By News Editor 
A new chapter in global T20 cricket is brewing, but the so-called guardians of the game — the BCCI, ECB, and Cricket Australia — seem more interested in protecting their turf than helping cricket expand.
Saudi Arabia’s SRJ Sports has pledged a staggering £400 million to launch a Grand Slam–style global T20 league. With Aramco’s deep pockets backing this plan, the kingdom wants to host four high-profile tournaments a year, giving fans more to cheer for and players more chances to shine.
Yet the BCCI and ECB — two boards that never miss a chance to flex their power — have ganged up to deny NOCs to their players, essentially freezing them out of the Saudi project. Their excuse? “Too many tournaments.” Their real fear? Losing commercial dominance.
Cricket Australia, meanwhile, has chosen to back the league, but only because its own Big Bash League desperately needs private equity. So much for a principled stand.
What these boards conveniently ignore is that the Saudi plan could bring new talent, fresh sponsors, and massive fan engagement to the T20 format. But without access to Indian and English stars, the league risks becoming another good idea blocked by outdated cricket politics.
For a sport that claims to be global, its gatekeepers remain stubbornly insular. If the ICC truly cares about expanding cricket’s reach, it must stand firm against these protectionist tactics — or risk being seen as just another puppet for the Big Three.
Anas Ahmed 
Zainab Shafiq