‘Bhai T20 leagues hi khelte rhoge kya’ – Fans react as Indian players likely to be allowed to play in Saudi Arabia’s richest T20 league

The richest T20 league in the world is set to be held in Saudi Arabia, and the owners of the Indian Premier League are expected to be approached with the concept. A Formula 1 race with the name Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was recently organised by the Saudi government. Now, it seems that they intend to make investments in a variety of sports to draw attention around the world.

In order to increase involvement, they have contacted the IPL owners and are also hoping that the Indian Cricket Board will permit Indian players to compete in their league. The Indian players are only permitted to compete in the IPL. According to The Age, conversations over the Saudi Arabian league have been going on for nearly a year. Any potential Gulf league would require approval from the top cricket organisation and all of its members.

Saudi Arabia has drawn criticism for trying to hide its dismal history with respect to human rights by making significant investments in international sports and events, most notably the Public Investment Fund’s purchase of Premier League side Newcastle United.

Cricket would work quite well for Saudi Arabia: Greg Barclay

The head of cricket’s governing body, Greg Barclay, previously claimed that Saudi Arabia was willing to invest heavily in cricket after heavily sponsoring other sports like football and Formula 1.

“If you look at other sports they’ve been involved in, cricket is something I imagine would be attractive to them. Given their advance into sport more generally, cricket would work quite well for Saudi Arabia. They’re pretty keen to invest in sport, and given their regional presence, cricket would seem a pretty obvious one to pursue,” said Barclay.

The ILT20, a T20 league created by the UAE, was also introduced last year, and many IPL owners became participants. Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud, the president of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Organization, expects that Saudi Arabia would eventually become a “destination for global cricket.”

Here’s how fans reacted:

Nhi khelna chahiye IPL ne naas maar rkha h baki leagues me Jane lgg gye to international se bilkul Mann hat jayega bcz pesa hi itna milega leagues me

— Rohit Bector (@rohit_bector) April 14, 2023

Bina former players or crowd ke bina koi league badi nahi bn skti!! IPL remains biggest brand forever!!!

— Jagdish Paul ❤ (@Junior_J__) April 14, 2023

PEESL band karane ke chakkar me hai Jay shah sahab 😂😂😂

— ICT Man (@Sudhir44612324) April 14, 2023

It will be a disaster for IPL. BCCI shouldn't change it's rules at any cost.

— Rahul (@_RK0808) April 14, 2023

BCCI to Saudi Arabia pic.twitter.com/lWEdKWOIaF

— king kohli (@superv_a) April 14, 2023

Saudi Arabia to Pakistani Jealous Fans in Comment Section 😅 pic.twitter.com/CfTQyqt2IW

— Fourth Umpire 😴 (@TukTukCricketer) April 14, 2023

Money matters..BCCI is hungry for money they will definitely change the rules for this

— भाई साहब (@Bhai_saheb) April 14, 2023

Money Money Money….

— Attend (@needumjan) April 14, 2023

Paise ka chakkar he Babu bhaiya 20 din me Paisa double ,india chhodo Saudi arabia aa jaoo

— Mk(dhoni🥺) (@Markand_231) April 14, 2023