Saudi cricket, South Asian Network unite to launch new league

Saudi Cricket and SAN announce the launch of the Dunes Legends League T20. (SACF)
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Updated 18 October 2025
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Saudi cricket, South Asian Network unite to launch new league

  • Strategic partnership reflects vision to develop local talent, promote sports tourism, empower private sector’s participation and diversify Kingdom’s cricket revenue streams

RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, in partnership with South Asian Network, has announced the launch of the Dunes Legends League T20 — an initiative that aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s position on the international cricket stage.

The T20 cricket league aims to expand the sport’s reach across Saudi cities and beyond in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and enhance quality of life, according to the SACF.

This strategic partnership reflects a shared vision to develop Saudi talent, promote sports tourism, empower the private sector’s participation in sports, and diversify Saudi cricket’s revenue streams while expanding the game’s presence nationwide, the federation said.

SACF chairman Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud said: “The Dunes Legends League T20 is a milestone in our journey to advance cricket in Saudi Arabia.

“It highlights national talent, engages the private sector, and supports Vision 2030 through new revenue opportunities and wider reach across the Kingdom,” he added.

Dr. Tuan Roshan Hassim, chairman of South Asian Network, said: “We are honored to partner with Saudi cricket on this forward-looking initiative that celebrates the Kingdom’s growing sports ambition and delivers a world-class cricket experience for fans in Saudi Arabia and beyond.”

The league will deliver a professional and engaging cricket experience uniting global legends and Saudi players, according to the SACF.

It says the league’s objectives include to unite international cricket legends with Saudi talent in one world-class platform, develop and empower Saudi players through professional training and exposure, encourage private-sector investment and build a sustainable cricket ecosystem, host the league across Saudi cities to boost sports tourism and community engagement, and support Vision 2030 by driving economic diversification and quality of life through sports.


Patrick Habirora headlines PFL Brussels at Ing Arena in May

Updated 03 March 2026
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Patrick Habirora headlines PFL Brussels at Ing Arena in May

  • PFL returns on May 23 with ‘The Belgian Bomber’ facing MMA legend Benson ‘Smooth’ Henderson

NEW YORK: The Professional Fighters League returns to the ING Arena on Saturday, May 23, for PFL Brussels, with Belgium’s No. 10-ranked welterweight Patrick “The Belgian Bomber” Habirora (8-0) facing former UFC champion Benson “Smooth” Henderson (30-12).

Habirora has seven victories coming by way of KO or TKO. He silenced doubters last December at PFL Lyon against his toughest test to date, Kevin Jousset.

A thunderous first-round knockout followed by relentless ground-and-pound sent the Lyon crowd into a frenzy and left many wondering how far he can go in MMA.

A former WEC and UFC champion, “Smooth” is a 20-year veteran and remains one of the most accomplished athletes of his era. Henderson has beaten Nate Diaz, Frankie Edgar (twice), and Jorge Masvidal.

Recently sharpening his tools across grappling, karate, wrestling and boxing, Henderson now returns to MMA determined to prove his championship pedigree.

Upcoming PFL Schedule:

  • Friday, March 20: PFL Madrid, Palacio Vistalegre, Madrid, Spain.
  • Saturday, March 28: PFL Pittsburgh, UPMC Events Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
  • Saturday, April 11: PFL Chicago, Wintrust Arena, Chicago, Illinois.
  • Thursday, April 16: PFL Belfast, SSE Arena Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
  • Saturday, May 2: PFL Sioux Falls, Sanford Pentagon: Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
  • Saturday, May 23: PFL Brussels, ING Arena, Brussels, Belgium.