Aayal QureshiDubai: The much-awaited DP World ILT20 Season 3 is ready to captivate cricket fans worldwide, beginning on Saturday, January 11, 2025, with an electrifying rematch between defending champions MI Emiratesand Dubai Capitals at the iconic Dubai International Stadium.
The month-long cricketing extravaganza promises to be the most thrilling edition yet, building on the success of its previous two seasons. Captains and players from the six participating franchises have expressed their enthusiasm for the tournament, which features some of the world’s best cricketing talent.
Excitement from Players and Captains
Tournament Ambassador and legendary cricketer Shoaib Akhtar highlighted the league’s growth, stating, “This season, the DP World ILT20 is larger than ever before. It’s good to see people engage with the tournament, and I’m sure this season will be even better.”
Nicholas Pooran, captain of MI Emirates, is optimistic about defending their title. “We take winning seriously and are eager to get the tournament underway. Retaining a strong core, including UAE’s Muhammed Waseem, is crucial for our success,” he said.
Dubai Capitals’ skipper Sikandar Raza, the MVP and Red Belt winner from last season, expressed his determination to lead his team to victory: “Winning the MVP award was nice, but lifting the trophy is the ultimate goal.”
T20 veteran Sunil Narine, leading the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, emphasized the importance of powerplay performance, while new captains Lockie Ferguson (Desert Vipers) and Tim Southee (Sharjah Warriorz) shared their excitement about taking on leadership roles.
Gulf Giants’ fast bowler Tymal Mills, speaking on behalf of captain James Vince, said the team has high expectations, adding, “We know how to win and are confident about lifting the trophy again.”
Global Cricket Stars and Spectacular Venues
The tournament will feature a star-studded lineup, including David Warner, Sam Curran, Shimron Hetmyer, Fakhar Zaman, Matthew Wade, Alex Hales, and more. Matches will be held across three premier UAE venues: Dubai International Stadium, Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Grand Opening Ceremony
The season will kick off with a dazzling opening ceremony featuring Bollywood superstars Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, and Sonam Bajwa, with performances on their blockbuster songs. The event will be emceed by Bollywood personality Jackky Bhagnani and Ridhima Pathak. The ceremony begins at 6:00 PM local time, with the first match starting at 7:15 PM.
Broadcast Details
Cricket enthusiasts can catch all the action live on the Zee Network and its digital platforms, ensuring global access to the tournament’s high-octane matches.
With its vibrant mix of world-class players, thrilling matchups, and a spectacular opening, the DP World ILT20 Season 3 is set to deliver unforgettable moments for cricket fans around the globe.
