Riyadh: In a landmark move blending sport, culture, and entertainment, Saudi Arabia has officially launched the World Cricket Festival 2025, its most ambitious cricketing initiative to date. The launch took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Riyadh, attended by senior officials, global sports personalities, and industry leaders.
The four-day festival, scheduled for November 2025 in Jeddah, will combine international cricket, live music, cultural showcases, and family entertainment. Its centerpiece will be the innovative F2 Double Wicket World Cup, featuring 10 international teams in a two-player format with experimental rules like the “super sub” and “fireball.”
Organized under the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF), the festival is part of the kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan to diversify its sporting ecosystem. The SACF’s newly created Cricket Investment Company will spearhead grassroots development, commercial growth, and partnerships with firms such as Infinix Holding Limited.
Speaking at the launch, Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud, SACF President, said the initiative would create opportunities and professional structures to strengthen local talent and elevate cricket’s status in Saudi Arabia.
The World Cricket Festival is projected to generate 51.6 million Saudi riyals in its debut year, with revenues expected to cross 150 million riyals by 2028. The roadmap includes a string of new leagues over the next 18 months, including TX Arabia (10-over cricket), the Saudi Corporate Premier League, the F20 National T20 tournament, and the Gulf Premier League (softball edition).
Earlier this year, the Saudi Establishment Day Cup set the stage, drawing international stars and live global broadcasts. Its success underlined Saudi Arabia’s potential to become a major new cricketing hub.
