ILT20 Development Tournament: Dubai is all set for the third edition of the International League T20 (ILT20) Development Tournament, which is scheduled to begin on August 24 at the ICC Academy Oval 1. The 18-match tournament will feature six teams competing against each other in a single league and round-robin format, providing the UAE’s most promising cricket players with an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of top franchise scouts and impress selectors ahead of the ILT20 Season 4.
Along with ILT20 Season 3 defending champions, Gulf Giants Development, this ILT20 Development Tournament will also feature Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Development, Desert Vipers Development, Dubai Capitals Development, MI Emirates Development, and Sharjah Warriors Development. The squads for the six teams will be selected through a Player Selection Draft to be held on August 18 at the Dubai International Stadium, and each team will have 15 UAE players.
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The Road to ILT20 Season 4
The ILT20 Development Tournament provides a direct gateway and opportunity for aspiring cricketers from the UAE to showcase their talent and get the attention of the six ILT20 franchises ahead of Season 4. Season 4 will be played from December 2025 to January 2026.
The UAE men’s team will participate in the Sharjah Tri-Series (August 29 to September 7) and the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup (September 9 to 28). With this in mind, this tournament will be a golden opportunity for emerging players to make a mark in front of the franchise selectors and make it to the main competition.
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Each of the six ILT20 franchises will have to select at least four UAE players in their squad for Season 4 of the tournament, starting on December 2. With their proven record, the ILT20 Development Tournament Season 3 promises competitive cricket and could reshape the UAE’s T20 talent pool.
The International League T20 player auction for Season 4 will be held a few days after the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup. The six teams participating in the tournament will get a chance to add 13 players each (a total of 78 players) to their Season 4 squad in the auction. The last date for registration is September 10.
A Proven Launchpad for Emerging Talents
Andrew Russell, Tournament Director, ILT20 Development Tournament, said, “The DP World ILT20 Development Tournament is one of the most popular events in the Emirates Cricket Board’s domestic calendar. This platform is ideal for young and emerging players from across the country to showcase their talents and stake a claim for a place at the DP World ILT20.” He further acknowledged how this tournament proved beneficial last year.
“Last year, fast bowler Farhan Ahmed was discovered by Dubai Capitals in the development tournament. Farhan performed brilliantly in ILT20 Season 3, and the Capitals won the tournament. Saghir Khan is another player who excelled in the development tournament last year and earned his spot in the big event representing the Gulf Giants.
“This special edition is the biggest opportunity for new talent to shine, especially when the UAE national players will be competing in the tri-series and the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup in Sharjah, and their absence, many spots are vacant.”
Why it matters
The ILT20 Development Tournament has already proven its worth as an incubator of talent. Last season’s breakout star, Farhan Ahmed, was picked up by Dubai Capitals after a stellar performance in this development tournament – and later played a key role in their championship win. With multiple franchise spots available this year, the stage is set for new names to emerge.