ILT20 moved to December-January window for 2025-26 season

IANS May 14, 2025 227 views

The ILT20 has rescheduled its 2025-26 season to a December-January window, ensuring completion before the Men's T20 World Cup in February-March 2026. This new schedule will conflict with the opening phase of Australia's Big Bash League. ILT20 chief executive David White believes this change optimizes player availability and preparation time for international tournaments. The league's fourth season will debut during UAE National Day, adding a cultural significance to its commencement.

"The 2 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 window is ideal." - David White
New Delhi, May 14: The fourth season of ILT20 in the UAE has moved to a December-January window, with an aim to finish the tournament before the Men’s T20 World Cup takes place in February-March 2026.

Key Points

1

ILT20 Season 4 creates schedule ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

2

Overlaps Big Bash League opening phase

3

Launch coincides with UAE National Day celebrations

4

Ensures players' availability for both ILT20 and T20 World Cup

ILT20 season four will now take place from December 2, 2025 to January 4, 2026 and will be clashing with the initial phase of the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia. “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,” said ILT20 chief executive David White in a statement on Wednesday.

The six-team, 34-match ILT20 has seen Gulf Giants, MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals becoming the championship winners in its first three seasons. “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,” said Khalid Al Zarooni, ILT20 chairman and Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Smart move by ILT20 to avoid clash with T20 World Cup! But December-January is already packed with BBL and our own domestic cricket. Hope Indian players get enough rest before international duties. 🇮🇳🏏
P
Priya M.
UAE is becoming a cricket hub! But I wish they'd consider including at least one Indian franchise team in ILT20. We have so much talent that could benefit from such exposure. What do others think?
A
Amit S.
Another T20 league? 😅 The cricket calendar is getting too crowded. Players will be exhausted before the World Cup. BCCI should think about protecting our players' workload management.
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Sanjay P.
Good for UAE cricket development! Many Indian origin players get opportunities there. But timing could be better - clashes with our domestic season and BBL. Still, more cricket is always welcome! 🏏
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Neha T.
While I appreciate UAE's cricket growth, I'm concerned about player fatigue. Our Indian stars participate in IPL, then other leagues, then international matches. When do they get proper rest? Quality over quantity please!
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Vikram J.
Interesting to see UAE aligning with their National Day celebrations. Cricket diplomacy at its best! Hope this strengthens India-UAE sporting ties too. Maybe we'll see more bilateral series in future.

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Tags:
ILT20 T20 World Cup 2026 Big Bash League UAE National Day David White