Saudi Arabia Enters Franchise Cricket with Launch of Dunes T20 League

Saudi Arabia is preparing to step into franchise cricket for the first time with the launch of its inaugural professional T20 competition, the Dunes T20 League, which is set to begin in October 2026.

Former Indian cricket star and all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has been appointed as the league’s official ambassador, where he is expected to play a key role in promoting the tournament on the global stage.

The new league will feature six franchise teams and is being developed through a collaboration between South Asian Network Limited (SAN Ltd), Unique Sports Group, and Prolithic Talent Agency. Organisers confirmed that SAN Ltd secured the official rights from the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation in October 2025 to establish and manage the country’s first professional T20 league.

According to officials, the Dunes T20 League has been designed to accelerate the growth of cricket in Saudi Arabia while also expanding opportunities for both local and international players. The competition is expected to contribute to the sport’s development across the wider Middle East region.

The partnership brings together SAN Ltd’s commercial and operational expertise, Unique Sports Group’s global sports management network, and Prolithic’s experience in athlete representation, branding, and sports investment.

Describing the launch, SAN Ltd called it a “major milestone” for cricket in the Kingdom, adding that the league aims to attract international talent while building long-term sporting and commercial value.

Further announcements regarding venues, franchise ownership, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship deals are expected in the coming months as preparations for the debut season continue.