In a significant development for the sport, Saudi Arabia has made its official entry into mainstream cricket by signing a 15-year strategic agreement with the International League T20 (ILT20). The agreement is intended to develop Saudi cricket within the international framework, with plans to host league matches in the Kingdom and introduce a Saudi-based franchise in a future season.

As part of this agreement, the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) has sanctioned and licensed the DP World ILT20, sanctioned by the Emirates Cricket Board, as an official T20 league for men and women to play matches in Saudi Arabia in future seasons. The agreement will also provide that all six ILT20 franchises include at least one Saudi player in their squads from Season 4 onwards, which will take place from December 2, 2025, until January 4, 2026.

In a statement, the ILT20 stated this will create a direct pathway for Saudi players to participate in the league, getting exposure and experience playing alongside international stars. Over the years, ILT20 has featured some of the most recognizable names in cricket, including David Warner, Dwayne Bravo, and Jonathan Trott.

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ILT20 Chairman Khalid Al Zarooni expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "We are very proud to announce our partnership with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation. Saudi Arabia is an important part of the Gulf region, and to see its ambition to develop cricket is fantastic." 

Prince Saud Bin Mishal Al-Saud, Chair of the SACF, said that the agreement of a partnership demonstrates Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing cricket players as well as advancing its wider sports agenda. "It also allows for an ongoing convergence of fan engagement and provides a new commercial pathway to develop the game with both infrastructure and tourism," he communicated. 

This agreement demonstrates Saudi Arabia's significant progress in becoming a regional cricketing superpower and continuing to diversify its sports ecosystem as part of Vision 2030.

In a major boost to its growing cricket landscape, Saudi Arabia has unveiled plans to construct three state-of-the-art international cricket stadiums. This ambitious initiative highlights the Kingdom’s determination to become a premier sports hub in the Middle East and promote professional cricket on home soil.

The new cricket venues will be built to meet the highest international standards, offering world-class facilities for players, match officials, and fans alike.

Once completed, these stadiums will host domestic leagues, T20 tournaments, and international cricket matches, paving the way for Saudi Arabia to feature on the global cricketing map. This landmark project underscores the nation’s commitment to developing cricket infrastructure, enhancing sports tourism, and attracting major cricket tournaments to the region.

Cricket has experienced considerable growth in popularity across the country in recent years, spurred on, largely, by the presence of a sizeable South Asian expatriate population and the Kingdom's desire to diversify its sporting portfolio, as part of the Vision 2030 aims. The Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) has established grassroots cricket, formed plans for national leagues, and sought global exposure through international partnerships.

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According to reports, the new cricket venues will be strategically located in key cities across Saudi Arabia to ensure easy access and foster a growing passion for cricket throughout the Kingdom.

Each stadium will feature professional training facilities, advanced spectator amenities, and state-of-the-art technology infrastructure suitable for both day and night matches.

This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader sports strategy, which already includes major investments in golf, football, Formula 1, and boxing. By expanding into cricket, the Kingdom aims to diversify its sports portfolio, attract global audiences, and increase international sports tourism.

As a result, Saudi Arabia is poised to emerge as a major cricket-hosting nation, creating exciting opportunities for players, fans, and sponsors alike. The project reinforces the Kingdom’s ambition to become a global sports powerhouse and a premier destination for world-class cricket events.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What is Saudi Arabia’s plan for new cricket stadiums?
Saudi Arabia has announced plans to construct three state-of-the-art international cricket stadiums in key cities. These venues will feature world-class facilities for players, officials, and spectators, aiming to host domestic leagues, T20 tournaments, and international cricket matches.

2. Why is Saudi Arabia investing in cricket infrastructure?
This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader sports strategy to establish itself as a global sports hub. By investing in cricket infrastructure, the Kingdom hopes to promote the game domestically, attract international tournaments, and increase sports tourism.

3. Where will the new cricket stadiums be located?
The stadiums will be strategically positioned in targeted cities across Saudi Arabia to ensure easy access for fans and players, helping to grow cricket’s popularity throughout the Kingdom.

4. What facilities will the new cricket venues offer?
The upcoming stadiums will include professional training areas, advanced spectator amenities, and technology-driven infrastructure suitable for both day and night matches, meeting international standards for cricket events.

