Shaun Murphy has opened up on the state of snooker. (Image: Getty.)
has sparked new fears that the may move away from the iconic in Sheffield.
The high point of the season has , with Saudi Arabia and China mooted as two potential destinations.
The World Championship has been played in the UK ever since its inception and staged at the Crucible since 1977, with the current contract expiring in 2027.
Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the sporting world has extended to snooker, hosting the ‘fourth Major’ in September – titled Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters. Millions have been awarded to winners in the Middle East, while opened an academy in Riyadh last year.
The Saudis have strong ties to snooker, while China can boast a booming popularity compared to the UK.
And Murphy has become the latest player to speak out on the World Championship leaving Sheffield for a new era outside of Britain.
“It’s inevitable if the Crucible doesn’t change,” Murphy told . “It’s ultimately down to numbers; it’s only maths and economics. It’s our biggest event in our smallest arena, commercially that simply cannot go on.
The Crucible Theatre has been home to the World Snooker Championship for nearly 50 years. (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“The Saudis are miles ahead of where China was. If that [tournament in September] was there first attempt at a ranking event, well I’m already looking ahead to next year.
“Just look at the boxing, the growth has been huge. It just goes to show that if you’ve got enough to spend, then success can come.
“I don’t think we’re in danger of losing the UK crowd if I’m being honest, every event I play in the UK is well attended and well supported. But I think generally in world snooker there is room for the game to grow around the world.
“Let’s not forget, snooker is not an English game. A lot of people think it is, but we didn’t invent it. It was invented in the mountains of India. It’s not an English sport, but Sheffield has become the home of snooker because the World Championship has been there for so long.”
The World Championship will remain in Sheffield until 2027. That much is certain. Beyond the next three editions, the possibilities are endless and such a conversation has proved a divisive topic, with many fans wanting tradition to remain.
Matchroom chairman and snooker supremo Barry Hearn claimed that he could sell out the Crucible five times over, which would drastically improve the prize money on offer.
And the face of the sport, O’Sullivan, consistently blasts the conditions in Sheffield and has spoken on numerous occasions of his desire to see the premier snooker tournament taken to Asia.