ECB Rejects Saudi-Backed $500 Million Global T20 League

Saudi Arabia is looking to expand its influence in world cricket by launching a $500 million Global T20 League, inspired by tennis’ Grand Slam format. The proposed competition would feature eight teams and take place across four international locations throughout the year, with the final hosted in Saudi Arabia.

The league aims to introduce a fresh revenue model to sustain Test cricket and provide financial support to cricket boards outside the Big Three—India, Australia, and England. Saudi Arabia’s SRJ Sports Investments, a subsidiary of its $1 trillion Public Investment Fund (PIF), is leading the initiative.

ECB Stands Firm Against the New League

Despite the ambitious plans, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has firmly opposed the proposal, citing concerns over an already packed international schedule and increased workload for players.

ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould dismissed the idea in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, stating:

"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. It’s not something that we would support."

The Hundred vs. The Global T20 League

One of the key reasons for the ECB’s resistance is its commitment to The Hundred, England’s 100-ball tournament, which recently secured a $1.27 billion investment from private franchises. The ECB is keen to protect its domestic product rather than allow a rival global league to attract top players.

The Hundred is the latest new format in a series of experimentations going on with cricket to attract viewership

Australia’s Players Show Interest

While the ECB has rejected the league, the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) has expressed interest, highlighting its potential financial benefits for players.

In a statement, the ACA said:

"The ACA’s early interest in exploring this concept is motivated by a desire to develop and normalize best-practice collective bargaining and an international gender-equity pay model for male and female cricketers."

Challenges Ahead for the Global T20 League

The proposed league faces significant roadblocks, including resistance from major cricket boards and scheduling conflicts with existing franchise tournaments like the IPL, PSL, BBL, and The Hundred. If Saudi Arabia hopes to move forward with its ambitious plan, it will need to negotiate with cricket’s key stakeholders and find a way to integrate the league into an already congested calendar.

For now, the ECB remains firm in its opposition, while the debate over the future of cricket’s global expansion continues.