BCB reject Saudi request for players and coaches

Bangladesh Cricket Board president Aminul Islam confirmed they have rejected Saudi Arabia's request to provide players and coaches, who would eventually play for them after completing legal formalities.

Driven by the nation's "Vision 2030" strategy, Saudi Arabia cricket is undergoing major international expansion with significant financial investment, aiming for rapid strides domestically and internationally.

With an eye on emerging as an international cricket force, Saudi Arabia is looking to bring players from different Test-playing nations to play for them long-term, a tactic previously employed by UAE and USA.

Cricbuzz learned Saudi Arabia recently requested cricketers from the BCB, but the offer was rejected. "You can say that they approached me two months ago, and I said no," Islam stated.

"They asked for both male and female players, and then coaches, but how can I provide them at the expense of my own country's interests?" he added.

Saudi Arabia is expanding its global sports presence with investments in LIV Golf, Formula 1, and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. With strategic support from the ICC and ACC, they are positioning themselves as cricket's next frontier in the Gulf.