Saudi Arabia Hosts Historic IPL Player Auction

Saudi Arabia is hosting the Indian Premier League (IPL) player auction in Jeddah, marking the kingdom's first significant engagement with cricket as it seeks to diversify its economy and improve its global image through sports. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has championed substantial investments in sports, including plans to host the football World Cup in 2034. Critics accuse the kingdom of 'sportswashing' in light of its human rights record, yet proponents highlight the event as a commitment to developing cricket within the country, particularly among its large expatriate population from cricket-loving nations. The auction, which will see franchise representatives spend over ₹600 crore (approximately $71 million), is part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy under 'Vision 2030' to attract Indian tourists and boost its international sports profile. State-backed entities have already made significant investments in cricket, including sponsorships and partnerships with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Despite its minimal cricket infrastructure, Saudi Arabia aims to leverage such events to build a more robust sporting culture.