Saudi Arabia is stepping into the global cricket spotlight as it hosts this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) player auction in Jeddah. This marks a significant collaboration between one of the world’s richest cricket tournaments and a nation aiming to enhance its international profile through sports.
Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has made substantial investments in sports as part of its Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its oil-based economy. The kingdom is also preparing to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034, further showcasing its ambitions.
The move to host the IPL auction has, however, drawn criticism. Detractors label Saudi Arabia’s sports ventures as “sportswashing,” pointing to its human rights record, including the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The two-day auction, beginning Sunday, aims to engage South Asian cricket fans, many of whom are migrant workers in Saudi Arabia. Prince Saud bin Mishal, chairman of the Saudi cricket federation, highlighted that the event underscores the kingdom’s commitment to fostering cricket and positioning itself as a hub for major sporting events.
Saudi Arabia’s growing sports portfolio includes hosting high-profile footballers like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar, as well as major events in boxing, Formula One, and golf. The IPL’s sponsorship by state entities like Visit Saudi and Saudi Aramco further reflects the kingdom’s active role in the sport.
Cricket already enjoys popularity among expatriates in Saudi Arabia, particularly among the 13 million non-Saudi residents from cricket-loving nations such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The Saudi cricket federation is also working to introduce the sport to locals, including initiatives to integrate cricket into school programs.
The IPL player auction is a major spectacle, with millions of fans eagerly awaiting the fate of top players. This year, 574 cricketers, including stars like Rishabh Pant, James Anderson, and Rachin Ravindra, are up for grabs. Previous auctions have set financial records, such as Australian pacer Mitchell Starc’s $2.98 million contract with Kolkata Knight Riders.
Hosting the auction in Saudi Arabia aligns with both the kingdom’s ambitions to grow its sports sector and the IPL’s efforts to expand its global appeal. As the cricket world watches, this collaboration is set to redefine the relationship between cricket and the Middle East.
