ECB Opposes $500 Million Saudi-Backed Global T20 League

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has rejected the idea of a Saudi-funded Global T20 League, citing concerns over an already packed international schedule and the additional burden it would place on players. With multiple franchise leagues already in existence, the ECB believes another global competition would exacerbate workload issues for cricketers.

According to multiple reports, the proposed league is inspired by tennis' Grand Slam format and will feature eight teams. The tournament will include both men's and women's matches and will take place across four different locations throughout the year. The final is expected to be hosted in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia’s SRJ Sports Investments, a subsidiary of the country’s $1 trillion Public Investment Fund (PIF), is set to be the league’s primary investor, with plans to inject as much as $500 million into the project. The league aims to generate new revenue streams to sustain Test cricket and support cricket boards outside the Big Three—India, Australia, and England.

Challenges in Establishing the League

Despite the significant financial backing, the league faces several hurdles, including scheduling conflicts and the need for approval from major cricket boards. ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould has already dismissed the proposal, citing existing commitments in the cricketing calendar.

In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday, Gould stated:

"With the busy international calendar, a host of established franchise leagues around the world, and existing concerns about player workloads, there is no scope or demand for such an idea. It’s not something that we would support."

One of the ECB’s primary reasons for opposing the Global T20 League is its commitment to The Hundred, its own 100-ball tournament, which recently secured a $1.27 billion investment through private franchise deals.

Australia’s Cricketers Show Support

While the ECB has opposed the Saudi-backed T20 league, the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) has expressed support for the project, citing its potential financial benefits for players.

In a statement, the ACA highlighted its interest in exploring the concept:

"The ACA’s early interest in exploring this concept is motivated by a desire to develop and normalize best-practice collective bargaining and an international gender-equity pay model for male and female cricketers."

With differing views among major cricketing nations, the future of the Global T20 League remains uncertain. The tournament’s success will depend on securing approval from key boards and fitting within cricket’s already congested calendar.