As the UAE celebrates Eid Al Etihad on December 2, the cricket community gears up for the exciting fourth season of the DP World ILT20 at Dubai International Stadium. This year, the tournament features six teams, starting with the defending champions, Dubai Capitals, facing off against the last season’s finalists, Desert Vipers, at 6:30 pm UAE Time.
The tournament kicks off with a grand opening ceremony featuring Pakistani rockstar Ali Zafar. Beyond the festivities, cricket fans are eager to see some of the biggest names in the sport back in action, especially following a recent player auction that added fresh talent to the teams.
Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib returns to Dubai Capitals, aiming to help his team secure a second consecutive title. His performance last season was impressive, scoring 381 runs in 12 matches. Naib expresses enthusiasm for the tournament, stating, “It’s a huge platform for everybody. We have got some new faces, and they are very keen to do something for the team.”
For the Desert Vipers, New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson takes charge in hopes of improving on last year’s runner-up finish. He commented on his team’s strong performance and is excited about collaborating with other key bowlers this season. “We played great cricket throughout the tournament last season, so this year we’re looking to do even better,” he noted.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders captain Jason Holder is focused on bouncing back from last season’s disappointing finish. He emphasized the importance of discipline and executing game plans, while expressing confidence in his team’s potential for success. “We have a lot of power and depth in our line-up,” he remarked.
Moeen Ali, a veteran of the England squad, is looking forward to playing for Gulf Giants, the inaugural champions. Meanwhile, Kieron Pollard has taken over the captaincy of MI Emirates from Nicholas Pooran, sharing his excitement about playing in the UAE. The tournament is set to be more inclusive this year, welcoming players from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait for the first time, a move celebrated by Tim Southee of the Sharjah Warriorz.
Southee acknowledges the growth of cricket in the UAE since the ILT20’s launch, and he is optimistic about the contributions from the new participants. In addition, notable Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik is set to make his debut in this season, adding depth and experience to the Sharjah Warriorz. “Dinesh Karthik’s experience will be a wonderful addition to the team,” Southee stated.
The DP World ILT20 will run from December 2, 2026, to January 4, 2026, across venues in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. This year, the tournament will host a total of 34 matches featuring the six competing teams: Dubai Capitals, Desert Vipers, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, MI Emirates, Gulf Giants, and Sharjah Warriorz. The excitement surrounding this season is palpable, as each team vies for the coveted title.
Previous winners of the tournament include Gulf Giants in 2023, MI Emirates in 2024, and Dubai Capitals in 2025. Fans are eager to see who will rise to the top in this thrilling season ahead.