Chairman of Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) Saud bin Mishaal Al Saud told Saudi Arabia has no plan for to start a T20 cricket league but an ‘international stadium to be built in Jeddah’ to hosting Indian Premier League (IPL) matches.
According to report in cricbuzz.com, Al Saud clarified that Saudi Arabia is not going to provide capital for IPL. On reports of the oil-rich country starting its own league as well as investing in the IPL Al Saudi was recited as telling by cricbuzz.com.
On the chances of hosting IPL matches, the chairman told, ” Why not ” SACF will have consult with the BCCI as well as the Saudi government on hosting IPL matches.
Saudi’s public Investment Fund (PIF) has made investments across the sports in Football, Tennis and golf. In their domestic league, Cristiano Ronaldo is the face of big Saudi money. As per a report the PIF invested $2 billion in LIV Golf which has attracted top players. Al Saud also told that hosting the IPL auction is a major first step in the kingdom getting into cricket. He told “The IPL auction is a major first step . It will help us fasttrack some of our plans. Hosting it would not have been possible without the big support from the Saudi Government and Jay Shah (the BCCI secretary).
Rs. 639.15 crores spent over two days in IPL 2025 Mega Auction
Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Auction, held over two days ( 24th November and 25 November 2024) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and it is seen franchises spending tons of money in 182 players. All 182 players were acquired by the 10 teams with a huge sum of Rs. 639.15 crore spent. Wicket-keeper cum batsman Rishabh Pant become the most costlier player in the history of the league. Lucknow SuperGiants shelled out Rs. 27 crore for Rishabh Pant.
