Saudi Arabia Partners with ILT20 to Boost Cricket Integration

Dubai, Sep 30: Saudi Arabia is making significant strides into mainstream cricket by forming a strategic partnership with the International League T20 (ILT20). This collaboration mandates that each of the six franchises participating in the ILT20 tournament includes at least one player from Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) has sanctioned and licensed the DP World ILT20, which holds approval from the Emirates Cricket Board. This establishes it as an official T20 league for both men and women, and these matches are set to be hosted in Saudi Arabia in future seasons.

A crucial aspect of this partnership ensures that Saudi Arabian players are guaranteed a pathway into the DP World ILT20. Notably, the DP World ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction, set for Wednesday, requires each franchise to sign at least one player from Saudi Arabia.

In addition to the participation of Saudi players, future ILT20 matches will be hosted in Saudi Arabia—a country that recently organized a cricket festival to foster a new environment for the sport. The ILT20 has previously seen participation from renowned former players such as Dwayne Bravo, Jonathan Trott, and David Warner.

"We are extremely proud to announce our partnership with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation. Saudi Arabia is a vital part of the Gulf region, and its dedication to developing cricket is truly inspiring," stated ILT20 Chairman Khalid Al Zarooni.

Prince Saud Bin Mishal Al-Saud, Chairman of the SACF, emphasized that this partnership signifies his dedication to nurturing cricket in Saudi Arabia. "It also provides a platform for fan engagement within the Kingdom and opens up additional avenues for game development across infrastructure and tourism," he noted.

David White, CEO of ILT20, hailed the partnership as a crucial step in promoting the game throughout the Gulf region.

The ILT20 Season 4 is scheduled to commence on December 2, featuring a total of 34 matches, culminating in the final on January 4, 2026.