Dubai, 30 September 2025: The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) has announced a strategic partnership with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF), a move that marks a significant expansion of the league into the Gulf region. Under the agreement, SACF has officially sanctioned and licensed the DP World ILT20—both men’s and women’s competitions—to host official T20 matches in Saudi Arabia starting in future seasons.
“We are proud to partner with the DP World ILT20. This collaboration reflects our commitment to developing cricket in the country and providing our players with opportunities to grow and succeed on an international stage,” said HRH Prince Saud Bin Mishal Al-Saud, Chairman of SACF.
Cricket development and local player pathways
Through this partnership, the DP World ILT20 will collaborate closely with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation and its commercial arm, the Cricket Investment Company (CIC), to advance cricket infrastructure and develop talent in Saudi Arabia.
In a first for the tournament, each franchise participating in the upcoming DP World ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction, scheduled for Wednesday, 1 October, will be required to include at least one player from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on their roster.
ILT20 matches coming to Saudi Arabia
Starting in the coming years, Saudi Arabia will host official DP World ILT20 matches, making it the latest Gulf nation to feature prominently in the league’s regional expansion strategy. The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which promotes sport, tourism, and private-sector engagement.
Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of DP World ILT20, said: “Saudi Arabia is a key part of the Gulf region, and its commitment to developing cricket is inspiring. This partnership is built on our shared vision of growing the game beyond borders.”
Strategic alignment with Vision 2030
Prince Saud emphasized the strategic value of the agreement: “It also provides a platform for fan engagement within the Kingdom and opens up further avenues for developing the game across infrastructure and tourism.”
“This partnership is of immense significance to both SACF and the DP World ILT20, as we jointly expand across borders and become a catalyst for the growth of cricket in the Gulf region,” he added.
New development tournament coming in 2026
David White, CEO of DP World ILT20, revealed that in addition to top-tier matches, a development tournament will launch in Saudi Arabia in 2026. “This will provide an excellent opportunity for local talent to make a claim for the main event,” he noted.
He continued, “We have seen how young players from the UAE have benefitted from the DP World ILT20 platform. This partnership allows Saudi cricketers the same chance to grow under elite coaching and compete alongside international stars.”
ILT20 Season 4 kicks off in December
The upcoming ILT20 Season 4 is set to begin on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, featuring six teams and 34 matches. The tournament will conclude with the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026.
