IPL Chair Confirms Saudi Interest in Cricket

Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Dhumal has confirmed that Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in investing in cricket, but clarified that no formal proposals have been submitted to date. Speaking in an interview this week, Dhumal acknowledged conversations between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Saudi officials but emphasised that discussions remain at a preliminary stage.

“There has been interest shown by Saudi Arabia in promoting cricket,” Dhumal said, “but there has been no concrete proposal or plan presented to the BCCI so far.” His comments address ongoing speculation regarding potential Saudi investment in Indian cricket or the IPL specifically, which has gained traction in recent months as Saudi Arabia continues to expand its presence across global sports.

Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in cricket is part of its wider Vision 2030 strategy, which includes significant investment in football, boxing, motorsport, and now potentially cricket. The Kingdom has hosted several international cricket matches in recent years and has been in contact with key stakeholders in the sport about future collaborations. However, Dhumal stressed that the IPL, currently governed by the BCCI, operates as a purely domestic tournament under Indian jurisdiction, limiting the scope for external ownership or investment.

“The IPL is a BCCI property and any expansion, partnership, or investment must comply with our policies and frameworks,” Dhumal said. He reiterated that while the BCCI is open to global collaboration to promote the sport, any formal tie-ups must be mutually beneficial and aligned with the long-term interests of Indian cricket.

The clarification comes amid heightened global attention on Saudi Arabia’s increasing involvement in elite sport. The Kingdom has acquired stakes in football clubs, established new golf and tennis events, and is actively developing infrastructure to support a range of sports. In cricket, Saudi Arabia has already partnered with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to support development initiatives and is reportedly exploring pathways to host more matches involving full-member nations.

Despite the lack of formal offers, Dhumal acknowledged the appeal of global interest in the IPL and Indian cricket more broadly. “The fact that global investors see value in cricket is a positive sign for the sport,” he said. “But as custodians of Indian cricket, we have to ensure any decisions are taken with complete due diligence.”

The IPL, now in its 17th season, remains one of the most commercially successful leagues in global sport, with a combined media rights value exceeding $6 billion and a global fanbase spanning Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. As Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a major sports investor, the BCCI’s response suggests a cautious but open approach to future discussions.