Riyadh, May 14 -- Saudi Arabia is set to launch its first franchise-based cricket league later this year, with the "Dunes League T20" scheduled to begin in October, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The league has received approval from the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation (SACF) and is expected to include players who have recently retired from international cricket but are still active in franchise cricket circuits.

Over the past five years, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a significant disruptor in global sports as it seeks to diversify its oil-dependent economy, hosting high-profile football, tennis, and boxing events. The country's Public Investment Fund (PIF) also launched the breakaway LIV Golf series, although it has recently confirmed it wi...