ILT20 Could Host Future Matches in Saudi Arabia Following Landmark Partnership with SACF

ILT20 Could Host Future Matches in Saudi Arabia Following Landmark Partnership with SACF

The UAE's flagship T20 competition, the International League T20 (ILT20), is set to expand its footprint into Saudi Arabia following a groundbreaking partnership with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF).

As part of the agreement, the SACF has officially sanctioned the ILT20 as both a men’s and women’s competition in the Kingdom, paving the way for future matches to be held in Saudi Arabia, though no timeline has yet been confirmed.

ILT20 Gets Green Light in Saudi Arabia

The partnership marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in cricket, in line with its broader Vision 2030 strategy to boost sports and community engagement.

“We are very proud to announce our partnership with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation,” said ILT20 chairman Khalid Al Zarooni.
“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.”

As part of the collaboration, each ILT20 franchise will be required to sign at least one Saudi Arabian player in the upcoming auction on October 1, creating a direct pathway for local talent into one of the world’s most prominent franchise leagues.

Development Focus: Grassroots to Global

The partnership extends beyond top-tier cricket, with SACF and ILT20 set to work together on talent identification and grassroots development initiatives. A development tournament in Saudi Arabia is already being planned for next year.

“This collaboration reflects our commitment to developing cricket in the country,” said HRH Prince Saud Bin Mishal Al-Saud, chairman of SACF.
“With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 placing strong emphasis on sport and community engagement, we believe this partnership will inspire more young men and women to take up cricket.”

ILT20 Season 4 Begins December 2

The upcoming fourth season of ILT20 will still be held across its traditional UAE venues – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah – beginning December 2, 2025, and concluding on January 4, 2026. The tournament will feature six teams playing a total of 34 matches.

While the inclusion of Saudi Arabian venues is still on the horizon, this partnership signals a strategic push to make ILT20 a truly regional competition, spanning multiple Gulf nations and tapping into new markets for both players and fans.

Key Highlights:

  • SACF has officially sanctioned ILT20 as an approved competition in Saudi Arabia.

  • Future ILT20 matches could be hosted in Saudi Arabia, with details to be finalized.

  • Each franchise must pick at least one Saudi player in the upcoming auction on October 1.

  • ILT20 and SACF to launch a development tournament in 2026.

  • ILT20 Season 4 will run from December 2, 2025 to January 4, 2026 in the UAE.

This move reinforces the ILT20’s ambition to become a central pillar in the Gulf’s rapidly evolving cricket ecosystem.