Category: Sports

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) said its $5 billion partnership deal with Netflix, giving exclusive streaming rights for its shows on the platform, helps with global growth in a major way.

Speaking to media before the launch of WWE content from April 1, Chris Legentil, Executive Vice President of Talent Relations and Head of Communications at WWE said, “When you take a platform like Netflix, it has a massive subscriber base and a market like India is the largest populated market in the world. We see that as great synergy because we want to create content that makes sense for everyone. Working with Netflix, we see some of this great data from different markets around the world. That’s going to help us inform the strategy of where we lay things out as we’re deciding where we go in our 2026-2027 calendar.”

The Netflix-WWE partnership allows Netflix to offer WWE’s weekly flagship shows — Raw, NXT, and SmackDown — as well as WWE’s Premium Live Events including Summer Slam, Money in the Bank, Royal Rumble and the upcoming WrestleMania to its Indian audience. India is WWE’s biggest audience in terms of viewership.

Nick Khan President of WWE estimated that 34 million of WWE’s 110 million YouTube subscribers are from India, which makes such partnerships “a great way” to reach fans.

When asked about sub-licensing the linear TV rights to a local broadcaster, Brandon Riegg, Vice President, Nonfiction Series & Sports at Netflix, said the platform will have full exclusivity. He said that doing so allows Netflix to serve as a one-stop shop.

“With the wide variety of programming that WWE offers, it feels like what’s best for the fan, what’s best for the viewer, is that they can go to the one place and have access to all of that,’ said Riegg.

WWE mentioned that it is also considering bringing flagship shows like Raw and SmackDown to India and looking for talent internationally as well. The Hindu business line

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) lock horns in Match 6 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 on March 26, 2025, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Both teams are reeling from opening losses—KKR succumbing to a 7-wicket defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and RR falling 44 runs short against Sunrisers Hyderabad. With redemption on their minds, this encounter promises to be a high-stakes thriller as Ajinkya Rahane’s Knights take on Riyan Parag’s Royals in Assam’s cricketing heartland.

The Barsapara pitch has been a batting haven, with an average first-innings score of 180 in IPL games and a history of high-scoring T20s, including India’s 237/3 against South Africa in 2022. However, spinners could find some grip later, offering KKR’s tweakers an edge. Historically, KKR and RR are neck-and-neck, with 14 wins each in 29 completed matches, but RR’s recent dominance (three wins in the last five) adds intrigue.

Probable Playing XI
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Quinton de Kock (wk),Sunil Narine,Ajinkya Rahane (c),Venkatesh Iyer,Angkrish Raghuvanshi,Rinku Singh,Andre Russell,Ramandeep Singh,Harshit Rana,Spencer Johnson,Varun Chakravarthy,Impact Player Options: Vaibhav Arora, Manish Pandey

KKR are likely to stick with their core despite the loss, banking on Narine’s all-round brilliance and Russell’s explosiveness. Rahane’s experience at the top will be crucial, while young Angkrish Raghuvanshi gets another chance to shine.

Rajasthan Royals (RR): Yashasvi Jaiswal,Sanju Samson,Riyan Parag (c),Nitish Rana,Dhruv Jurel (wk),Shimron Hetmyer,Shubham Dubey,Jofra Archer,Maheesh Theekshana,Tushar Deshpande,Sandeep Sharma,Impact Player Options: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Wanindu Hasaranga

RR might tweak their bowling after a torrid outing, potentially retaining Archer despite his 0/76 horror show, while Samson and Jurel’s form offers hope. Parag, captaining in his home state, could roll the arm over for an over or two.

X-Factors
KKR: Sunil Narine – The Caribbean maestro remains KKR’s trump card. His 488 runs and 17 wickets in IPL 2024 showcased his dual threat, and against RR, he boasts 44 runs off 23 balls against Sandeep Sharma at a strike rate of 191.30. If Narine fires with bat or ball, KKR could dictate terms.

RR: Dhruv Jurel – The young wicketkeeper-batter smashed 70 off 31 in RR’s opener, striking at 225.81. With 40 runs at a 210.52 strike rate in Guwahati, Jurel’s ability to accelerate against spin—especially KKR’s Narine and Chakravarthy—makes him a game-changer.

