Aayal QureshiDubai: The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) is set to light up the Gulf region’s cricketing calendar with a dazzling Season 4, beginning on Eid Al Etihad (UAE National Day) this December. In a strategic shift, the tournament will now run from December 2 to January 4, aligning with festive celebrations, including Christmas and the UAE’s patriotic festivities, offering fans a thrilling cricket spectacle during the holiday season.
The six-team, 34-match league, which traditionally took place in January-February, has been rescheduled to avoid a clash with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in February-March 2026. The move also ensures players have ample time to prepare for international duties while allowing franchises to attract top global talent during the break.
Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of ILT20 and Vice-Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, expressed pride in the league’s alignment with UAE National Day: “We are delighted to confirm that the DP World International League T20 Season 4 will commence on the UAE National Day – Eid-Al-Etihad – which is one of the most important days on the UAE calendar.
“The UAE National Day is the day where we celebrate the United Arab Emirates which is home to people from around the world including millions of diehard cricket fans. It is a real honour for us to join the nation in the UAE National Day 2025 celebrations with the launch of the region’s biggest T20 league – the DP World ILT20 Season 4, on the same day.”
Season 3 Success Sets High Expectations
The previous edition of the tournament, held earlier this year, was a massive hit, featuring nail-biting contests and record viewership. Dubai Capitals emerged champions after a last-over thriller against the Desert Vipers at a packed Dubai International Stadium.
David White, CEO of DP World ILT20, highlighted the league’s growth: “Following extensive discussions with all our stakeholders, we believe the 2 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 tournament window is ideal for the DP World International League T20 Season 4. The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup begins in early February hence it was important for us to start and finish Season 4 well before the tournament as it will allow the players playing both the DP World ILT20 and the T20 World Cup to prepare for national duty. In addition, we feel that the December-January window will provide the teams’ the best opportunity to access a bigger pool of players.
“Season 3 was a big success with outstanding broadcast and digital numbers as the fans enjoyed a step-up in the quality of cricket. The teams gave their absolute all across the hugely competitive 34-tournament matches which concluded with a nail-biting final won by the Dubai Capitals in the last over of the match in front of a packed Dubai International Stadium. We are now fully focused on making an even bigger impact as we turn our attention to Season 4.”
The league boasted a star-studded lineup last season, including Nicholas Pooran, Sam Curran (Player of the Tournament), Shai Hope (Most Runs), Fazalhaq Farooqi (Highest Wicket-Taker), Andre Russell, David Warner, and more.
New Schedule, Bigger Ambitions
With the shift to a holiday-centric schedule, organizers anticipate electrifying crowds, patriotic fervour, and fireworks—both on and off the field. As defending champions, Dubai Capitals will look to reign supreme under the festive lights, while fans can expect another season of world-class T20 action blended with UAE’s celebratory spirit.
As the Gulf’s premier cricket league continues to rise in prominence, ILT20 Season 4 promises a spectacular fusion of sport and celebration.
