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In a surprising turn of events, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has rejected the idea of a Saudi-funded global T20 league, citing concerns over the already overcrowded cricket calendar and player workload.
ECB’s chief executive, Richard Gould, confirmed that the board has no interest in supporting the proposed Grand Slam of Cricket, a tournament that was expected to bring a massive financial boost to international cricket.
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Saudi Arabia’s Proposed ‘Grand Slam of Cricket’ – A Unique Global T20 Concept
Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Grand Slam of Cricket was proposed by former Australian cricketer Neil Maxwell and aimed to introduce a tennis-style Grand Slam format to cricket. The tournament was designed to feature eight teams competing across four different locations globally, with matches held four times a year.
📌 Key Features of the Grand Slam of Cricket:
- Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund was set to invest $500 million in the league.
- Discussions with the ICC were reportedly underway to get official approval.
- Revenue was planned to be distributed among cricketing nations to boost global cricket development.
- The league was supposed to be played in open windows, avoiding clashes with major tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Big Bash League (BBL).
The ICC and other national boards, including Cricket Australia (CA), were expected to play a crucial role in approving the league. The final decision rested with ICC Chairman Jay Shah, particularly regarding the participation of Indian players, as BCCI’s policy does not allow Indian cricketers to compete in overseas franchise leagues.
ECB Chief Richard Gould: ‘No Scope or Demand for This League’
Despite the potential of the Grand Slam of Cricket, the ECB has outright rejected the proposal. CEO Richard Gould made it clear that the crowded international schedule and growing concerns over player workload leave no room for another franchise league.
🗣 “With the busy international calendar, a host of established franchise leagues around the world, and existing concerns about player workloads, there is no scope or demand for such an idea,” Gould told the Sydney Morning Herald.
📌 ECB’s Key Concerns:
- Overloaded cricket calendar with existing international and domestic commitments.
- Protecting ‘The Hundred’ – ECB’s 100-ball tournament, which recently secured a $1.27 billion investment from IPL franchise owners.
- Preventing player burnout due to excessive cricketing commitments.
The ECB’s stance delivers a major blow to the Saudi-backed project, making it difficult for the league to move forward without the participation of England’s top players.
Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) Supports the League
Interestingly, while the ECB has rejected the Grand Slam of Cricket, the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) has expressed strong support for the league.
🗣 “The ACA’s early interest in exploring this concept is motivated by a desire to develop and normalize best-practice collective bargaining and an international gender-equity pay model for male and female cricketers,” the ACA stated.
With the ACA’s backing, the league may still have a path forward, particularly if Cricket Australia (CA) and other boards decide to negotiate with the ICC.
What’s Next for the Grand Slam of Cricket?
With Saudi Arabia determined to invest in cricket, the future of the Grand Slam of Cricket remains uncertain.
While the ECB’s rejection is a setback, the league could still proceed if it secures ICC approval and backing from other major cricketing boards like Cricket Australia, South Africa, and Pakistan.
However, without English and Indian players, the league could struggle to attract top-tier talent and global audiences.
With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 set to begin on March 22, all eyes are now on the ICC and BCCI’s stance on this ambitious T20 venture.
