Saudi Arabia Joins Mainstream Cricket Through ILT20 Partnership

Saudi Arabia has entered mainstream cricket for the first time by partnering with the International League T20 (ILT20). As part of the deal, all six franchises in the league will be required to include at least one Saudi player in their squads.

The Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) has sanctioned the DP World ILT20, approved by the Emirates Cricket Board, as an official T20 league for hosting matches in Saudi Arabia in future seasons. This initiative also provides Saudi players a direct pathway into the league, with the upcoming Season 4 Player Auction mandating franchise participation.

ILT20 matches will be staged in Saudi Arabia in the coming years, following a cricket festival held earlier this month aimed at building a local ecosystem for the sport. The league has featured notable players such as Dwayne Bravo, Jonathan Trott, and David Warner.

ILT20 Chairman Khalid Al Zarooni called the partnership “inspiring” for cricket development in the Gulf, while SACF Chairman Prince Saud Bin Mishal Al-Saud emphasized its role in boosting fan engagement, infrastructure, and tourism. CEO David White described it as a “significant step” to grow cricket across the region.