Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is engaged in advanced negotiations to finance a second Indian Premier League (IPL) that would be held annually in the autumn, potentially posing a significant threat to international cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been considering launching a second franchise competition for many years, and discussions with PIF representatives took place during the recent World Cup in India.
The proposed new tournament is expected to adopt the T10 format, distinguishing it from the existing IPL. Earlier reports suggested that PIF was interested in launching its own T20 league, but talks with the BCCI have convinced both parties to collaborate. The IPL is currently the second most lucrative sports league globally, after the NFL, making it an attractive model for expansion.
The involvement of Saudi Arabia’s PIF has given impetus to the plans, with reports suggesting that the inaugural competition could start as early as September of next year. While the final format is yet to be confirmed, the BCCI is exploring innovations such as introducing quotas for under 23 players and hosting matches in other countries to appeal to the Saudi government.
The expansion of the IPL and the creation of a new major short-form competition in India could have significant implications for international cricket, particularly bilateral series and 50-over cricket, which was already facing challenges. Additionally, the BCCI’s plans to expand domestically could impact the England and Wales Cricket Board’s hopes of attracting top international players to the Hundred competition through IPL franchises.
Both the BCCI and PIF have declined to comment on the discussions.