Match Prediction
KKR enter as slight favorites, thanks to their balanced attack and superior spin duo of Narine and Chakravarthy, who could exploit any turn on offer. RR’s batting firepower, led by Samson and Jurel, is potent, but their bowling remains a concern after leaking 286 against SRH. The Knights’ depth, with Russell and Rinku in the lower order, gives them an edge in a potential high-scoring chase. Predicted Winner: KKR in a close contest, likely by 10-15 runs or 2-3 wickets.
TheNewsBit Bureau

On March 25, 2025, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad witnessed a breathtaking clash in the 5th match of IPL 2025 as Punjab Kings (PBKS) took on Gujarat Titans (GT). In a game that lived up to the IPL’s reputation for high-octane drama, Punjab Kings clinched an 11-run victory in a pulsating run chase, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final ball.

Punjab Kings Set the Stage Ablaze
Batting first after Gujarat Titans won the toss and opted to bowl, Punjab Kings unleashed a batting masterclass, posting a mammoth 243 for 5 in their 20 overs. Captain Shreyas Iyer led from the front with a sensational 97 not out off just 42 balls, narrowly missing out on a well-deserved century. His innings was a spectacle of power-hitting, featuring 9 sixes and 5 fours, as he took apart the Gujarat bowling attack. Debutant Priyansh Arya announced his arrival with a sparkling 47 off 23 balls, while Shashank Singh’s unbeaten 44 off 16 balls—packed with 6 fours and 2 sixes—provided the perfect finishing touch. Gujarat’s bowlers, including Kagiso Rabada and Noor Ahmad, found little respite as Punjab’s batsmen dominated proceedings.

Gujarat Titans’ Valiant Chase Falls Short
Chasing 244, Gujarat Titans came out swinging, determined to conquer the towering target. Sai Sudharsan anchored the innings with a brilliant 74 off 41 balls, striking at an impressive 180.49, while Jos Buttler’s 54 off 33 balls kept the scoreboard ticking. Captain Shubman Gill added 33, forming a solid foundation, but it was Sherfane Rutherford’s 46 off 28 balls that injected late hope into the chase. With 27 needed off the final over, Rahul Tewatia’s reputation as a finisher loomed large, but Punjab’s bowlers—spearheaded by Arshdeep Singh (2 wickets), Marco Jansen, and Glenn Maxwell (1 wicket each)—held their nerve to seal the deal. Gujarat finished at 232 for 5, falling agonizingly short by 11 runs.

Turning Points of the Match

• Iyer’s Onslaught: Shreyas Iyer’s 97* set an intimidating tone, putting Gujarat’s bowlers under relentless pressure.
• Early Momentum for GT: Sudharsan and Buttler’s partnership gave Gujarat a fighting chance, but the escalating run rate proved too steep.
• Death Over Heroics: Punjab’s disciplined bowling in the final overs, despite Rutherford’s fireworks, ensured the Titans couldn’t pull off a miracle.
  Stars of the Show

Shreyas Iyer rightfully earned the Player of the Match award for his match-defining knock, while Sai Sudharsan’s effort kept Gujarat in the hunt till the end. Arshdeep Singh’s composure in the clutch moments also deserves a nod, proving his worth as Punjab’s go-to bowler.

What’s Next?
For Punjab Kings, this victory under Iyer’s leadership and Ricky Ponting’s guidance signals a strong start to their IPL 2025 campaign. They’ll look to carry this momentum forward as they aim to break their title drought. Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, will rue their inability to close the gap despite a spirited effort. Shubman Gill and his team will need to regroup quickly, focusing on tightening their bowling and finding more firepower in the middle order.

Final Thoughts
The Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings clash on March 25, 2025, was a quintessential IPL thriller—a run-fest that showcased the league’s flair for entertainment. Punjab’s triumph adds an exciting chapter to the season’s early narrative, while Gujarat will be eager to bounce back. If this match is anything to go by, IPL 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable ride!
TheNewsBit Bureau

Ahmedabad, March 25, 2025 – The Narendra Modi Stadium buzzed with anticipation as Gujarat Titans (GT) took on Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the fifth match of the IPL 2025 season. With both teams looking to set the tone for their campaigns, this encounter promised fireworks, blending GT’s disciplined approach with Punjab’s flair for dramatic turnarounds.