5. How will Saudi Arabia benefit from hosting international cricket matches?
Hosting international cricket tournaments will position Saudi Arabia as a prominent cricket-hosting nation, attract global audiences, provide opportunities for players and sponsors, and strengthen the Kingdom’s reputation as a sports powerhouse in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia has made a remarkable move to become a global cricket destination with the announcement of the World Cricket Festival (WCF) 2025, happening this November in Jeddah. The WCF was launched this week at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Riyadh in the presence of HRH Prince Saud Bin Meshal Al-Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF).

The festival is part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategy to expand sports and entertainment opportunities, and at the centre of the WCF is the F2 Double Wicket World Cup with 10 international teams in a unique and fast format. The F2 Double Wicket World Cup introduces new innovations like the Super Sub Rule and the Fireball Over, which will generate excitement beyond regular cricket.

In support of cricket’s growth in the Kingdom, SACF's commercial arm, the Cricket Investment Company (CIC), has partnered with Infinix Holding Ltd, and Infinix has provided the sportswear FIREOX, the official kit sponsor of the Saudi national cricket team since 2022. Organisers expect revenues of SAR 51.6 million in 2025, and revenues could rise to SAR 150 million by 2028, demonstrating the festival's ambition to create a sustainable cricket industry in the Kingdom.

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Saudi Arabia set to host World Cricket Festival 2025 in Jeddah

It is important to note that the WCF will encompass more than just cricket. It will include matches, cultural programs, and live entertainment - future festivals now have a full festival experience. Former international stars, including Saqlain Mushtaq, Yasir Shah, and Wasim Jaffer, were present at the launch, when they were impressed with the efforts of Saudi Arabia to spread cricket into new parts of the world. 

There will be a number of tournaments under the WCF banner, including the Foundation Day Cup (F20), the Gulf Premier League (Soft Ball), the TX Arabia T10 Tournament, and the Saudi Corporate Premier League. They will also collectively attract and engage players at different levels of experience, with both professional cricketers and those with a passion for cricket for the love of the game.

The ambitions of Saudi Arabia represent a wider aspiration for sporting ambitions. Apart from the national football league, the Saudi Pro League has set out to establish the lucrative attraction of global stars to an emerging football reputation, whilst the cricket initiatives set out to put the Kingdom on the global cricket map.

For the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the WCF is the introduction to a new era of the game that offers not only economic benefits, but also socio-cultural duty in the future of sport.

Saudi Arabia is going to take a giant leap into franchise cricket with a whopping $500 million investment in a new T20 league. The league, as per reports, will consist of eight teams and have a novel format that is like a tennis Grand Slam, with games played in four venues during the course of the year.

Supported by Saudi Arabia's SRJ Sports Investments

The league is being backed by SRJ Sports Investments, founded by former Australia's A-League CEO Danny Townsend. Talks over the project have been ongoing for a year between SRJ Sports Investments and the International Cricket Council (ICC), according to reports.

The concept was first devised by Australian Neil Maxwell, an ex-cricketer and celebrated player manager. He now manages Australian captain Pat Cummins, and has been a board member of the Australian Cricketers' Association and Cricket NSW, too.

Aiming to Fix Cricket's Bigger Challenges

The primary objective of this league is to address some of cricket's most pertinent issues, primarily issues regarding the future of Test cricket outside of the domination of India, Australia, and England.

Although leading players will be paid generously, the league has been created as an additional source of revenue for cricket-playing nations. Presently, money in cricket is largely dictated by broadcasting contracts and ICC distributions that have a heavy bias towards India, Australia, and England. Smaller nations usually get into financial trouble, and this league is set to introduce a more equitable financial model.

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How Will This League Fit In?

If sanctioned by the ICC, the tournament will take place in available windows, so it does not conflict with other T20 leagues such as the IPL and BBL.

The new league will include:

• New franchise clubs, located in traditional cricket countries as well as growing markets
• Men's and women's competitions
• A traveling format, supplementing current domestic leagues instead of competing with them
• A final potentially held in Saudi Arabia

No Official Confirmation Yet
Although there are reports that this league has been under discussion for a year, Neil Maxwell and Danny Townsend have said nothing on the matter.

With this ambitious venture going ahead, the future of world cricket could be turned upside down, making smaller countries more financially stable while giving fans yet another thrilling T20 tournament.