Saudi Arabia and ILT20 Collaboration

Saudi Arabia has just made a bold move into the buzzing world of cricket, announcing a strategic ILT20 collaboration with the UAE-based league. No doubt, this deal opens the door for the Kingdom to step onto the big stage, where India, Pakistan, and England have long ruled the scene. We’re no longer talking just about TV broadcasts or festival matches – this is about genuine participation in an international tournament.

What the ILT20 Collaboration Looks Like

The International League T20 (ILT20) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league hosted in the UAE. Despite being around for just a few seasons, it’s already carved out a prime slot in the cricketing calendar: six franchises, star players from across the globe, and plenty of hype from broadcasters and fans.

For the Gulf region, ILT20 collaboration is one of the flagship sporting projects, keeping fans hooked during breaks between the bigger tournaments.

And now, Saudi Arabia is stepping right into the action. The Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) has signed an agreement with ILT20 organizers, officially locking in a partnership that pushes cricket in the Kingdom to a whole new level.

Here are the main terms of the deal:

• The key milestone will be Season 4 of ILT20, running from December 2025 to January 2026.
• Every ILT20 franchise must field at least one Saudi Arabian player.
• In the future, matches could even be staged on Saudi soil.

Beyond the main league, there are plans for a dedicated tournament to develop local talent and to stage women’s fixtures.

For ILT20 collaboration, it’s a move to expand its reach and fanbase. For Saudi Arabia, it’s a golden ticket to slot cricket into the Kingdom’s official sporting agenda. Fans in the region can now expect that in just a couple of years, cricket in KSA won’t be some rare festival event but a steady part of the sporting calendar.

Why Saudi Arabia Is Doing This

The tie-up with an international league is directly linked to the country’s Vision 2030 program. This massive modernization plan goes way beyond the economy, touching culture and sports as well. The government is aiming to shake off the “just oil” image and rebrand the Kingdom as a hub for investments, tourism, and headline-making events.

Sport is a big lever in this game plan. Saudi Arabia has already gone all-in on football, motorsports, and boxing – and now it’s cricket’s turn. The whole idea is to grow mass-appeal sports, open up new jobs, and draw global attention through top-tier international projects.

What the Officials Are Saying

Right after the announcement of the ILT20 collaboration, both league organizers and Saudi cricket officials laid out their vision: covering goals, timing and the shake-up this could bring to the sport across the Gulf.

HRH Prince Saud Bin Mishal AlSaud, SACF Chairman:

“We are proud to join forces with ILT20. This partnership shows our full commitment to developing cricket and paves the way for Saudi players to break into the international stage.”

Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of ILT20:

“Saudi Arabia is a key part of the region, and its drive to build cricket is truly inspiring. This partnership is built on a shared vision of growing the game beyond borders.”

David White, CEO of ILT20:

“No doubt, this is a huge step for cricket’s future in the region. We’ve already seen young UAE players benefit from ILT20, and we’re confident Saudi athletes will get the same opportunities.”

So now it’s a waiting game until Season 4 of the International League. That’s when we’ll really see how the new rules, with Saudi players in every squad, shake things up, and how fast cricket can take root in the Kingdom.