The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have reportedly backed out of supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitious T20 league project, dealing a major blow to the $400 million initiative.

 

According to a report by The Guardian, Saudi Arabia had planned to launch a high-profile T20 league featuring eight teams, modeled after tennis Grand Slams. The idea was to host matches across four different venues throughout the year. However, the project now faces uncertainty as both BCCI and ECB have decided not to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to their players.

 

Reports reveal that both boards have united in opposing the league to protect their own domestic tournaments; the Indian Premier League (IPL) and The Hundred. In fact, they’re planning to lobby within the International Cricket Council (ICC) to prevent top players from joining the Saudi-backed league.

 

On the other hand, Cricket Australia is reportedly open to a partnership with Saudi investors, seeing it as an opportunity for private cash flow and profit-making. Currently, the Big Bash League (BBL) franchises are owned by the governing body and state associations, unlike the private ownership model the new league proposed.

 

The report also points out the contrasting approaches in global cricket. IPL is valued at $12 billion, while The Hundred is preparing to sell 49 percent stakes in its teams to raise funds. Similarly, three years ago, Cricket South Africa sold its SA20 franchises to Indian owners, raising over $136 million.

 

The influence of Indian cricket continues to grow globally, especially with ICC chairman Jay Shah at the helm. Shah, the former BCCI secretary, is unlikely to go against the Indian board’s wishes, making it even harder for Saudi Arabia’s league to take off.