ECB and BCCI Block Saudi-Backed T20 League: A New Power Struggle in Global Cricket

Published: June 29, 2025
Author: Pratyush Kumar Singh

📌 Introduction

The cricketing world is once again in the middle of a high-stakes controversy—this time off the field. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have taken a strong stand by refusing to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to players targeted for a new, Saudi Arabia-backed T20 league.

This blog explores the full picture: the league's ambitions, why it's being opposed, how the ICC fits in, and what it all means for the future of cricket.

🏏 What Is the Saudi-Backed T20 League?

The proposed T20 league is a major initiative by SRJ Sports Investments, linked to Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. The plan includes:

8 global teams
4 international venues annually
A Grand Slam-style format
Up to $800 million in investment
A mission to support Test cricket in financially weaker countries

It aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which involves heavy investments in sports like golf, F1, football—and now cricket.

❌ Why ECB and BCCI Are Saying "No"

1. Overcrowded Cricket Calendar

With so many T20 leagues, international series, and ICC events already on the schedule, adding another competition would strain players and disrupt planning.

2. Loss of Star Power

Indian and English cricketers are among the most marketable in the world. Without them, the new league could struggle to attract broadcasters, fans, and sponsors.

3. Threat to Existing Tournaments

The IPL and The Hundred are major financial and strategic assets for the BCCI and ECB. A rival league could impact viewership, revenue, and even franchise loyalty.

📝 What Are NOCs, and Why Are They Important?

An NOC (No Objection Certificate) is a mandatory document players need from their home board to participate in foreign leagues. By denying NOCs, the BCCI and ECB are using their authority to block participation and control player movement.

🏛️ The ICC’s Role: Will They Approve the League?

The boards are also reportedly lobbying the ICC to withhold recognition for the league. Without this endorsement:

The league won’t be officially sanctioned.
It could struggle to recruit players from other countries.
Sponsors and broadcasters may hesitate to invest.

This puts the ICC in a tough spot. The current chairman, Jay Shah, is also BCCI’s secretary, and the ICC has a £70 million sponsorship deal with Aramco, a Saudi energy giant. Politics, money, and power are deeply intertwined.

💸 Financial Stakes: A Disruption in the Making?

Let’s look at the money:

The IPL is a multi-billion-dollar enterprise.
The Hundred secured £520 million in private investment.
SA20 (South Africa’s T20 league) was sold to IPL franchise owners for over £100 million.

The Saudi league’s massive funding could trigger:

A race for player salaries
Shifts in fan loyalty
Pressure on existing leagues to increase spending

This financial disruption is a key concern for the BCCI and ECB.

🇦🇺 A Divided Response: What About Australia?

Unlike the ECB and BCCI, Cricket Australia (CA) and the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) are more receptive. They see the league as:

A new revenue stream
An opportunity to fund Test cricket
A chance to globalize the game further

This shows a growing divide in how cricket boards are responding to globalization and foreign investment.

⚖️ Ethical Concerns: The Unspoken Debate

Although not officially mentioned, many observers point to ethical issues related to Saudi Arabia’s involvement in sports. Concerns include:

Human rights violations
The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi
Accusations of "sportswashing"

These don’t appear in the ECB and BCCI's official statements but could influence public sentiment, player decisions, and sponsor behavior.

📣 Public Reaction and Media Coverage

Social media exploded with discussions following the news. Posts from Economic Times, Guardian, and several cricket journalists have racked up thousands of interactions.

However, as of June 29, 2025, there has been no official response from league architect Neil Maxwell or other organizers. The next steps from the ICC will be crucial.

🔮 What’s Next for the Saudi T20 League?

The league’s future now hinges on a few key developments:

ICC’s decision on endorsement
Potential negotiations with cricket boards
A possible postponement or restructuring of the league

Without ICC recognition and top-tier players, the league may struggle to gain legitimacy.

🧭 Final Thoughts: The Bigger Picture

This isn’t just about one league—it’s about the future of cricket governance. The sport is evolving rapidly, and the lines between tradition, profit, and globalization are becoming increasingly blurred.