Saudi Arabia to launch Dunes T20 League with Yuvraj Singh as ambassador amid IPL disruption rumours

Saudi Arabia to launch Dunes T20 League with Yuvraj Singh as ambassador amid IPL disruption rumours originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Saudi Arabia launches its first cricket franchise league, the Dunes League T20, in October.
• Yuvraj Singh will serve as ambassador for the six-team tournament in Taif.
• Top player salaries could reach USD 100,000, with retired internationals expected to feature.

Saudi Arabia steps into cricket with the Dunes League T20, due to launch in October

Saudi Arabia is set to launch the Dunes League T20, which is a six-team franchise tournament sanctioned by the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation.

It is set to take place in October this year in Taif, a city near Jeddah. Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has been appointed as the league's ambassador for promotional purposes. 

Over the past few years, the kingdom has taken deliberate, measured steps, sponsoring ICC events, hosting the IPL player auction in 2024, and forming a working partnership with the UAE's ILT20 last year.

The SACF also signed a long-term agreement to stage the FairBreak Women's T20 Challenge, though its first edition has been delayed due to regional conflict. Each of these moves was a stepping stone toward something larger.

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How is the Dunes League T20 being built?

The Dunes League T20 has been put together in partnership with the South Asian Network and two talent agencies, which are Unique Sports Group, whose client list includes England fast bowler Jofra Archer, and Prolithic, which manages India batter Abhishek Sharma. 

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What are the player registration rules in Dunes League T20?

Player eligibility rules have been set carefully to stay within ICC thresholds. Each team will be permitted a maximum of four cricketers who have appeared in Full Member international cricket within the last two years.

Beyond that, the league is expected to draw heavily from retired internationals who remain active on the global franchise circuit. 

The marquee players could even earn salaries upto USD 100,000.

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The Cricket News Opinion: Should IPL be concerned with the rise of cricket in Saudi Arabia?

The Dunes League T20 is modest in its current form. But Saudi Arabia does not tend to stay modest for long. If the October launch goes smoothly and the broadcast interest follows, this could grow quickly into something far more significant. 

If it grows big enough, then IPL might have reasons to be concerned. They have deep pockets, and even BCCI are likely to struggle competing with Saudi Arabia. 

BCCI would be wise to watch carefully rather than dismiss what is happening in Taif.

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