Saudi Arabia Launches Dunes League T20, Yuvraj Singh Named Ambassador

Saudi Arabia will launch its first franchise cricket tournament, Dunes League T20, in October with six teams. Yuvraj Singh has been named the league ambassador.

Saudi Arabia Set to Enter Franchise Cricket with Dunes League T20

Saudi Arabia is preparing to make a major entry into franchise cricket with the launch of the Dunes League T20, scheduled to begin in October this year. The tournament will feature six teams and marks the country’s first major franchise-based T20 competition.

According to reports by ESPNcricinfo, the league is expected to include several recently retired international cricketers who are still active in franchise tournaments around the world. The move is being seen as another step in Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in global sports.

Saudi Cricket Federation Approves the League

The tournament has already received approval from the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation (SACF). Matches are expected to be played in Taif, a city located near Jeddah.

The league is being developed in partnership with Sports Asian Network and talent management agencies including Unique Sports Group and Prolithic.

Unique Sports represents leading cricketers such as England fast bowler Jofra Archer, while Prolithic works with Indian batter Abhishek Sharma. Their involvement indicates the league’s ambition to attract internationally recognized talent.

Yuvraj Singh Becomes League Ambassador

Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has been appointed as the official ambassador of the Dunes League T20. His inclusion is expected to boost the tournament’s visibility among cricket fans across Asia and the Middle East.

The Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation had first revealed plans for the league last year. Officials stated that the primary objective is to place Saudi Arabia on the global cricket map while also creating opportunities for local players to develop their skills alongside experienced international cricketers.

Foreign Player Rules and Salary Structure

Reports suggest that each team will be allowed to include a maximum of four overseas players who have represented a full-member nation in international cricket during the last two years.

This structure keeps the tournament within ICC regulations and avoids the need for separate approval processes. Player salaries could reportedly reach nearly 100,000 US dollars, making it an attractive option for experienced franchise cricketers.

Saudi Arabia Expanding Its Presence in Global Sports

Over the past five years, Saudi Arabia has heavily invested in international sports events including football, boxing, Formula One, golf, and tennis. The country has also increased its involvement in cricket through sponsorship deals with the ICC and by hosting the IPL 2024 auction.

Speculation about Saudi Arabia launching a cricket league similar to the IPL has been circulating for several years. Discussions around large-scale T20 investments also gained attention after reports involving the Australian Cricketers’ Association and a proposed “Grand Slam” cricket model.

However, Saudi Arabia appears to be taking a gradual and strategic approach toward cricket development. Partnerships with leagues like the UAE’s ILT20 and growing ties with international cricket bodies suggest the country is aiming to become a long-term player in the sport.

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