Saudi Arabia Plans to Host Cricket League Similar to IPL

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JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia has announced its intention to organize a cricket league inspired by the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation has clarified that reports about hosting the world’s most expensive cricket league are unfounded.

Rising Cricket Interest in Saudi Arabia: During the recent IPL draft ceremony in Jeddah, which featured some of the world’s top cricketers being auctioned for significant sums, Prince Saud bin Mishal, Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, expressed the country's growing enthusiasm for cricket. "We aim to collaborate with franchises to structure a tournament soon," Prince Saud stated, highlighting the kingdom's ambitions to expand its involvement in international cricket.

Notable Absences and Prospects: While the IPL drafts showcased some of the most expensive players globally, no Pakistani cricketers were part of the selections. This reflects the continued absence of Pakistan's players in IPL events due to longstanding political tensions. Saudi Arabia’s interest in cricket aligns with its broader efforts to diversify sports offerings and enhance its global sports footprint, with cricket poised to attract significant regional and international attention.