Despite increasing speculation, Indian Premier League (IPL) Chairman Arun Dhumal has officially denied any formal investment talks between Saudi Arabia and the IPL. In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Dhumal stated that while Saudi-backed entities have supported the league through sponsorships, there have been no proposals from the Gulf nation regarding equity investment or direct involvement in the league’s ownership structure.
Saudi Engagement So Far: Sponsorships, Not Stakeholding
Saudi Arabia’s interest in global sports, including cricket, has grown in recent years. Major state-affiliated brands such as Aramco, Visit Saudi, and Neom have already become visible sponsors within the IPL ecosystem. Additionally, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently hosted the IPL mega-auction in Jeddah in November 2024 — a strategic move aimed at expanding cricket’s footprint in the Middle East.
However, Dhumal emphasized that this collaboration was primarily intended to give Saudi stakeholders a taste of the IPL experience and its commercial scale.
“There’s been a lot of speculation about discussions between IPL, BCCI, and Saudi authorities. I want to categorically deny any such talks regarding investment. The idea was simply to give them an experience of the IPL ecosystem,” Dhumal said.
Focus on Infrastructure, Not Equity
Dhumal highlighted the broader goal of inspiring governments like Saudi Arabia to invest in local cricketing infrastructure. He cited the development of cricket in the UAE as a successful example of how infrastructure can boost the sport’s popularity and performance levels.
“If countries like Saudi Arabia want to grow cricket, infrastructure must come first. The UAE has already shown how impactful this approach can be,” he noted.
No Involvement in Proposed Global ‘Grand Slam’ T20 League
Addressing rumors about the IPL’s potential involvement in a global T20 league modeled after tennis Grand Slams — a concept allegedly being explored by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) — Dhumal was unequivocal:
“There’s nothing for us to say yes or no to — because there is no proposal on the table. These are purely media speculations,” he clarified.
BCCI’s Broader Vision: Taking Cricket Global
While dismissing direct Saudi investment rumors, Dhumal reaffirmed BCCI’s long-term strategy to promote cricket across emerging regions. He emphasized the importance of showcasing the IPL’s appeal to new audiences around the world as part of growing the game globally.
“Our responsibility is to bring cricket to new territories. If the sport is to become truly global, we must engage with diverse regions and show them what cricket can offer,” he concluded.
Summary:
No formal investment proposals have been received from Saudi Arabia regarding the IPL, despite growing Middle East interest in cricket. The BCCI remains focused on cricket diplomacy, infrastructure development, and global expansion — but not on ownership discussions, at least for now.
