no international cricket matches or other major T20 leagues like the IPL and the Big Bash League. There is also consideration to hold the final in Saudi Arabia.
The league will require the support of the ICC board for final approval. In this regard, Jay Shah could play a crucial role. Shah, the current chairman of the ICC and former secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), may have a significant say in the participation of Indian players. Under BCCI rules, Indian cricketers are not allowed to participate in any foreign league unless they are retired. Jay Shah could be instrumental in making decisions regarding the involvement of Indian players in this league.