A Rivalry Rooted in Resilience
GT and PBKS have faced off five times in IPL history, with GT holding a slight edge at 3-2. Last season, the teams split their meetings: PBKS stunned GT in Ahmedabad with a sensational chase of 200, powered by Shashank Singh’s unbeaten 61 off 29 balls and Ashutosh Sharma’s 31 off 17, while GT bounced back in Mullanpur, clinching a nervy three-wicket win thanks to Rahul Tewatia’s 36 not out off 18. These results underscore the unpredictability of this matchup, where individual brilliance often trumps team form.

Team Dynamics in 2025
GT, led by Shubman Gill, enter the season with a revamped squad featuring heavy-hitters like Jos Buttler and Kagiso Rabada, alongside spin maestro Rashid Khan. After missing the playoffs in 2024, Gill’s side is eager to reclaim their 2022 championship glory. Their batting depth and bowling variety make them a formidable unit on Ahmedabad’s batting-friendly surface.

PBKS, under new captain Shreyas Iyer, are desperate to shed their perennial underachiever tag. Bolstered by Glenn Maxwell’s explosive batting and Arshdeep Singh’s death-over prowess, Punjab’s retooled lineup looks potent on paper. Yet, their top-order consistency remains a question mark, especially against GT’s disciplined attack.

Key Battles to Watch

• Gill vs. Arshdeep: Gill’s elegant strokeplay will face a stern test from Arshdeep’s swinging yorkers, particularly in the powerplay.
• Maxwell vs. Rashid: A clash of titans—Maxwell’s aggression against spin could either dismantle Rashid’s economy or gift GT a crucial breakthrough.
• Tewatia vs. Punjab’s Finishers: Tewatia’s knack for late heroics will challenge PBKS’s lower-order stars like Shashank Singh, who’ve proven they can turn games around.
  Pitch and Conditions

The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch typically favors batsmen, with short boundaries and true bounce aiding high scores. Dew could play a role in the second innings, potentially benefiting the chasing side. Clear skies and temperatures around 28°C promise ideal playing conditions.

Prediction
GT’s home advantage and balanced squad give them a slight edge, but PBKS’s history of upsets—especially in Ahmedabad—means they can’t be counted out. Expect a close contest, likely decided in the final overs, with individual brilliance tipping the scales.

As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, this clash could signal which team is ready to rise above their past. Will GT dominate at home, or will Punjab script another redemption story? The answer lies in the action tonight.
TheNewsBit Bureau

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off today, March 22, 2025, with a blockbuster clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This high-stakes opener marks the second time these two teams have faced off in an IPL season opener, the first being the inaugural match in 2008 when KKR’s Brendon McCullum smashed an unbeaten 158 to secure a 140-run victory. As the cricketing world turns its eyes to Kolkata, here’s everything you need to know about this electrifying encounter.

The Stakes Are High
KKR enter the match as the reigning champions, having clinched their third IPL title in 2024 by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in a dominant final. Under new captain Ajinkya Rahane, who replaced Shreyas Iyer, KKR aim to start their title defense with a bang on home turf. Their squad boasts a potent mix of experience and firepower, with Quinton de Kock stepping in as opener alongside Sunil Narine, and the ever-reliable Andre Russell and Rinku Singh bolstering the middle order. The bowling attack, led by mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy and pace options like Anrich Nortje or Spencer Johnson, looks primed to exploit Eden’s conditions.

RCB, meanwhile, remain in pursuit of their elusive first IPL trophy. After finishing fourth last season and bowing out in the Eliminator, they’ve entrusted Rajat Patidar with the captaincy following Faf du Plessis’ departure. The spotlight, as always, will be on Virat Kohli, whose aggressive approach against KKR’s spinners last year (striking at 166.66 against Narine and Chakravarthy) signaled a shift in intent. New additions like Phil Salt, Josh Hazlewood, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar add depth, but RCB’s bowling has historically been a weak link—something they’ll need to address against KKR’s explosive batting.

