ECB Rejects Saudi Arabia’s ‘Grand Slam of Cricket’ Proposal
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has firmly dismissed the possibility of a Saudi-backed global T20 league, citing a packed international calendar and concerns over player workload.
Saudi Arabia’s Proposed T20 League
- According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Saudi Arabia planned to launch the ‘Grand Slam of Cricket’, an eight-team tournament played across four locations annually.
- The venture was reportedly financially backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, aiming to challenge established franchise leagues.
ECB’s Response: No Room for Another T20 League
ECB chief executive Richard Gould ruled out any support for the proposed league, emphasizing the already congested cricketing calendar.
“With the busy international calendar, a host of established franchise leagues around the world, and existing concerns about player workloads, there is no scope or demand for such an idea,” Gould told SMH.
The ECB remains focused on The Hundred, which recently secured a $1.27 billion investment, solidifying its position in the global franchise market.
Franchise Cricket’s Dominance
- The Indian Premier League (IPL) remains the most powerful T20 franchise competition.
- Established leagues in Australia (BBL), Pakistan (PSL), South Africa (SA20), the UAE (ILT20), and the West Indies (CPL) have strong followings.
Australia’s Player Union Open to Talks
While the ECB dismissed the proposal, the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) has expressed interest in the Saudi-backed T20 concept.
The ACA sees the proposal as an opportunity to:
✅ Enhance player earnings
✅ Promote international pay equity for male and female cricketers
✅ Introduce better collective bargaining models
With major cricket boards protecting their franchise tournaments, Saudi Arabia’s cricket ambitions may face significant resistance from the sport’s governing bodies.
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