Saudi Arabia is making its debut in the world of cricket with the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) player auction, set to take place over two days in Jeddah. This high-profile event underscores the kingdom’s broader strategy to expand its sporting influence and solidify its status as a global sports hub.
The IPL auction, one of the most lucrative and eagerly anticipated events in the cricket calendar, is expected to generate significant interest, with franchise teams set to spend over ₹600 crore (approximately $71 million). The auction, which begins Sunday, will be the first major cricket event held in Saudi Arabia and reflects the country’s growing ambitions to diversify its sports portfolio under the 'Vision 2030' initiative, a plan led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to reduce the kingdom’s dependency on oil.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision for Sports Growth
Saudi Arabia’s involvement in international sports has already made waves, with the kingdom investing heavily in football, boxing, Formula One, and golf in recent years. As part of this broader strategy, Saudi Arabia has secured high-profile sporting events, including the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and lured global sports stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar to its domestic football league.
The country is now focusing on cricket, a sport traditionally less popular in Saudi Arabia but beloved by millions of expatriates from cricket-crazy nations like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. With over 13 million expats living in the kingdom, the potential fanbase for cricket is substantial. Hosting the IPL auction is seen as a key step in cementing Saudi Arabia’s place in the international cricketing community.
Prince Saud bin Mishal, Chairman of the Saudi Cricket Federation, emphasized that the auction symbolizes the kingdom’s commitment to fostering the growth of cricket and positioning itself as a premier destination for global sporting events. The Saudi Cricket Federation has already initiated grassroots development efforts, including introducing cricket to schools, in a bid to grow the sport locally.IPL Auction in Saudi Arabia: Strategic Soft Power Play
For the IPL, the auction in Saudi Arabia represents more than just a new venue—it is a calculated move to extend the tournament’s global footprint. While the IPL’s popularity is well established in India, its vast international audience, including millions of fans in the Middle East and South Asia, provides a unique opportunity for growth. Saudi Arabia’s financial clout, which includes investments through the sovereign wealth fund and partnerships with major corporations, makes it an attractive partner for the IPL.
The auction also serves as a soft-power play for the kingdom. By aligning itself with the IPL, which boasts India as its largest audience base, Saudi Arabia aims to strengthen its ties with India and potentially boost bilateral tourism and trade between the two nations.
“Hosting the IPL auction is a historic moment for us, and it underscores our commitment to making Saudi Arabia a global sporting destination,” said Prince Saud bin Mishal. “This is just the beginning, and we envision a future where Saudi Arabia plays a major role in the development and promotion of cricket worldwide.”
A Bold Investment in the Future of Cricket
Saudi Arabia’s foray into cricket comes at a time when the sport is rapidly expanding globally. While the kingdom currently lacks a robust domestic cricket infrastructure, it is already exploring partnerships with IPL franchises and looking to build world-class stadiums. The Saudi government’s immense financial resources and long-term strategic vision could reshape the sport’s global dynamics in the coming years.
The 2024 IPL auction in Jeddah also highlights the evolving role of sports in Saudi Arabia's broader economic diversification efforts. The kingdom is increasingly relying on sports to drive tourism, foreign investment, and global recognition. The IPL auction is part of a larger push to position the country as a leader in global sports, much like its investments in football, where it has already attracted top-tier players and hosted major events like the LIV Golf series.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Sports Footprint
Beyond cricket, Saudi Arabia has become a significant player on the international sports stage. The kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund has made high-profile acquisitions, including buying Newcastle United in the English Premier League, and it has disrupted global golf with the controversial LIV Golf league. Saudi Arabia has also hosted major boxing events, Formula One races, and tennis tournaments, and it continues to look for new ways to grow its sporting influence.
While some critics have accused the kingdom of "sportswashing"—using sport to divert attention from human rights issues—Saudi officials have defended the investments as part of a broader plan to modernize the country and provide new avenues for economic and cultural development.
A Milestone for Cricket
Although Saudi Arabia’s cricket infrastructure is still in its nascent stages, the hosting of the IPL auction marks an important milestone for the kingdom. It signals that Saudi Arabia is serious about becoming a prominent player in the global sports arena, not just through traditional sports like football, but by actively investing in and promoting cricket.
For now, the 2024 IPL auction in Jeddah is a significant step for both Saudi Arabia and the IPL. It is an event that could have lasting implications for the sport’s growth in the Middle East and beyond, positioning Saudi Arabia as an emerging cricket destination.
