The International League T20 (ILT20) has officially launched its fifth season in Dubai, bringing together former cricket stars, league officials, sports leaders, and business representatives for a special event.
Australian fast-bowling legend Brett Lee and former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar were among the biggest draws at the launch. The two former speedsters showed up to talk about the growth of cricket in the UAE and the wider Gulf region.
The event also saw the unveiling of Season 5’s new brand identity. This upcoming edition is expected to build on the league’s growing profile and its efforts to establish the UAE as a genuinely important destination for international cricket.
ILT20 Highlights Growth of Cricket in the Gulf
ILT20 Chairman Khalid Al Zarooni spoke about how the competition has grown since its launch, saying the league had developed from an idea into a major global cricket competition while contributing to the sport’s development across the UAE and the wider region.
The chairman also thanked franchise owners, stakeholders, and commercial partners for their continued support, highlighting DP World and Zee Network, along with strategic cricket partners including Kuwait Cricket, the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation, the Afghanistan Cricket Board, and Cricket Ireland.
The league has also welcomed SPORTFIVE as a new commercial partner, a partnership expected to support the competition as it continues expanding its commercial and international presence.
Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar Talk About Their Playing Days
Former New Zealand international Simon Doull hosted a special discussion with Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar during the launch event. The two former fast bowlers looked back on their playing careers and their experiences during an era known for producing some of the fastest bowling in international cricket.
Lee and Shoaib also talked about the impact the DP World ILT20 has had on cricket in the UAE and the region. Their appearance added a genuinely strong international cricket connection to the Season 5 launch.
Both players were famous for their pace during their careers, which made their participation a major draw for cricket fans attending the event.
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Senior Cricket and Business Leaders Join Panel
The launch also featured a panel discussion looking at the changing landscape and future of cricket, both regionally and globally. Simon Doull hosted the session, which included representatives from cricket, government, sports, and business.
The panel featured ILT20 League Commissioner Mubashshir Usmani, who also serves as an ICC Board Director and ECB General Secretary. Other participants included Mohamed Abu Hamra of DP World GCC, Eisa Sharif of Dubai Sports Council, and Mukund Galgali of ZEE Entertainment Enterprises.
Venu Nair, President for Middle East and South Asia at SportFIVE, and Tushar Malhotra, Global Director Sales and Marketing at Bisleri, also took part in the discussion.
These conversations focused on the future of the sport and the role partnerships play in supporting cricket’s continued growth across the UAE and the wider region.
ILT20 Season 5 to Be Played Across Three UAE Venues
The fifth season of the DP World ILT20 will run through November and December 2026, with matches taking place at three of the UAE’s major cricket venues.
The tournament will be staged at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Dubai International Stadium, and Sharjah Cricket Stadium. These venues have hosted major domestic and international cricket events before and will once again provide the setting for the league.
With matches spread across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, Season 5 gives fans across the UAE plenty of chances to catch the competition in different parts of the country.
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Desert Vipers Enter Season 5 as Defending Champions
The Desert Vipers begin ILT20 Season 5 as defending champions after winning the fourth season, and they will look to keep that strong run going as the new edition gets underway later this year.
The league has had three other champions across its first four seasons. Gulf Giants took the inaugural Season 1, while MI Emirates claimed the title in Season 2.
Dubai Capitals became champions in Season 3 before Desert Vipers secured the Season 4 title. This new season brings another opportunity for the franchises to battle it out for the ILT20 trophy.
ILT20 Continues to Build Its Regional Presence
Since its launch, the ILT20 has aimed to strengthen the UAE’s position as a hub for high-level franchise cricket. The league has also built connections with cricket boards and organisations across several countries.
The involvement of regional cricket bodies and international partners reflects the competition’s broader ambitions. This latest season will bring together players, franchises, broadcasters, sponsors, and cricket supporters for another edition of UAE-based T20 cricket.
The Season 5 launch in Dubai marks the start of the build-up to the November-December tournament, with the league now gearing up for another season across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.