The ambitious Saudi T20 league, which is believed to be a USD400 million project, won’t be backed by the BCCI or the England and Wales Cricket Board as they try to protect their respective flagship tournaments from getting diluted — British newspaper The Guardian has reported.“During discussions at the World Test Championship final at Lord’s this month, the ECB and BCCI agreed to unite in opposing the new league. The boards agreed they would not issue ‘no objection’ certificates to their players to sign up for the new competition, as well as lobby their broadcasters against coverage. A report in The Guardian was keen on partnering with Saudi investors in the league. Under plans that emerged in Australia this year, Saudi SRJ Sports Investments has pledged to inject USD400m to set up the new league, which would have eight teams playing four tournaments in different locations each year in a set-up that has been compared to tennis’ Grand Slams,” Guardian said.