Head-to-Head and Venue Edge
Historically, KKR hold a 20-14 advantage over RCB in 34 meetings, including a strong 8-4 record at Eden Gardens. Recent form favors KKR too, with four wins in their last five clashes against RCB, the latter’s sole victory coming in March 2022. Eden Gardens has been a fortress for KKR, and with a partisan crowd expected—amplified by co-owner Shah Rukh Khan hosting a star-studded opening ceremony featuring Shreya Ghoshal, Karan Aujla, and Disha Patani—the atmosphere will be electric.

However, a cloud looms—literally. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Kolkata, forecasting thunderstorms and rain through March 22. With a 74% chance of precipitation and 97% cloud cover predicted by AccuWeather, the match could face interruptions or even abandonment, a frustrating prospect for fans after last year’s sold-out Eden clashes.

Key Battles to Watch

• Phil Salt vs. Quinton de Kock: Both openers, now swapped between the teams, bring aggression to the top. Salt’s 182 strike rate for KKR last season contrasts with de Kock’s Eden struggles (112 strike rate), making this a fascinating duel.
• Virat Kohli vs. KKR Spinners: Kohli’s newfound attacking mindset against Narine and Chakravarthy could dictate RCB’s fortunes. Will he continue his dominance, or will KKR’s mystery spin reclaim control?
• Andre Russell vs. RCB Bowlers: Russell’s brute force has tormented RCB in the past (think 48 off 13 in 2019). Hazlewood and Kumar will need to keep him quiet to stem KKR’s momentum.

Probable XIs

• KKR: Sunil Narine, Quinton de Kock (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Spencer Johnson/Anrich Nortje. Impact Sub: Vaibhav Arora.
• RCB: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal. Impact Sub: Rasikh Dar Salam.

Prediction
On paper, KKR appear the stronger side. Their balanced squad, home advantage, and recent dominance over RCB make them favorites. Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with users like @grok predicting a KKR win driven by de Kock’s potential century and Nortje’s wickets, even if Kohli scores big. RCB’s hopes hinge on Kohli’s brilliance and their revamped bowling clicking early, but their lack of a top-tier spinner could prove costly against KKR’s batting depth.

If the weather holds, expect a high-octane contest with KKR likely edging it. But as IPL history shows—especially between these two—nothing is certain until the last ball. Let the spectacle begin!
TheNewsBitBureau

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has revoked the ban on the use of saliva and has introduced a new rule of a second ball for the second innings of a match. These are among the key decisions made by the BCCI and the Indian Premier League (IPL) management for the upcoming IPL season.

The BCCI explained the new rules during the meeting of the captains and managers at the Cricket Centre in Mumbai on Thursday (March 20). A well-placed source, who has attended the meeting at the BCCI headquarters, confirmed the rules to Cricbuzz.

The second ball will come into play after the 11th over of the second innings in an IPL match. The primary objective of this rule is to counter the impact of dew that often affects night-time matches.

By introducing the second ball, the rule effectively nullifies any advantage that the captain winning the toss might have due to the dew factor, ensuring a more level-playing field in the matches.

The decision to lift the ban on the use of saliva was more or less on the cards considering that a player of the calibre of Mohammed Shami had urged the authorities to do away with the rule.

“We always keep requesting the authorities to allow us to use saliva so that swing and reverse comes into play during matches,” Shami had said after a Champions Trophy game in Dubai recently. His plea was endorsed by internationals like Vernon Philander and Tim Southee who too saw merit in Shami’s appeal.

The ban on the use of saliva was implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic when the International Cricket Council (ICC) imposed restrictions to mitigate the spread of the virus. However, with the pandemic now behind us, there have been increasing calls to lift these restrictions, with Shami being one of the leading voices in world cricket seeking the change.

As for the change of ball, the BCCI has left the decision to the discretion of the umpires. “It’s up to the umpires to determine whether the ball needs to be changed. They will decide based on the presence of dew,” a source explained. As a result, this rule will primarily apply to night games, and it is unlikely that a second ball will be used in afternoon matches. Cricbuzz

BCCI annouces cash reward: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a Rs 58 crore cash reward for Team India following their triumphant campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The prize recognizes the efforts of the players, coaching staff, support staff, and the Men’s Selection Committee in securing another ICC title for the country.

Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India dominated the tournament with a series of commanding performances. The team started their campaign with a six-wicket victory over Bangladesh, followed by another six-wicket win against arch-rivals Pakistan. They then sealed a 44-run win against New Zealand before defeating Australia by four wickets in the semi-final. In the final, India held their nerve to overcome New Zealand, securing their second ICC trophy of the year.

BCCI Lauds Team India’s Achievement
BCCI President Roger Binny praised the team’s achievement, calling back-to-back ICC titles a “special feat” that highlights the strength of India’s cricketing ecosystem.

BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized that the team’s dominance was a result of years of hard work and strategic execution, adding that India’s No.1 ranking in white-ball cricket was justified by this victory.

Vice-President Rajeev Shukla hailed the composure and resilience displayed by the players under pressure, while Treasurer Prabhtej Bhatia reiterated the BCCI’s commitment to providing top resources and infrastructure to ensure India’s continued success on the global stage.

Honorary Joint Secretary Rohan Gauns Dessai described the final against New Zealand as a thrilling contest that brought immense joy to fans across the country. He reaffirmed the BCCI’s commitment to strengthening the domestic and international cricket structure to maintain India’s supremacy in world cricket. Financial Express

Team balance and Virat Kohli’s reassuring presence in the top order have convinced AB de Villiers that his former club Royal Challengers Bengaluru can win their maiden Indian Premier League title this year.

One of the league’s most glamorous sides often boasting some of the most explosive batters in the world, RCB made three finals but fell short on each occasion to remain an IPL under-achiever.

They will enter their 18th season under a new captain, Rajat Patidar, while Englishman Phil Salt will be Kohli’s opening partner.

“I really think they made some incredibly good moves in the auction,” De Villiers, who spent 11 seasons with RCB, told an online press conference on Tuesday.

“It’s an incredibly good, balanced team.

“Look at the batting lineup – it’s pure power, then a mix of power and control.

“I do feel this squad has got what it takes to go all the way.”

Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell and Tim David beef up RCB’s middle order while Australia’s Josh Hazlewood will combine with the crafty Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the pace department.

De Villiers said Kohli had been subject of “unnecessary criticism” over his strike-rate and said the veteran batter had plenty to offer.

“He might have called retirement on T20 internationals but I feel there’s plenty left in the tank for Virat, especially with that batting lineup RCB he’s got this season,” the South African said.

“I don’t think Virat is going to feel a lot of pressure. He can just really go out there and play what he sees in front of him, and that is when Virat is at his absolute best when he plays the situation.”

Salt’s aggression will take the pressure off Kohli and let him control the innings as the team’s “batting captain”, De Villiers said.

“All Virat needs to do is keep doing what he’s been doing for so many years – control the game,” he added.

“He’s got the best instinct of any player out there. He knows when to up the ante a bit and when to lower it, when to take more risk and when to take less risk.

“I think he needs to be the captain of the batting department in this tournament, and really just keep things together and play smart cricket.”

Bengaluru will take on champions Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL opener on Saturday. Hindustan Times

The International Masters League 2025 concluded on Sunday, with Sachin Tendulkar-led India Masters lifting the title by beating West Indies Masters by six wickets in the all-important final in Raipur. Tempers flared during the contest as Yuvraj Singh clashed with Tino Best in the middle, and the duo were seen exchanging words.

Things got pretty intense, and West Indies Masters captain Brian Lara had to intervene to separate the two. Even Ambati Rayudu was seen urging Tino Best to maintain his calm in the middle.

It all started after Tino Best completed his over and wanted to go off the field due to a possible injury concern. However, Yuvraj Singh flagged the issue with the umpire, and Billy Bowden probably asked Best to come back to the middle.

This did not impress the West Indies speedster, and he charged towards Yuvraj Singh. Tino Best got in Yuvraj’s face, and the latter did not back down. The duo exchanged some words, showing no signs of backing down.

Former England pacer Darren Gough, who was on commentary, said, “He (Tino Best) is someone who doesn’t back down. He is someone who likes to have a chat. Two players who don’t back down. That’s when you get an issue.”

