International T20 League in the UAE: All you need to know
The cricketing extravaganza returns to the UAE big time! In January 2025, the sport’s biggest stars will land on these shores — performing their magic at the International T20 League (ILT20). Let’s take a look at how the event is shaping up.
UAE INTERNATIONAL T20 LEAGUE
From iconic tournaments in Sharjah to the recent influx of T20 leagues, top-tier cricket has always been part of the UAE’s sporting calendar. The country has already hosted the Indian Premier League, the Pakistan Super League and the Master’s Champions League in the past. Similarly, the Abu Dhabi T10 League is a highly successful annual event.
The ILT20 2025 marks the league’s third season. It will commence on 11 January 2025, with the final scheduled for 9 February. A total of 34 matches will be played in a double round-robin format.
The tournament’s chief purpose is to give local talent a platform to excel. The Emirates Cricket Board is keen to develop young and budding cricketers who can win laurels for the country.
INTERNATIONAL T20 LEAGUE TEAMS
Six teams will compete in the International T20 League for glory. Here are the individual squads.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
Sunil Narine, Ali Khan, Brandon McMullen, Charith Asalanka, David Willey, Jake Lintott, Joe Clark, Josh Little, Laurine Evans, Marchant De Lange, Matiullah Khan, Michael Pepper, Ravi Bopara, Sabir Ali and Sam Hussain.
Desert Vipers
Colin Munro, Alex Hales, Adame Hose, Ali Naseer, Aryan Lakra, Azam Khan, Bas De Leede, Dinesh Chandinal, Gus Atkinson, Karthik Meiyappan, Luke Wood, Matheesha Pathirana, Michael Jones, Rohan Mustafa, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sheldon Cottrell, Sherfane Rutherford, Tom Curran and Wanindu Hasaranga.
Dubai Capitals
David Warner, Andrew Tye, Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Joe Root, Mark Wood, Max Holden, Muhammad Mohsin, Nawan Thushara, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Raja Akif, Rovman Powell, Roelof Van Der Merwe, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sam Billings and Sikandar Raza.
Gulf Giants
James Vince, Aayan Afzal Khan, Carlos Braithwaite, Chris Jordan, Chris Lynn, Dominic Drakes, Gerhard Erasmus, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smith, Jordan Cox, Karim Janat, Mujeeb-ur-Rehman, Rehan Ahmad, Richard Gleeson, Sanchit Sharma, Saurabh Netravalkar and Shimrom Hetmyer.
MI Emirates
Keiron Pollard, Akeal Hosein, Ambati Rayudu, Andre Fletcher, Corey Anderson, Daniel Mousley, Dwayne Bravo, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Jordan Thompson, Kusal Perera, Mckenny Clarke, Muhammad Waseem, Nicholas Pooran, Nosthush Kenjige, Odean Smith, Trent Boult, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Waqar Salamkheil, Will Smeed and Zahoor Khan.
Sharjah Warriors
Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Chris Sole, Chris Woakes, Daniel Sams, Dilshan Mudashanka, James Fuller, Joe Denly, Johnson Charles, Junaid Siddique, Kusal Mendis, Lewis Gregory, Mahesh Theekshana, Mark Deyal, Mark Watt, Martin Guptill, Mohammad Jawadullah and Qais Ahmed.
INTERNATIONAL T20 LEAGUE 2025 SCHEDULE
The International T20 League 2025 schedule is available on the league’s official website. Just look for the schedule of your favourite team. You can also peruse the fixtures on the ILT20 Instagram page.
INTERNATIONAL T20 LEAGUE 2025 TICKETS
International T20 League 2025 tickets for general start at AED 20 for adults (Northwest Stand) and AED 10 for children (6-16 years).
FAQS ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL T20 LEAGUE UAE
WHERE TO WATCH THE INTERNATIONAL T20 LEAGUE UAE?
The tournament will be live on ZEE’s linear channels and digital platforms: Zee5, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Cinema SD, Flix SD & Flix HD, Zee Zest SD, Zee Anmol Cinema, & Pictures HD, Zee Zest HD, Zee Thirai and Zee Bangla Cinema.
WHERE CAN I PLAY CRICKET IN DUBAI DURING THE SUMMER?
During the summer, outdoor sports can be a bit of a challenge unless you are a professional. However, if you still want to practice, head to these places offering indoor cricket in Dubai. You can have a hit without having to bear the heat!
With just over a week remaining, the excitement levels are hitting a new high. Given the names involved and the cricketing facilities available in the UAE, this league can become one of the premier T20 franchise tournaments in the world. You can also look forward to the upcoming events in Abu Dhabi.
