Saudi Arabia has reportedly approached the BCCI and IPL franchise owners about a T20 league.
The Saudi government has already staged Formula One races, owns Newcastle United, brought Cristiano Ronaldo to play in the domestic league, and promoted the rival LIV golf circuit.
Now they have their eyes set on entering the lucrative business of franchise T20 leagues and have reportedly held discussions with the officials of the Indian Premier League and the owners of the various IPL franchises with regards to the same.
The two sides have been testing the waters with the relationship recently with ‘Visit Saudi’ being a major sponsor for the ongoing Indian Premier League. Saudi oil giant Aramco sponsors the Orange Cap and Purple Cap in the IPL.
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As per the Age reports, the talks have been going on over the subject for about a year. But, before anything substantial can happen, the league would need to be sanctioned by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Not too long ago, ICC chairman Greg Barclay had confirmed Saudi Arabian interest in cricket.
However, a BCCI official told Indian Express, that no top Indian cricketers would be taking part in any of the leagues. However, franchise participation can't be stopped said the official.
"No current Indian players will be taking part in any of the leagues, but as far as franchise participation is concerned, we can't stop them. It's their individual decision. We have seen IPL franchises going to South Africa or Dubai and we can't say no. It's their choice to have their team in any of the leagues around the world,” the official reportedly said.