International League T20 (ILT20) has announced a historic partnership with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF), a move that will allow the league to stage matches in Saudi Arabia in upcoming seasons.
The SACF has officially sanctioned and licensed the ILT20 — covering both men’s and women’s cricket — making Saudi Arabia an official host nation for one of the Gulf’s leading T20 competitions. The agreement underlines ILT20’s ambition to expand its footprint in the region while accelerating the growth of cricket in the Kingdom.
As part of the deal, the ILT20 will work alongside SACF and its commercial arm, the Cricket Investment Company (CIC), to develop infrastructure, grow the sport at the grassroots level, and nurture emerging Saudi talent. In a landmark step for local players, ILT20 franchises will be required to include at least one Saudi cricketer in their squads for the Season 4 Player Auction on 1 October.
League officials confirmed that ILT20 matches will be staged in Saudi Arabia in the coming years, while a separate development tournament — starting in 2026 — will provide local players a direct pathway into the main league.
Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of ILT20, said the collaboration reflects a shared vision for cricket across the Gulf. “Saudi Arabia is a key part of the region, and its commitment to developing cricket is inspiring. This partnership will create opportunities for players and bring world-class cricket closer to fans,” he said.
HRH Prince Saud Bin Mishal Al-Saud, Chairman of SACF, hailed the deal as a milestone for Saudi cricket under Vision 2030. “This collaboration gives our players opportunities to grow on an international stage while engaging fans and strengthening infrastructure. It will also encourage more young men and women to take up cricket across the Kingdom,” he noted.
ILT20 CEO David White said Saudi Arabia’s inclusion is a natural extension of the league’s impact in the UAE. “We have seen how the ILT20 has benefited players in the UAE. With Saudi Arabia’s rapid growth in sport and entertainment, this partnership is a tremendous opportunity to develop cricket and infrastructure,” he said.
The DP World ILT20 Season 4 begins on December 2 this year, featuring six franchises and 34 matches, culminating in the final on January 4, 2026.
The SACF has officially sanctioned and licensed the ILT20 — covering both men’s and women’s cricket — making Saudi Arabia an official host nation for one of the Gulf’s leading T20 competitions. The agreement underlines ILT20’s ambition to expand its footprint in the region while accelerating the growth of cricket in the Kingdom.
As part of the deal, the ILT20 will work alongside SACF and its commercial arm, the Cricket Investment Company (CIC), to develop infrastructure, grow the sport at the grassroots level, and nurture emerging Saudi talent. In a landmark step for local players, ILT20 franchises will be required to include at least one Saudi cricketer in their squads for the Season 4 Player Auction on 1 October.
League officials confirmed that ILT20 matches will be staged in Saudi Arabia in the coming years, while a separate development tournament — starting in 2026 — will provide local players a direct pathway into the main league.
Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of ILT20, said the collaboration reflects a shared vision for cricket across the Gulf. “Saudi Arabia is a key part of the region, and its commitment to developing cricket is inspiring. This partnership will create opportunities for players and bring world-class cricket closer to fans,” he said.
HRH Prince Saud Bin Mishal Al-Saud, Chairman of SACF, hailed the deal as a milestone for Saudi cricket under Vision 2030. “This collaboration gives our players opportunities to grow on an international stage while engaging fans and strengthening infrastructure. It will also encourage more young men and women to take up cricket across the Kingdom,” he noted.
ILT20 CEO David White said Saudi Arabia’s inclusion is a natural extension of the league’s impact in the UAE. “We have seen how the ILT20 has benefited players in the UAE. With Saudi Arabia’s rapid growth in sport and entertainment, this partnership is a tremendous opportunity to develop cricket and infrastructure,” he said.
The DP World ILT20 Season 4 begins on December 2 this year, featuring six franchises and 34 matches, culminating in the final on January 4, 2026.
