Saudi Arabia has joined the cricket bandwagon as they continue their efforts towards making a mark in the sporting field as they continue to make moves to diversify their economy and not remain one that was known for being oil-dependent for years. The country has announced its first-ever franchise cricket league, which is named the Dunes T20 League, and has roped in an Indian cricket legend.
The first season of the league will take place in October this year and will have six teams. Matches will take place in Taif, which is near Jeddah. The league is being organized by the South Asian Network (SAN), who were handed rights to organize the league by the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) in October 2026. SAN has signed a strategic partnership with unique Sports Group and Prolithic Talent Agency.
"South Asian Network Limited today announced a strategic partnership with Unique Sports Group and Prolithic Talent Agency, the sports management and investment company mentored by cricket legend Yuvraj Singh, to launch the Dunes T20 League in Saudi Arabia in October 2026.The partnership follows SAN Ltd being awarded the rights by the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation in October 2025 to establish and operate the Kingdom’s first professional T20 cricket competition.
"The six-team league will run from the second week of October 2026 and represents a significant step in the development of cricket in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Dunes T20 League aims to accelerate the growth of the sport across the region, provide opportunities for emerging and established local players, and deliver a world-class sporting and entertainment product to global audiences, with legends of the game expected to be involved," said a statement by the ogranisers.
"The partnership combines SAN Ltd’s commercial and operational expertise with Unique Sports Group’s international sports and talent management experience and Prolithic Talent Agency’s work in athlete representation, brand development and sports investment.With Yuvraj Singh joining as League Ambassador, the Dunes T20 League will benefit from his experience at the highest level of international cricket and his global fan following," they added.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia's Saudi Pro League has paid big money to attract the best football players in the world. This includes Cristiano Ronaldo, who continues to play for Al Nassr. The likes of Neymar, Karim Benzema, and N'Golo Kante, among several top stars, have played in the league in the last few years. This has come as a major disruption in the sport, as the best players usually play for top European clubs.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) also launched a LIV Golf Tour to rival the PGA Tour, but recently they announced they are withdrawing funding at the end of the ongoing season.
Saudi Arabia has also made major investments in cricket through sponsorships. State-owned oil company Aramco became the first-ever sponsor of the orange and purple cap in the 2022 season. They are also premier partners of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Meanwhile, Jeddah had also hosted the 2025 IPL Mega Auction.
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