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ILT20 UAE League | International League T20
The International League T20 (ILT20), also referred to as the DP World ILT20 due to its sponsorship, is a professional T20 cricket tournament held annually in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The league is sanctioned by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and has quickly become one of the most prominent T20 leagues in the Middle East. Despite being a relatively new league, the ILT20 has successfully attracted top international players, bringing excitement to cricket fans across the globe.
The league’s main objective is to provide a competitive platform that helps develop local UAE players while maintaining global standards. Founded in 2022, the ILT20 completed its first season in 2023 and has since established itself as a significant player in the global T20 landscape.
ILT20: Origins and Inception
The idea of establishing a high-profile T20 league in the UAE emerged as a part of the Emirates Cricket Board’s long-term strategy to develop cricket in the country. The UAE has hosted several international tournaments, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pakistan Super League (PSL), owing to its world-class facilities and neutral venue status. The ILT20 was launched to capitalize on this infrastructure and bring an elite T20 competition to the Middle East.
The ILT20 was officially founded in 2022, with the first edition originally planned for early 2023. However, it was later rescheduled to start from January 2024, involving six franchise teams. The league quickly gained recognition and popularity, thanks to its international player pool, high-quality matches, and excellent stadium facilities in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.
ILT20 Schedule
As it is the 3rd season, it is decided to schedule in January and February. On January 11, 2025, the first game will be played. There are 34 matches in which six teams will face each other. On 9 February 2025, the final game will kick out.
ILT20 Opening Ceremony 2025
The international T20 League flourishing in UAE will have its first match on 11th January 2025. Before the match, a brilliant and amusing opening ceremony will be held. Although, who will participate in this ceremony? This will be announced soon by the ECB.
International League T20 Start Date
The third season of the International League T20 (ILT20) is set to begin on 11 January 2025, with the final scheduled for 9 February 2025. Defending champions MI Emirates will aim to retain their title in this exciting tournament, held across Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi stadiums.
IL-T20 Team Owners
Six teams are owned by the following owners: Most of them are IPL team owners.
| Team | Owner |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | Knight Riders Group |
| Desert Vipers | Lancer Capital LLC |
| Dubai Capitals | GMR Group |
| Gulf Giants | Adani Group |
| MI Emirates | Indiawin Sports |
| Sharjah Warriors | Capri Global Holdings |
ILeague T20 Venues
According to the ECB, all matches of the 2025 International T20 League (ILT20) will be played in the UAE’s four major stadiums. The following are the venues in the UAE:
- Dubai International Stadium
- Sharjah Cricket Stadium
- Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium
Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium
Dubai International Stadium
Team's Coaches
All clubs in the International T20 League have appointed big names. Coaching staff from many different countries are there to set up competitive cricket games and provide a place to do high-impact training. The coaches’ list is shown below.
- Abu Dhabi Knight Riders – Bharat Arun
- Desert Vipers – James Foster
- Dubai Capitals – Phil Simmons
- Gulf Giants – Andy Flower
- MI Emirates – Robin Singh
- Sharjah Warriors – Johan Botha
UAE Premier League Captains
| Team | Captain |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | Sunil Narine |
| Desert Vipers | Colin Munro |
| Dubai Capitals | David Warner |
| Gulf Giants | James Vince |
| MI Emirates | Nicholas Pooran |
| Sharjah Warriors | Tom Kohler-Cadmore |
ILT20 Broadcasting Channels
The ECB has contracted with ZEE Entertainment Enterprises and for the next 10 years. They now have global media rights for ILT20 broadcasting. They purchased it for $120 million.
Back in May 2021, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, owned by the Essel Group, secured the media rights for this league. The deal spans a decade, running from 2023 to 2032, and was sealed at a hefty price tag of US$120 million.
Every cricket lover can watch the ILT20 matches live on the Zee Entertainment Liner Sports Channels. However, depending on your location, you may see the following table for channel details
| Territory/Region | Channel |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Ariana Television |
| Australia | Fox Cricket |
| Bangladesh | Nagorik TV |
| T Sports | |
| Toffee | |
| Caribbean | Rush Sports (2024) |
| India | Zee Cinema |
| Zee Anmol Cinema | |
| Zee Zest | |
| Zee Thirai | |
| Zee Bangla Cinema | |
| &Pictures | |
| &Flix | |
| Sony Sports Network 2025-32 | |
| Zee5 (Live Streaming Free) | |
| Maldives | Medianet |
| Middle East and North Africa (MENA) | CricLife 3 |
| Nepal | Sim TV Nepal |
| Net TV Nepal | |
| New Zealand | Sky Sports NZ |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports |
| Geo Super | |
| Sri Lanka | Supreme TV |
| United Kingdom | BT Sport |
| Zee TV | |
| United States | Willow TV |
ILT20 Format and Rules 2025
The ILT20 adopts a double round-robin format, meaning each of the six teams competes against every other team twice during the regular season. This format ensures more matches, increasing the excitement for fans and giving teams more opportunities to perform. After the completion of the league stage, the top four teams qualify for the playoffs, which follow this structure:
- Semi-Final 1: The top two teams compete to secure a direct spot in the final.
