BCCI, ECB Block Saudi-Backed T20 League Bid

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have joined forces to oppose the proposed $400 million Saudi-backed T20 league, which plans to run four annual tournaments with eight teams, modeled after tennis's Grand Slams. Both boards have agreed not to grant No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to their players, blocking participation and lobbying the International Cricket Council (ICC) to withhold official endorsement to protect their own lucrative tournaments, the IPL and the Hundred. Cricket Australia, meanwhile, has shown interest in partnering with Saudi investors to attract new capital to the Big Bash League. The absence of Indian and English players, due to both official opposition and the packed global cricket calendar, could severely limit the Saudi league's appeal. The ICC, led by former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, is considered unlikely to support the new Saudi initiative against the Indian board's wishes. These actions underscore the intensifying competition and high financial stakes in global franchise cricket.