IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal Denies Saudi Investment Talks, Stresses Focus on Global Cricket Growth

Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Dhumal has firmly denied reports suggesting Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is in talks to invest in the IPL or create a global T20 ‘Grand Slam’ circuit. While acknowledging Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in cricket, Dhumal clarified that the league has not received any concrete proposals.

“There is no formal proposal from Saudi Arabia to invest in the IPL,” Dhumal told ESPNcricinfo. “It’s purely media speculation at this point, and we have nothing to comment on until there’s something on the table.”

Saudi Arabia has gradually increased its presence in cricket through sponsorships and partnerships. Entities like Aramco, Visit Saudi, and Neom have secured deals with IPL franchises or the league itself. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) further cemented ties by staging the IPL 2024 mega-auction in Jeddah—Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city.

IPL Eyes Global Growth Through Strategic Outreach

According to Dhumal, the decision to host the auction in Jeddah aimed to showcase the magnitude of the IPL and inspire Saudi Arabia to invest in cricket infrastructure. “We wanted to give them a taste of what IPL is all about. The scale and success of the auction surprised many and demonstrated the sport’s commercial and cultural power,” he said.

Despite the buzz around a Saudi-backed T20 ‘Grand Slam’ circuit—rumored to be supported by SURJ, the sports arm of the PIF—Dhumal reiterated that neither the BCCI nor the IPL has engaged in official dialogue on the matter.

The Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF), which is a member of the ICC, has laid out plans to build an international-standard stadium in Jeddah. However, cricket infrastructure in the country remains minimal. Dhumal sees potential for growth, comparing the situation to the United Arab Emirates, which has established itself as a cricket hub through significant investment and the launch of its own franchise league.

Overseas Matches and Champions League Revival on the Table

While the IPL has not discussed hosting exhibition matches abroad, Dhumal remained open to the idea. “If it helps spread the game and introduces IPL to new audiences, we can explore it. But no concrete discussions have taken place yet,” he said.

Dhumal also expressed willingness to reconsider the now-defunct Champions League T20, which last ran in 2014. “It might have been ahead of its time. If we find the right window and if it adds global value to the game, we can look at reviving it,” he added.

Indian Players’ Exclusivity to IPL Likely to Stay

Regarding franchise expansion, Dhumal supported IPL team owners investing in foreign leagues. Currently, eight of the ten IPL franchises have stakes in overseas T20 competitions. Several are also exploring ownership in The Hundred, England’s 100-ball league.

“We’re proud of the way IPL franchises are contributing to the global growth of cricket. As leaders in world cricket, India has a duty to play a central role in that expansion,” he remarked.

However, Dhumal reaffirmed the BCCI’s stance on Indian men’s cricketers not participating in foreign leagues. “The IPL’s premium status must be preserved. While nothing has been discussed formally, any policy change would require careful consideration,” he concluded.

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