- Semi-Final 2: The third and fourth-placed teams face off for a spot in the final.
- Third-Place Play-Off: The losing teams from the semi-finals compete for third place.
- Final: The winners of the semi-finals battle it out to become the champions of the ILT20.
The playoffs add an element of unpredictability to the tournament, making it one of the most exciting phases of the league. The ILT20 has also implemented a set of unique rules that make it stand out from other T20 leagues, including increased participation of overseas players and innovative substitution options.
Key Innovations and Rules
The ILT20 has introduced several unique rules that aim to enhance the competitiveness of the league and provide better opportunities for both local and international players.
- Nine Overseas Players: Unlike most T20 leagues, which limit the number of overseas players to four or five, the ILT20 allows each team to field up to nine international players. This rule aims to raise the standard of competition and attract world-class players.
- Local Player Requirement: Each team must include at least one UAE player and one player from an Associate Member nation. This rule encourages the development of local talent while ensuring diversity in the playing XI.
- Super Sub Rule: The league has introduced a “Super Sub” rule, where each team can substitute one player per match. Teams can select their substitute from a list of seven potential players, and the substitution can be made at strategic points, such as before an innings, after a wicket, or at the end of an over. This rule adds a layer of strategy, allowing teams to adapt quickly to match situations.
- List-A Status: In December 2023, the ILT20 achieved List-A status from the International Cricket Council (ICC), making it the first T20 league run by an Associate nation to receive official recognition. This status ensures that the league’s statistics and records are officially counted, further boosting its credibility.
Season 1 (2023): Desert Vipers 🏆
The inaugural season of the ILT20 was held from January 13 to February 12, 2023, marking the beginning of a new era in UAE cricket. The tournament saw enthusiastic participation from fans, although the absence of Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi players was felt.
Tournament Highlights
- The Gulf Giants emerged as champions, defeating the Desert Vipers in a thrilling final.
- Chris Jordan from Gulf Giants was named the Player of the Series, with exceptional performances as a bowler and fielder.
- The highest total of the tournament was scored by MI Emirates, who posted 241/3 against the Vipers on January 29, 2023.
- Alex Hales from Desert Vipers recorded the highest individual score of 110 runs in 59 balls against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.
The first season was a success in terms of viewership, with 108 million viewers tuning in from India, thanks to the broadcast on Zee5 and Zee channels. Despite low stadium attendance due to the absence of some top players, the league managed to create a buzz among T20 fans.
2023 Champions🏆
Season 2 (2024): MI Emirates 🏆
The second season of the ILT20 ran from January 19 to February 17, 2024, introducing significant changes, including its List-A status. The tournament featured several high-scoring matches and thrilling finishes.
Key Moments
- MI Emirates won the second season, defeating the Dubai Capitals by a margin of 45 runs in the final.
- Sikandar Raza from Dubai Capitals was named the Player of the Series for his all-around performance.
- The lowest total in the league’s history was recorded by the Sharjah Warriors, who were bowled out for just 74 runs against MI Emirates.
The second season saw increased interest, with more teams focusing on a strong local talent pool, leading to better overall performance from UAE players.
2024 Champions🏆
Records and Statistics
Most Runs
795 runs
Most Wickets
31 Wickets
Most Sixes
54 Sixes
Highest Team Total
241/3
Against Vipers 2023
Lowest Team Total
74/10
Against Emirates 2024
| Category | Record | Player/Team | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most runs | 795 | James Vince (GG) | |
| Highest average | 68.28 | Kieron Pollard (MIE) | |
| Highest score | 110 (59) | Alex Hales (DV) | vs Knight Riders (20 January 2023) |
| Highest partnership | 164 | Alex Hales & Colin Munro (DV) | vs Knight Riders (20 January 2023) |
| Most sixes | 54 | Nicholas Pooran (MIE) | |
| Most fifties | 8 | James Vince (GG) | |
| Most wickets | 31 | Chris Jordan (GG) | |
| Best strike rate | 10.66 | Muhammad Rohid | |
| Best economy rate | 4.75 | Adam Zampa | |
| Most dismissals (wicket-keeper) | 14 | Nicholas Pooran (MIE) | |
| Most catches (fielder) | 15 | Chris Jordan (GG) | |
| Most matches | 25 | Sam Billings (DC/DV) | |
| Most matches as captain | 23 | James Vince (GG) | |
| Highest total | 241/3 (20) | MI Emirates | vs Vipers (29 January 2023) |
| Lowest total | 74 (12.1) | Sharjah Warriors | vs Emirates (26 January 2024) |