Report: Saudi Arabia Denies Launching the World's Richest Cricket League

Saudi Arabia has dismissed reports claiming that it is set to launch the world’s richest cricket league. Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud, the Chairman of the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation (SSCF), has clarified that these reports are false. He confirmed that there are no plans to start a cricket league in the country.

The clarification came during a conversation with a few Indian journalists in Jeddah, amid the IPL auction. Prince Saud strongly refuted claims of Saudi Arabia's potential investment in the Indian Premier League (IPL) or any plans to create a league that could rival the IPL. He remarked, "This is also not true."

The reports had suggested that the Saudi government and its wealthy Sheikhs were planning to start a cricket league featuring international players.

Companies from Saudi Arabia, such as Aramco and Saudi Tourism, have had longstanding associations with cricket. Aramco is a sponsor of ICC events and has even participated as an associate sponsor in the IPL. Additionally, Saudi Tourism established a partnership with the IPL a few years ago.

While Saudi Arabia does not intend to launch a cricket league, Prince Mishal Al Saud did not rule out the possibility of hosting a few IPL matches in the country in the near future. He said, "Why not?" and mentioned that he would discuss the matter further with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Saudi government.

Prince Mishal also announced plans to build an international-standard stadium in Jeddah by next year, stating, "An international-standard stadium will be constructed here in Jeddah."

In conclusion, while Saudi Arabia is not planning to launch its own cricket league, it remains open to future collaborations with international cricket events.