Saudi Arabia has expressed a keen interest in acquiring a significant stake in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the world’s most financially lucrative cricketing event.
This strategic investment, discussed during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to India in September, is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader effort to make inroads into the world of professional sports, following a pattern set by other investments in football and golf.
Sources with knowledge of the matter reveal that Saudi Arabia’s advisors have initiated talks with Indian government officials about consolidating the IPL under a holding company with an estimated value of $30 billion. The kingdom has proposed a substantial investment of up to $5 billion into the league, coupled with plans to lead an expansion into international markets, akin to the English Premier League or the European Champions League.
Waiting game
While Saudi Arabia is eager to advance the deal, the Indian government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) are likely to make a decision on the proposal after the federal elections scheduled for next year. The fate of this ambitious venture hangs in the balance, with the powerful Saudi sovereign wealth fund poised to be the driving force behind the deal if an agreement is reached. No final decisions have been reached at this juncture.
Silent stakeholders
Representatives for the BCCI and the Saudi government’s Center for International Communication have not issued any comments regarding this development.
Furthermore, the Public Investment Fund, which has played a pivotal role in previous Saudi sports investments, declined to comment.
The Indian Premier League, since its inception in 2008, has revolutionized the cricketing world by blending American-style marketing with the glamour of Bollywood and the enthusiasm of India’s vast population. With a short season spanning just eight weeks each spring, the league has successfully attracted numerous sponsors, including Aramco and the Saudi tourism authority.
