Saudi Arabia Enters Cricket Spotlight with IPL Auction
Saudi Arabia is making its mark on cricket by hosting the Indian Premier League (IPL) player auction in Jeddah, the first event of its kind in the Kingdom. This move aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision to diversify the economy through significant investments in sports, including plans to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
The two-day auction caters to Saudi Arabia’s under-served cricket fanbase, particularly its millions of South Asian migrant workers. Prince Saud bin Mishal, chairman of the Saudi Cricket Federation, emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to developing the sport and showcasing its potential on the global stage.
