In a significant development for Gulf cricket, the International League T20 (ILT20) recently unveiled a landmark strategic partnership with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF). This new alliance officially permits the ILT20, encompassing both men’s and women’s T20 leagues, to host matches within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in forthcoming seasons. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the league’s ongoing efforts to expand and enrich the sport throughout the wider Gulf region.
Through this partnership, ILT20 will work closely with SACF and its commercial arm, the Cricket Investment Company (CIC), to actively develop cricket in Saudi Arabia while simultaneously identifying and nurturing local talent. A key aspect of this initiative is creating a direct pathway for Saudi players into the league. For instance, the ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction, scheduled for Wednesday, October 1st, will require each franchise to secure at least one cricketer from Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, ILT20 matches will be staged in Saudi Arabia in the coming years, greatly enhancing the sport’s visibility and popularity in the country.
Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of ILT20, expressed his profound satisfaction, stating, “We are incredibly proud to announce our partnership with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation. Saudi Arabia is an integral part of the Gulf region, and its dedication to developing cricket is truly inspiring. This collaboration is built on our shared vision of expanding the game beyond traditional borders. The ILT20 aims to create substantial opportunities for players and bring world-class cricket closer to a broader audience of fans.”
Adding to this sentiment, HRH Prince Saud Bin Mishal Al-Saud, Chairman of SACF, highlighted the broader significance of the alliance. “We are proud to partner with the ILT20,” he affirmed. “This collaboration underscores our firm commitment to developing cricket within the country and empowering our players with opportunities to grow and excel on an international stage. It also serves as a robust platform for fan engagement within the Kingdom and paves the way for further advancements in cricketing infrastructure and sports tourism.” Prince Saud emphasized that this partnership aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which places a strong focus on sport and community engagement. He believes it will inspire more young men and women to take up cricket and play a vital role in the sport’s growth by enabling private sector participation within Saudi Arabia. He concluded by reiterating the immense importance of this joint effort for both SACF and ILT20, as they collectively expand cricket’s reach and become a catalyst for its growth across the Gulf region.
ILT20 CEO David White further elaborated on the strategic importance, calling it a “significant step” in the league’s vision to grow the game across the Gulf. He pointed to the proven success of the ILT20 platform in developing young talent from the UAE through world-class coaching and experience playing alongside international stars. Given Saudi Arabia’s dynamic growth in sport and entertainment, White sees this partnership as a “tremendous opportunity” for Saudi cricketers to develop. He confirmed that ILT20 tournament matches would be hosted in Saudi Arabia in the coming years, and from next year, a dedicated development tournament would also be staged there, offering local talent an excellent chance to contend for spots in the main event. The league is also committed to supporting Saudi Arabia in its cricketing infrastructure development.
ILT20 Season 4 is set to commence on Tuesday, December 2nd, featuring six teams competing across 34 matches, with the grand finale scheduled for Sunday, January 4th, 2026. This comprehensive partnership is expected to play a transformative role in solidifying cricket’s presence in the Gulf region while offering an invaluable platform for local talent to shine on the international stage.