“This league has the vision and ambition to grow the game"
Saudi Arabia is set to launch a new men’s T20 cricket tournament later in 2026 despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East linked to the Iran war.
The Dunes T20 League will begin during the second week of October and marks Saudi Arabia’s first official move into professional franchise cricket.
The six-team competition has been organised through an agreement between the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, entertainment company SAN Ltd, and sports agencies Unique Sports Group and Prolithic Talent Agency.
The tournament is not connected to Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, despite the Gulf state’s growing involvement in cricket over recent years.
Saudi Arabia previously hosted the Indian Premier League auction, while a partnership with the UAE’s ILT20 competition was announced in 2025.
Saudi oil giant Aramco is also a major sponsor of the International Cricket Council.
Sources told BBC Sport the Dunes T20 is viewed as an early step towards building a larger Saudi-backed franchise competition capable of attracting the world’s biggest players in the future.
English cricketers, including Alex Hales, Jason Roy, James Vince and Moeen Ali are reportedly among the players expected to be approached about participating.
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has already been confirmed as a league ambassador.
He said: “Really looking forward to joining the Dunes T20 League as league ambassador at such an exciting time for cricket in Saudi Arabia.
“This league has the vision and ambition to grow the game in a new market, create opportunities for local emerging players, and bring fans a truly authentic cricket experience.
“What makes it even more exciting is the opportunity to see legends of the international game come together alongside rising talent to inspire the next generation.
“I’m looking forward to helping build something special that can leave a lasting impact on cricket in the region.”
Organisers said the tournament is intended to accelerate cricket’s growth in Saudi Arabia while creating opportunities for emerging local players and attracting global audiences.
A statement announcing the league said: “The six-team league will run from the second week of October 2026 and represents a significant step in the development of cricket in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“The Dunes T20 League aims to accelerate the growth of the sport in the region, provide opportunities for emerging and established local players, and deliver a world-class sporting and entertainment product to global audiences, with legends of the game expected to be involved.”
The partnership will combine SAN Ltd’s commercial and operational experience with Unique Sports Group’s sports management expertise and Prolithic Talent Agency’s work in athlete representation and sports investment.
A spokesperson from SAN Ltd added:
“This partnership marks a defining moment for the growth of cricket in Saudi Arabia.”
“Together with Unique Sports Group and Prolithic, and with the support of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, we aim to build an exciting T20 league that attracts global talent and delivers lasting sporting and commercial value.”
The tournament’s launch comes despite security concerns surrounding the wider Middle East region.
A planned women’s competition in Saudi Arabia, the Women’s World T20 Challenge, was recently postponed until 2027 because of concerns linked to the conflict involving Iran.
However, players approached by the Dunes T20 are believed to have expressed a willingness to travel to Saudi Arabia if tensions do not escalate further.
Saudi Arabia’s men’s national side is currently ranked 32nd in the ICC’s T20 standings.
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