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ILT20 Experience Fuels UAE's T20 World Cup Ambitions

The International League T20 (ILT20) is credited with strengthening UAE cricket by providing its national players with sustained exposure to high-level competition. Key players like Muhammad Waseem, who won the Best UAE Player award for a fourth time, highlight the league's role in developing match awareness and confidence. Several UAE bowlers, including Junaid Siddique and Rohid Khan, gained valuable experience and secured lucrative contracts at the league's auction. The national team now aims to translate these ILT20 learnings into performance at the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Key Points: ILT20 Builds Foundation for UAE's T20 World Cup Campaign

  • ILT20 provides high-intensity match exposure
  • UAE players train with global stars
  • Muhammad Waseem wins Best UAE Player again
  • Pacers secure high-value auction contracts
  • Team aims to execute learnings at World Cup
2 min read

ILT20 exposure lays strong foundation for UAE's World Cup campaign

UAE players gain vital high-pressure experience from ILT20 exposure, boosting confidence ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.

"Every season, the ILT20 gives UAE players great competitive exposure... It really helps you understand your game and read match situations. - Muhammad Waseem"

Dubai, February 4

The International League T20 continues to play a meaningful role in strengthening UAE cricket, with the recently concluded fourth season offering players sustained exposure to high-intensity competition alongside leading international names, according to a release.

As attention turns to the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, several UAE players who featured in the ILT20 will represent the nation on the global stage, building on the experience and confidence gained during the ILT20.

Muhammad Waseem, who secured the coveted Blue Belt (Best UAE Player) for the fourth-year running, amassing 370 runs in 13 innings as MI Emirates made their way to the final, will lead the UAE team.

"Every season, the ILT20 gives UAE players great competitive exposure. Whether you are an experienced player or a prospect, time out in the middle is the most important thing for any player. Adding to that is the fact that you are surrounded by some of the best cricketing minds in the world for over a month. It really helps you understand your game and read match situations. We now hope we can execute those learnings as we head into the ICC Men's T20 World Cup," said Waseem.

Haider Ali turned out for Dubai Capitals for a third consecutive season and finished among the side's leading wicket-takers with 10 wickets. Left-arm pacer Muhammad Jawadullah was also a regular feature for the Capitals, with both bowlers forming part of a formidable attack that included Afghanistan's Waqar Salamkheil (18 wickets) and Gulbadin Naib (12 wickets), an experience that augurs well for the duo ahead of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Notably, UAE pacers Junaid Siddique and Rohid Khan were among the most sought-after players at the ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction, securing high-value contracts of USD 170,000 with Sharjah Warriorz and USD 140,000 with MI Emirates, respectively. Their acquisitions ranked them as the fourth and fifth most expensive signings at the league's historic first-ever auction.

Also featuring for the UAE will be Alishan Sharafu and Mayank Kumar (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders); and Muhammad Farooq (Dubai Capitals), all of whom were part of ILT20 Season 4 squads.

ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, UAE's Group D match schedule:Tuesday, 10 February - New Zealand vs UAE, Chennai.Friday, 13 February - Canada vs UAE, Delhi.Monday, 16 February - Afghanistan vs UAE, Delhi.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Great to see the development pathway working. The auction prices for Siddique and Rohid Khan show their talent is being recognized globally. Hope they carry that confidence into the World Cup. The match against Afghanistan will be a real test of their learnings.
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Rohit P
As a cricket fan, I love seeing new teams become competitive. The UAE squad has some serious potential now. Playing with guys like Waqar Salamkheil in the ILT20 must have been a great learning curve for their bowlers. Tough group in the World Cup though!
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Priya S
This is the model more countries should follow. Domestic leagues breeding international talent. Muhammad Waseem winning the Blue Belt four times is no joke – that's consistency! Hope they give a good account of themselves, especially in the Delhi matches.
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Aman W
Respectfully, while the exposure is good, the real test is the World Cup. The article is very optimistic, but let's see if they can handle the pressure of a global tournament. Beating Canada is a must, and competing with NZ/Afghanistan would be a huge success. The foundation is laid, now they must build the house.
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Karthik V
The financial boost from the auction is a game-changer. $170,000 for an associate nation player is massive! That kind of security allows players to focus fully on cricket. Junaid Siddique must be on cloud nine. Wishing the entire UAE team all the very best.

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