BCCI, ECB Refuse to Back Saudi T20 League: Report

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The proposed Saudi T20 league, reportedly backed by a massive $400 million investment from SRJ Sports Investments, is unlikely to gain traction with the cricketing world's most influential boards.

According to a report by The Guardian, both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have decided not to support the project in a bid to safeguard their own marquee tournaments.

The report states that the two boards reached a consensus during meetings held on the sidelines of the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord's earlier this month. "During discussions at the World Test Championship final at Lord's this month, the ECB and BCCI agreed to unite in opposing the new league.

The boards agreed they would not issue 'no objection certificates' to their players to sign up for the new competition, as well as lobbying the International Cricket Council (ICC) to withhold their endorsement," The Guardian reported.

Cricket Australia (CA), in contrast, is said to be more open to the idea, with the primary motivation being a potential financial boost. Since CA and its state associations still control the Big Bash League (BBL) franchises, partnering with external investors could provide much-needed capital.

"Under plans that emerged in Australia this year, Saudi's SRJ Sports Investments has pledged to inject USD 400m to set up the new league, which would have eight teams playing four tournaments in different locations each year in a set-up that has been compared to tennis's Grand Slams," the report added.

This significant development comes at a time when the value of existing T20 leagues is soaring. The Indian Premier League (IPL) is currently estimated to be worth $12 billion.

Meanwhile, the ECB has recently negotiated a deal worth £520 million (approximately $700 million USD) for a 49% stake in its 'Hundred' franchises. The Guardian also noted that "Cricket South Africa raised more than GBP 100m (USD 136 million) by selling franchises in its SA20 competition to Indian Premier League owners three years ago."

With BCCI Secretary Jay Shah now serving as ICC Chairman, the international body is not expected to go against the Indian board's position. This puts further doubt on the likelihood of the Saudi league receiving official recognition.

Interestingly, the ICC had earlier extended its commercial partnership with Aramco, the Saudi Arabian oil giant, which is not directly related to the proposed T20 venture. On May 9, 2024, the ICC confirmed the continuation of Aramco as a Premier Partner for all global men's, women's, and U19 events through to the end of 2027.

The governing body said in a release, "Following a successful initial 18-month term, Aramco will continue as a Premier Partner of the ICC and the partnership will include all men's and women's senior and U19s events scheduled until the end of 2027."

Despite financial muscle behind the Saudi proposal, resistance from major boards and the ICC's likely stance may significantly delay, if not derail, the project's launch.