Saudi Arabia is exploring new options in sports and cricket is back in the picture in a big way. There was talk last year about Saudi Arabia planning a Grand Slam-style T20 tournament, but it was just an idea. Now the same plan has come to the fore again.
After huge expenditure on LIV Golf, the resumed talks regarding Saudi-backed cricket league are not living up to the expectations. Cricket attracted attention as the success of T20 leagues in India, Australia, UAE, USA and South Africa showed huge money potential.
Saudi Arabia eyes Grand Slam League after LIV golf clash
The Cricket Grand Slam is being renewed as Saudi Arabia looks for better business opportunities in sports after its golf venture proved disappointing, The Times reports. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) will lead the project.
Also read: 3 Indian players who can be dropped from T20I squad based on IPL 2026 form
The company has already invested huge amounts of money in football, Formula 1, boxing and golf. But the golf venture, where approximately $5 billion was invested, did not produce the results they had expected. Given this, they are now focusing on sports that have a larger fan base and are easier to grow, and cricket fits perfectly into that plan.
Saudi’s Grand T20 dream returns with a big plan!
It is being said that PIF has prepared a five-year plan to bring strong economic returns through sports. Also, there are signs that they may stop funding their golf league, especially after it becomes clear that it may not make profits for many years, which would open the door for a cricket project.
The idea is to create a unique T20 tournament, possibly like a Grand Slam, where several smaller tournaments will be played at different venues and over the years, featuring the world’s top international stars. The matches will follow the rules of T20 format.
The proposed Grand Slam-style T20 tournament will be designed to fit in with the existing cricket calendar rather than replace any bilateral series. His main focus will be on global broadcasting and commercial demand.
Also Read: SRH vs CSK Dream11 Prediction Today Match, Dream11 Team Today, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update – IPL 2026, Match 27
Saudi Arabia will face major hurdles in starting Grand Slam League
However, Saudi Arabia has some big challenges to handle. With the cricket calendar already packed with international matches and various T20 leagues, finding a venue for a new tournament will not be easy. Additionally, player availability, ICC approval and cricket board interest are other hurdles that Saudi Arabia and the PIF will have to face.
The second big issue is Indian players. If Saudi Arabia wants this league to achieve great success then it will need top Indian cricketers. But BCCI does not allow its contracted players to play in foreign leagues outside the IPL. This can become a big obstacle.
If this plan goes ahead, there will be a jump in players’ earnings, commercialization of the game will also take place on a large scale and there will be a lot of competition between the leagues.
