IPL Saudi investment : No Saudi Investment in IPL Yet, Confirms Chairman Arun Dhumal Amid Global Expansion Buzz 2025 Bracking

IPL Saudi investment: With cricket gaining global traction and rumors of Saudi Arabia dipping its toes into the Indian Premier League (IPL), IPL chair Arun Dhumal has clarified that this is not the case as of now. Dhumal, in his recent interview with ESPNcricinfo, reiterated that speculation about Saudi Arabia making a direct investment in the IPL is just that, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not received anything formal from the Gulf state.

No Official Investment Proposal from Saudi Arabia Yet

Dhumal has made it clear that while there may have been some chatter about a partnership or investment deal, nothing has been formally communicated on the Saudi side. “They have never communicated any kind of proposal to us, as far as investment in the IPL is concerned. What is being spoken about in the media sounds very much like speculation,” he told ESPNcricinfo.

Saudi Arabia’s interest in sports around the world, particularly in cricket, has grown in recent years. While groups like Aramco, Visit Saudi, and NEOM are listed sponsors by various IPL franchises, these are commercial sponsorship deals and they don’t relate to an equity stake investment.

IPL Auction in Jeddah: A Step Towards Global Engagement

In a fascinating turn of events, the BCCI is currently organizing the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah last November with the significant purpose of establishing the IPL in another global market. It was considered a symbolic gesture for not only bringing the IPL brand to the region but also to represent the scale and theme of the IPL to a market that is growing its sports ecosystem and ambitions.

“Said Dhumal, “Through this auction, we wanted to give Saudi a taste of how big the IPL is. Once you see the auction figures and the worldwide interest, you understand how big it is in world cricket.”

Infrastructure Must Be Improved in Saudi Arabia

Dhumal emphasized the importance of local infrastructure development, although he appreciates the enthusiasm from Saudi Arabia. “If the Saudi government is serious about wanting to promote cricket, they have to help develop local facilities, stadiums and player development,” he said.

He said these things were recently done in the United Arab Emirates and then with their investments into cricket infrastructure they have been able to host international matches and start a franchise league in the last few years. Dhumal hopes Saudi Arabia will take a similar approach if they are serious about being a part of the international cricket ecosystem.

Grand Slam T20 League: Not on IPL’s Radar

One of the most explosive rumors circulated in recent months has been Saudi Arabia planning a Grand Slam–style global T20 league with the backing of the World Cricketers’ Association and discussion of being involved with several big leagues, including the IPL. Dhumal threw cold water on this speculation and said there haven’t been any genuine negotiations.

“There is no such proposal with us. The media created a big story about a Grand Slam T20, but IPL is not a party to any such project,” Dhumal responded. “We cannot confirm or deny something that hasn’t even been officially discussed.”

IPL’s Role in Global Cricket Expansion

While there may be no immediate Saudi investment or global T20 league, Dhumal said the IPL and BCCI believes in the global expansion of cricket. “It is our obligation to promote the interests of the game outside of traditional markets,” he said. “Where ever there is an opportunity for cricket to grow, the IPL is available to assist. We want more countries to participate and set up a local ecosystem around cricket.”

IPL’s increasing global viewership, plus more and more international sponsors wanting to be involved in the IPL, indicate that IPL is more than just a domestic-level tournament. If IPL’s involvement abroad, and even to allow international franchises to connect, the IPL is putting itself in a position and a strong player in the globalization of cricket.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia may increase its involvement in cricket, and their ongoing sponsorships with IPL franchises are encouraging, but there has been no direct investment into the IPL — nor is there one actively planned. Arun Dhumal’s unequivocal statement puts an end to speculation and puts the cricket infrastructure development and growing the game organically in underserved areas back into focus.

As we work through IPL 2025 and the cricketing world views the league as a global titan, one thing is clear — the BCCI and IPL are open to global partnerships, but only if they align with the long-term vision for the game and the infrastructure is ready to sustain that partnership long term.