When the Indian Premier League (IPL) was introduced, it was severely criticized for its delayed introduction, as other major countries had already introduced domestic leagues.

Though losing out on the first mover advantage, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has not only become the most popular league but also the ‘numero uno’ Premier league in cricket in terms of coverage, income, and participation levels over the years.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has not only made India’s domestic cricket relevant but also made it an outlet to enter the national team. Even International players have reaped the benefits of the league when they make comebacks into their respective national teams after their IPL performances.

The Indian Premier League (IPL), today is the biggest and richest cricket extravaganza on earth.

It has remained the most envious cricket property for countries who could not come to the level of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Can it remain at the top position or will there be new competition that can become a threat to Indian Premier League’s dominance in world cricket?

Neil Maxwell, manager of current Australian captain Pat Cummins is helping Saudi Arabia to set up an ambitious Global T20 League that will shake the entire dynamics of Global T20 League cricket.

Neil Maxwell has been working with the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) to develop the Saudi League as an exciting new event in world sports with a much greater potential than the present Indian Premier League (IPL).

 Saudi Arabia’s Global T20 League: A Game Changer?

Saudi Arabia is attempting to do a major shakeup in franchise cricket by entering into this lucrative space. Saudia Arabia wanting to be world’s top sports destination has been active in sports lately. They have made exponential progress in multiple sports like Tennis and Football.

A similar attempt is being made in cricket too.

The league is backed by Saudi Arabia’s SRJ Sports Investments, the sports division of the kingdom’s $1 trillion sovereign wealth fund. The ICC is currently discussing its approval.

The oil-rich nation is bringing in significant investment in cricket to launch a Global T20 League worth $500 million.  The sheer size of the investment into a new league may ruffle a few feathers in the current T20 space.

Will this change cricket dynamics?

     Proposed Format for the Global T20 League

• 8 Team Tournament
• The tournament will feature matches played across four different locations worldwide each year. Similar to the Tennis Grand slam.
• The final of the event will be staged in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the country’s ambition to become a major cricket destination.
• The format is significantly different from the IPL where IPL is focussed on Indian players with foreign players included.
• The league will feature both men’s and women’s competitions.Saudi Arabia’s Sports Push Beyond Cricket
  

  Saudi Arabia’s sports ambitions are no secret. They’ve already shaken up:

  • Football, signing Cristiano Ronaldo and other stars

  • Golf, with the launch of LIV Golf

  • Formula 1 motor racing, with massive investments

  • And now, hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup

  With the Global T20 League, Saudi Arabia is eyeing a firm entry into cricket, aiming to become a world sports powerhouse.

  The Saudi league is expected to generate new revenues for world cricket which will indirectly enhance the earnings of individual players

Assurance of Minimal disruption to cricket calendar

 As per the organizers of the Global T20 League, the tournament is expected to not clash with International matches and other franchise cricket dates including Indian Premier League (IPL) and Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).

Just an Eye Wash?

Supersports believe this may just be a cushioning done by the organizer to see minimal roadblocks from the existing cricket playing top teams.

This new league is expected to benefit the smaller cricketing nations and the league will be designed to distribute revenue evenly, thus providing more funds for the smaller nations. This may prompt teams like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Srilanka and even associate nations to take interest.

Major factors that will shape Saudi League’s Success

• Saudi is not a cricket-playing nation and do not have a team of its own. This may be a huge disadvantage for teams to be persuaded to come to Saudi and play the final
• BCCI conducted the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction in Saudi Arabia. So is there some understanding of the BCCI with the Saudis?
• Will Indian players participate in the league.
• If no, then the league will slowly lose steam.
• If yes, then will Pakistan players be allowed in the league?

In both cases, this is a serious roadblock.

• Will ICC give approval to a non-cricketing playing nation? Without ICC’s clearance, the cricket league may not find any buyers, especially from cricket-playing nations.
• This league can seriously affect the other formats of the game and can hurt traditional cricket, especially Test cricket and ODI.

Supersports360 Verdict – No Immediate Threat for IPL

Nearing two decades of existence, Indian Premier League (IPL) has only become stronger year on year and does not see any threat from the growing number of T20 leagues globally including the Saudi venture.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is estimated to be valued at over USD 12 billion per match, it is the second most valued sporting league in the world, only behind the NFL in the United States.

Currently, no cricket league poses a threat to the Indian Premier League (IPL). In fact, IPL owners have been expanding their footprint with investments in leagues organized by foreign boards including CPL, SA20, MLC, ILT20, and most recently The Hundred in the UK.

IPL should constantly innovate to maintain its supremacy.

Also Read: BCCI Contemplating Major Rule Changes For IPL 2025