Soon after, Yuvraj Singh took the strike and hit a massive six. Immediately after, he was seen pointing his bat at Tino Best. This scene reminded everyone of the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup, where Yuvraj hit 6 sixes in Stuart Broad’s over. These six maximums came after Yuvraj’s heated verbal exchange with Andrew Flintoff.

However, soon after, Yuvraj Singh and Tino Best patched up during the second strategic time-out. The southpaw Yuvraj was seen playfully patting Tino Best’s back.

India Masters beat West Indies Masters by six wickets
India Masters did not have to break a sweat in brushing aside the challenge of West Indies Masters in the summit clash. Ambati Rayudu played a 74-run knock as India chased down 149 with six wickets in hand and 17 balls to spare.

Earlier, Lendl Simmons and Dwayne Smith played knocks of 57 and 45, respectively, as West Indies Masters posted 148/7 in the allotted twenty overs. For India Masters, Vinay Kumar returned with three wickets, while Shahbaz Nadeem took two scalps.

In the final, Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar brought out a vintage uppercut, scoring 25 runs off 18 balls, including two fours and one six.

Earlier, India Masters had defeated Australia Masters in the semi-final. Hindustan Times

A new global Twenty20 cricket league, backed by Saudi Arabia’s SRJ Sports Investments, is in the works and could mark one of the most significant changes to the sport in decades. The league is being spearheaded by Australian cricket figure Neil Maxwell and has been in development for over a year.

A game-changing T20 league
The proposed eight-team league is inspired by tennis’ Grand Slams, with matches set to be played in four different locations worldwide each year. Saudi Arabia is expected to inject $500 million (AU$800 million) into the project, making it the league’s largest financial backer. Discussions are ongoing with the International Cricket Council (ICC), the sport’s global governing body.

Maxwell, a former NSW and Victoria all-rounder who now manages Australian captain Pat Cummins, has been a key force behind the proposal. He has worked closely with the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) to develop the league as a new revenue stream that could help sustain Test Cricket beyond the dominant markets of India, Australia, and England.

Major financial backing and Saudi Arabia’s sports push
The Saudi government has been aggressively expanding its presence in global sports, investing heavily in LIV Golf, Formula 1, and securing hosting rights for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. This T20 league would add to its growing portfolio.

SRJ Sports Investments is headed by Danny Townsend, the former CEO of the Australian Professional Leagues. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns a stake in streaming service DAZN, now also has ties to Australian cricket broadcasting, increasing its influence in the sport.

League structure and calendar fit
Sources told The Sydney Morning Herald that the league would be played during open windows in the cricket calendar, ensuring minimal disruption to existing international matches and domestic T20 leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL).

The tournament would introduce new franchise teams, including one based in Australia, and feature both men’s and women’s competitions. The final could be held in Saudi Arabia, highlighting its ambitions to become a major cricket destination.

A financial lifeline for smaller cricket nations
Unlike traditional cricket funding models, where revenues heavily favour India, Australia, and England, this league is designed to distribute wealth more evenly. Smaller cricketing nations could receive a share of the profits, helping them remain financially viable and reducing their reliance on loss-making Test matches.

The league is positioned as a complement to domestic T20 leagues rather than a competitor, giving players an additional lucrative platform while addressing long-term concerns about cricket’s financial sustainability.

Challenges and ICC approval
For the league to proceed, approval from the ICC and national cricket boards, including Cricket Australia, will be crucial. The ultimate decision rests with ICC Chair Jay Shah, who has the authority to determine whether Indian players can participate. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) currently prohibits Indian cricketers from competing in overseas T20 leagues outside the IPL, a policy that may need to be reconsidered.

Saudi controversy and ‘sportswashing’ accusations
Saudi Arabia’s growing involvement in global sports has not been without controversy. Human rights groups have accused the kingdom of using its vast financial resources to engage in “sportswashing” to improve its international image. The 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the exploitation of migrant workers have drawn widespread criticism.

Despite this, Saudi Arabia defends its investments in sports as part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at transforming the country’s economy and global standing. The nation has already established links with cricket, hosting the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah and planning major investments in cricket infrastructure, including state-of-the-art stadiums. Business Standard