Saudi Arabia is set to launch its first professional men's Twenty20 cricket league, the Dunes Twenty20, in October despite regional tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran. The six-team tournament marks the kingdom's first official step into franchise cricket and is being organised through a partnership between the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation, the South Asian Network, and sports agencies Unique Sports and Prolithic.

The league is not connected to the country's Public Investment Fund, although Saudi Arabia has previously hosted the Indian Premier League auction and secured sponsorship roles in global cricket. Organisers view the competition as an early move toward establishing a major franchise tournament aimed at attracting the world's leading players.

Several prominent English cricketers are expected to be approached about المشاركة, while former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has been named as an ambassador. Matches are likely to be held at the 4,000-seat Taif Cricket Ground near Jeddah. Although a planned women's tournament was postponed over safety concerns, players contacted about the Dunes event have reportedly expressed willingness to travel if regional tensions do not escalate.