Cricket could be on the brink of a major shake-up as plans for a Grand Slam-style T20 circuit gain momentum, backed by Saudi Arabian investment and conceptualized by player associations. This ambitious initiative aims to challenge traditional cricket governance and reshape the sport’s competitive landscape.
However, despite the buzz, the success of this venture hinges on one crucial factor—the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Without the governing body’s backing, any new league may struggle to establish itself in cricket’s biggest market.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Interest in Cricket
Saudi Arabia’s interest in cricket is nothing new. For over two years, speculation has swirled around its potential entry into the sport—whether through investing in IPL franchises, launching a new league, or making a sweeping takeover of cricket operations.
While the grand takeover rumors remain just that, the Kingdom’s gradual and strategic involvement is undeniable. From sponsoring the IPL and partnering with the ICC to hosting the IPL 2025 player auction, Saudi Arabia is making calculated moves.
Some argue this expansion was inevitable, given the country’s growing influence in global sports. From football and boxing to tennis, F1, MMA, and golf, Saudi investment has reshaped multiple industries. Now, cricket appears to be the next frontier.
What We Know About the Proposed T20 Circuit
So far, details about this Grand Slam-style T20 tournament remain scarce. Early reports suggest a global competition featuring 7-8 teams, playing four tournaments annually, each lasting 10-12 days.
But major questions remain unanswered:
- Which countries will participate?
- Will teams be national sides or franchise-based?
- How will the league fit into an already overcrowded cricket calendar?
If this league materializes, it could disrupt traditional international cricket, potentially sidelining bilateral ODIs and T20Is that lack context and financial viability.
The Key Players Behind the Plan
One of the most intriguing aspects of this initiative is its player-driven foundation. The plan is spearheaded by:
- SRJ Sports Investments, the sports arm of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.
- The Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) and World Cricketers’ Association (WCA).
Former Australian cricketer and player manager Neil Maxwell is believed to be the mastermind behind the idea. The ACA has confirmed its involvement, stating that the concept aims to:
- Implement best-practice collective bargaining for cricketers.
- Ensure gender-equity pay models for male and female players.
- Use revenue to support governing bodies, subsidizing Test cricket and growing the women’s game.
Meanwhile, the WCA, which has long advocated for fixing the flawed international cricket calendar, is expected to lead the next phase of discussions.
A Cricketing ATP Tour or a Distant Dream?
Could this be cricket’s version of tennis’ ATP Tour—a player-led revolution in scheduling and structure? Some believe so. However, significant challenges remain.
For one, this league isn’t designed to compete directly with the ICC. Instead, there’s talk of collaboration, with a stake for the ICC in the proposed circuit. Reports suggest Danny Townsend, CEO of SRJ, has already approached Jay Shah, the BCCI Secretary and ICC chair-elect, to discuss the plans.
This indicates that Saudi Arabia is keen to work within the existing system rather than disrupt it—unlike its approach in golf, where it created a competing circuit to the PGA Tour.
Can the League Generate Big Money?
A major concern is whether this new T20 circuit can attract the big broadcast deals necessary for sustainability.
Beyond the IPL, very few leagues have managed to secure substantial broadcasting revenues. And with signs that cricket’s media rights market has peaked, launching a new league in an already saturated space is a risky gamble.
While Saudi Arabia has the financial power to bankroll the league initially, the long-term question is: Can it turn a profit?
The BCCI’s Role: A Dealbreaker?
Regardless of Saudi Arabia’s ambitions, the league’s fate ultimately rests with the BCCI.
Without Indian players, securing major broadcasters and sponsors becomes far more challenging. This is why Jay Shah was reportedly approached at the IPL auction, as few high-profile cricket ventures succeed without the BCCI’s blessing.
However, why would the BCCI support a league that could rival the IPL? That remains a critical sticking point.
Skepticism From Other Cricket Boards
Outside of India, other cricket boards are also divided on the proposed circuit. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been particularly vocal in its opposition. ECB chief Richard Gould dismissed the idea outright, stating:
“There is no scope or demand for such an idea.”
His confidence likely stems from the ECB’s recent £500 million private equity boost into its own franchise tournament, The Hundred.
Other cricket boards might be more open to the proposal, especially if it presents a new revenue stream. But again, without the BCCI’s involvement, a major broadcast deal will be difficult to secure.
ICC and WCA: A Complicated Relationship
Another layer of complexity is the tense relationship between the ICC and the WCA.
- Many ICC full members, including the BCCI and PCB, lack player associations, making WCA’s influence limited.
- The ICC and WCA have clashed over player image rights, leading WCA to partner with Winners Alliance, an affiliate of Novak Djokovic’s Professional Tennis Players Association (currently suing the ATP).
While a player-led league would be a win for the WCA, the reality is that most top players are still contracted to their national boards. This could create a conflict between players and their governing bodies.
Final Thoughts: Is This Saudi Arabia’s Big Break in Cricket?
One thing is clear—Saudi Arabia’s entry into cricket is inevitable. The country has already disrupted multiple sports, and with its push for Indian tourism, investing in cricket makes perfect sense.
But is this Grand Slam-style T20 circuit the way in?
That’s far from certain. Until the BCCI, major cricket boards, and broadcasters get on board, the idea remains just that—an ambitious but uncertain proposal.
For now, all eyes are on the ICC, the BCCI, and how the global cricketing ecosystem reacts to this potential game-changer.