RIYAL-ITY
Representative Image: ILT20 is three seasons old. © ILT20
In what could be a game-changing moment, Saudi Arabia has finally taken a serious plunge into cricket. After months of speculation about the Saudi Riyal’s potential to disrupt cricket the way it has other sports, the oil-rich nation has moved from talk to action, joining forces with its neighbour, the UAE, through a collaboration with the ILT20.
The league has struck a strategic alliance with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF), paving the way for the ILT20 matches to be staged in the Saudi Kingdom. Significantly, the partnership goes beyond the men’s matches, with plans also in place to hold women’s games, something not normally seen on the Saudi soil.
Through this partnership ILT20 will work with the SACF and its commercial arm, the Cricket Investment Company (CIC), on developing the game in Saudi Arabia besides developing talent. The association kicks in from the upcoming season, which starts on December 2.
A statement from the UAE league said, “…SACF has sanctioned and licensed the DP World ILT20 as an official T20 league (men and women) to host matches within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of the forthcoming seasons. The milestone serves as another important step in ILT20’s efforts to expand and enrich cricket across the Gulf region.”
The statement further said, “In another exciting development, Saudi Arabia players will also have a direct pathway into the ILT20. Notably, the ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction, scheduled for Wednesday, (October 1), will require each franchise to secure at least one player from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the coming years, World ILT20 matches will also be staged in Saudi Arabia.”
Prince Saud Bin Mishal Al-Saud, Chairman of Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation (SACF) said, “We are proud to partner with the ILT20. This collaboration reflects our commitment to developing cricket in the country and providing our players with opportunities to grow and succeed on an international stage. It also provides a platform for fan engagement within the Kingdom and opens up further avenues for developing the game across infrastructure and tourism.
“With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 placing strong emphasis on sport and community engagement, we believe this partnership will inspire more young men and women to take up cricket and will play a vital role in the sport’s growth in the country as part of SACF’s strategy to enable the private sector within Saudi Arabia.”
Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman ILT20, said: “We are very proud to announce our partnership with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation. Saudi Arabia is a key part of the Gulf region, and its commitment to developing cricket is inspiring. This partnership is built on our shared vision of growing the game beyond borders. ILT20 will create opportunities for players and hopefully bring world-class cricket closer to the fans.”
David White, CEO ILT20, added, “This is a significant step in our vision to grow the game across the Gulf region. We have seen first-hand how young players from the UAE, and the broader ecosystem, have benefited from the DP World ILT20 platform under world-class coaching and playing alongside international stars. With Saudi Arabia’s dynamic growth in sport and entertainment, this partnership provides a tremendous opportunity for Saudi cricketers to develop.
“In the coming years we will be hosting DP World ILT20 tournament matches in Saudi Arabia while from next year, a development tournament will also be staged there which will provide opportunity to the local talent to make a claim for the main event.”
© Cricbuzz
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