Saudi Arabia is preparing to launch the Dunes League T20, its first franchise cricket league, in October 2023. The league, sanctioned by the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation (SACF), will consist of six teams and will take place in Taif, near Jeddah. It aims to attract players who have recently retired from international cricket but remain active in the franchise circuit. The league will allow a maximum of four players with Full-Member international experience in the last two years, avoiding the need for approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Top salaries for players could reach USD 100,000. This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to diversify its economy through sports, following its recent investments in football, tennis, and boxing. The SACF has previously hinted at plans to make Saudi Arabia a significant player in the cricket world, including partnerships with the UAE's ILT20 and hosting the IPL auction in 2024.