ECB, BCCI Team Up to Block Saudi Arabia-Backed T20 League: Report
In a shocking turn of events, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have reportedly joined forces to block a new global T20 league backed by Saudi Arabia. The ambitious project, which aims to rival the existing T20 leagues such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Big Bash League (BBL), has been met with resistance from the two cricketing giants.
According to a report by The Guardian, the ECB and BCCI have agreed not to issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to their players to sign up for the new competition. Additionally, they will also lobby the International Cricket Council (ICC) to withhold official endorsement for the league.
The Saudi Arabia-backed T20 league, which has been touted as a massive undertaking, aims to feature eight teams from around the world, including the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The competition is expected to kick off in 2023, with a prize purse of $100 million.
However, the ECB and BCCI have raised concerns over the league’s financial viability, as well as its potential impact on the existing T20 leagues. The two boards have also expressed concerns over the league’s governing structure and the selection of teams.
The news has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, with many speculating about the reasons behind the ECB and BCCI’s decision. Some have suggested that the two boards are concerned about the league’s potential to disrupt the existing cricketing landscape, while others believe that they are simply trying to protect their own interests.
The ECB and BCCI’s decision to team up against the Saudi Arabia-backed T20 league is a significant development in the world of cricket. For years, the two boards have been at odds over various issues, including the Future Tours Programme (FTP) and the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) revenue distribution model.
However, their joint decision to block the new league suggests that they are willing to put aside their differences for the greater good of the game. The move is also seen as a major blow to the Saudi Arabia-backed league, which was hoping to attract top players from around the world.
The Saudi Arabia-backed T20 league has been plagued by controversy from the start. In February, the league’s chief executive, Adam Mushtaq, was sacked after just four months in the job, due to disagreements with the league’s owners over its direction.
The league’s owners, who are backed by the Saudi Arabian government, had promised to invest heavily in the competition, including the construction of new stadiums and training facilities. However, their plans have been met with skepticism by many in the cricketing world, who are concerned about the league’s financial viability.
In conclusion, the ECB and BCCI’s decision to block the Saudi Arabia-backed T20 league is a significant development in the world of cricket. The move is a major blow to the league, which was hoping to attract top players from around the world. The ECB and BCCI’s joint decision also highlights the importance of collaboration and cooperation in the world of cricket, as the two boards put aside their differences to protect the game they love.
News Source:
https://www.ptinews.com/story/sports/ECB-and-BCCI-join-hands-to-scuttle-ambitious-Saudi-T20–Media-reports/2675250
