Dubai: The International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 is set to begin earlier than usual this season, launching on December 2 with a high-intensity clash between last year’s finalists — Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers — in Dubai. The tournament, now strategically scheduled to avoid overlaps with the Big Bash League and SA20, will run until January 4, featuring 34 matches including 30 league fixtures and four knockout games.
Most matches will begin at 6:30 pm local time, while double-header days will include afternoon games starting at 2 pm.
New Season, New Captains, and A Strategic Early Start
ILT20 organisers have shifted the event to an earlier window to ensure maximum participation before the global franchise calendar intensifies. Players committed to the BBL (starting Dec 14) and SA20 (starting Dec 26) may still depart mid-tournament, but the earlier start allows most overseas stars to feature for longer.
Key captaincy changes mark a new era in the league:
- Kieron Pollard replaces Nicholas Pooran as captain of MI Emirates
- Dasun Shanaka takes over leadership of defending champions Dubai Capitals
- Jason Holder assumes captaincy of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, replacing Sunil Narine
- Lockie Ferguson (Desert Vipers), James Vince (Gulf Giants), and Tim Southee (Sharjah Warriorz) continue as captains
The six-team lineup remains unchanged: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates, and Sharjah Warriorz.
Knockout Format and Key Dates
- Qualifier 1: December 30 (Abu Dhabi) — Top two teams
- Eliminator: January 1 (Dubai) — 3rd vs 4th place
- Qualifier 2: January 2 (Sharjah) — Winner of Eliminator vs Loser of Qualifier 1
- Final: January 4
Star Players, Auction Highlights, and New Signings
ILT20 held its first-ever player auction in October, attracting big names and fierce bidding wars.
Major Acquisitions
- Andre Fletcher (MI Emirates) — fetched a record USD 260,000
- Junaid Siddique (Sharjah Warriorz) — secured after competitive bidding
- Matheesha Pathirana — joins Warriorz as a replacement signing
- Jordan Cox (Dubai Capitals) — arrives after a standout season in The Hundred
Retained Powerhouses
- Muhammad Waseem (MIE) — UAE’s six-hitting machine
- Sunil Narine & Andre Russell (Knight Riders) — continue ILT20 stints
- Moeen Ali (Gulf Giants) — strengthens Vince-led unit
Indian Talent to Watch
While some Indian players went unsold at the auction, several well-known names will still be in action:
- Dinesh Karthik — wicketkeeper-batter for Sharjah Warriorz
- Unmukt Chand — representing Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
- Piyush Chawla — added as a wildcard signing
Pakistan Players Cleared After NOC Uncertainty
Desert Vipers successfully bid for Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, and Hasan Nawaz, whose participation was initially doubtful due to NOC delays. The PCB has since granted permission, paving the way for all three players to join the tournament.
ILT20 Expands Its Gulf Footprint
In a major development push, ILT20 has tied up with the Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti cricket associations. Each ILT20 franchise has signed six young development players from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, strengthening grassroots cricket in the region and expanding the league’s influence in the Gulf.
