IPL dominance under threat
Saudi Arabia is ready to create a new storm in the cricket world. They are planning to launch a new league as a rival to India’s IPL by investing hundreds of millions of dollars. According to a report by the British newspaper The Telegraph, Saudi Arabia’s ‘SRJ Sports Investments’ will organize four tournaments every year, in which eight teams from different countries, including Australia, will participate.
It is believed that cricket stars will be tempted by huge amounts of money in this league with an investment of about 500 million dollars. This temptation can change the map of the cricket world. India’s long-standing dominance over cricket may be threatened by this new league. Earlier, Saudi Arabia has achieved success by investing huge amounts of money in football, Formula One and golf. Cricket will be their next goal.
Saudi Arabia had indicated their interest in cricket by organizing the IPL auction in Jeddah last year. If this T20 league is implemented, it will be the largest financial investment in cricket outside the IPL. They have plans to organize matches in different countries on the model of the Tennis Grand Slam. Since Saudi Arabia lacks adequate cricket infrastructure, it could be a joint venture with Australia or other cricketing nations.
The IPL has dominated the cricketing world since 2008. But Saudi Arabia’s money could change everything by attracting star players. While IPL teams can field four foreign players per match, it is not yet clear what the rules of the Saudi league will be. If the ICC allows it, they could be allowed to field more foreign players per match. The Telegraph reported that Cricket Australia has already started discussions with Saudi authorities.
But there are many obstacles. Saudi Arabia will have to get ICC approval and find a place in cricket’s busiest schedule. Attracting star players while avoiding conflicts with the IPL will not be easy. Saudi Arabia has no significant cricket grounds and no local players. They will have to rely entirely on foreign stars.
If they succeed, Saudi money could completely change the balance of power in cricket. It could open new doors for players and smaller cricketing nations. After a long decade, the IPL has now become a cause for concern.
