How Saudi cricket can emulate the transformation of the football landscape in the Kingdom

RIYADH: Amidst an electrifying atmosphere, the 2023-24 season of the Roshn Saudi League roared into life last Friday, igniting a fervor unparalleled in its history.

After recruiting one of the most followed footballers in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo, last season, the Saudi League took huge strides by further recruiting an abundance of international talent.

The Roshn Saudi League has experienced a significant overhaul, characterized by the introduction of high-profile players and an overall transformation that has garnered global attention. As Saudi cricket seeks to expand its horizons and enhance its global standing, it can draw valuable insights from the successful changes implemented in football.

It is an undeniable truth that cricket in Saudi Arabia pales in comparison to the soaring popularity of football. However, the Kingdom is home to over 6 million expats who hail from cricketing nations. Furthermore, cricket has had a long tradition within the Kingdom with some local cricketing bodies being in existence for over thirty years. Capitalizing on the current sports frenzy in Saudi Arabia, Saudi cricket stands poised to seize the moment and deliver a much-needed, exemplary product that surpasses all expectations.

Saudi cricket has already made headlines around the world when the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation teased a proposed franchise-based cricket league, which the Guardian called “(potentially) the world’s most lucrative Twenty20 tournament.” 

ICC Chairman Greg Barclay was also asked about the proposed league and said: “Given their advance into sport more generally, cricket would work quite well for Saudi Arabia. They’re pretty keen to invest in sport and given their regional presence, cricket would seem