Aayal QureshiDubai, UAE: The much-anticipated DP World ILT20 Season 2 is all set to kick off with the defending champions, Gulf Giants, taking on the Sharjah Warriors in the opening match. This cricket extravaganza, the largest of its kind in the Gulf region, will feature 34 thrilling matches across three iconic UAE venues: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. The final showdown will be held at the magnificent Dubai International Stadium (DIS), affectionately known as the Ring of Fire, on Saturday, 17 February.
The opening weekend, from Friday, 19 January to Sunday, 21 January, promises a jam-packed schedule with four exciting fixtures. The action commences in Sharjah with the opener between the Gulf Giants and the Sharjah Warriors. On Saturday, 20 January, the Dubai Capitals will host MI Emirates at the DIS, and last year’s runner-up, Desert Vipers, will begin their campaign against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the DIS in the afternoon. On Sunday, 21 January, MI Emirates will host the Gulf Giants in their first home game at the picturesque Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
The tournament will see a total of 15 matches in Dubai, 11 in Abu Dhabi, and eight in Sharjah. Each team will play five home and five away fixtures. The DIS will serve as the home venue for the Dubai Capitals, while Desert Vipers and Gulf Giants will divide their home matches between Dubai and Sharjah. Sharjah Warriors will have the Sharjah Cricket Stadium as their home base, and the Zayed Cricket Stadium will be the home venue for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and MI Emirates.
Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to purchasing match tickets online next month. The DP World ILT20 Season 2 has joined hands with Virgin Megastore, a renowned tickets provider, for Season 2 tickets. Tickets will be available online and at all 14 Virgin Megastore outlets across the UAE.
CEO of DP World ILT20, David White, expressed his excitement about the upcoming season, stating, “We are excited to announce the DP World ILT20 Season 2 schedule. Just like the opening season, we are set to deliver 34 action-packed matches at our three fantastic cricket venues. The tournament begins on 19 January and will finish with the final in Dubai on 17 February.”
White highlighted the attraction of some of the biggest cricket stars from around the world to Season 2, emphasizing the world-class stadiums with a rich history of hosting significant cricket events, including the T20 World Cup. He also noted the ideal weather conditions in the UAE during January and February, making it the perfect setting for cricket. With a strong appetite and interest in the game, local fans and international travelers are welcome to enjoy the cricketing spectacle and various entertainment opportunities beyond the on-field action.
