Dubai: Saudi Arabia has made its official entry into mainstream professional cricket through a strategic partnership with the International League T20 (ILT20), marking a significant moment for the sport in the Gulf region.

Under the agreement, all six franchises participating in the upcoming DP World ILT20 Season 4 will be required to include at least one player from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in their squads. The mandate will take effect from the upcoming player auction, scheduled for Wednesday.

The Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF) has formally sanctioned and licensed the ILT20 – approved by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) – as an official men’s and women’s T20 league authorised to host matches within Saudi Arabia in future seasons.

“Saudi Arabia players will also have a direct pathway into the DP World ILT20,” the league confirmed in a statement. “Notably, the DP World ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction… will require each franchise to secure at least one player from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

In addition, ILT20 matches are set to be staged in Saudi Arabia in the coming years as part of a broader effort to foster a new cricketing ecosystem in the country. Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia hosted its first major cricket festival, signalling its ambitions to position itself as a serious player in the international cricketing landscape.

“We are very proud to announce our partnership with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation,” said Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of the ILT20. “Saudi Arabia is a key part of the Gulf region, and its commitment to developing cricket is inspiring.”

Prince Saud Bin Mishal Al-Saud, Chairman of the SACF, described the collaboration as a natural extension of the Kingdom’s growing investment in sport.

“It also provides a platform for fan engagement within the Kingdom and opens up further avenues for developing the game across infrastructure and tourism,” he said.

David White, CEO of ILT20, hailed the move as “a significant step to grow the game across the Gulf region.”

The ILT20 Season 4 will commence on December 2, 2025 and run through to January 4, 2026, featuring 34 matches and several high-profile players. Previous editions of the tournament have seen the participation of international stars such as Dwayne Bravo, David Warner, and Jonathan Trott.

This strategic entry aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader sports diversification drive, which has included recent investments in football, motorsport, and golf – now adding cricket to its growing portfolio.

(With PTI inputs)