As the UAE gears up to celebrate Eid Al Etihad, cricket enthusiasts are set for an exciting new season of the DP World ILT20 at Dubai International Stadium. The fourth season of this IPL-style T20 league features six teams and will kick off with the defending champions, Dubai Capitals, taking on the Desert Vipers, the finalists from last year, on Tuesday evening at 6:30 pm UAE Time.
The opening ceremony promises to be a spectacular affair, featuring performances led by acclaimed Pakistani rockstar Ali Zafar. However, the highlight will undoubtedly be the clash on the cricket pitch, where numerous cricket stars have returned for the tournament, following a recent player auction.
Gulbadin Naib, the all-rounder from Afghanistan, is back with the Dubai Capitals and is eager to replicate the success of last season. He expressed enthusiasm for the tournament, saying, “It’s good to be here. We always love this tournament. Last year we won, but we’re looking forward to another successful season.” Naib, who contributed 381 runs in 12 matches last year, emphasized the platform the tournament provides for players to shine.
On the opposing side, New Zealand’s pace bowler Lockie Ferguson aims to lead the Desert Vipers to victory, especially after last year’s disappointing final. He remains positive about the upcoming season, highlighting his anticipation to work with a well-balanced bowling attack that includes Naseem Shah and David Payne. “We played great cricket throughout the tournament last season, so this year we’re looking to do even better,” Ferguson noted.
The tournament consists of 34 matches, culminating in the final on January 4, 2024. The top four teams from the league phase will enter the playoffs, making every match crucial for teams vying for the title. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders captain Jason Holder is particularly focused on improving from last year’s last-place finish. He stated, “We all want to win. It’s simple for us – we just need to be disciplined and execute our plans.”
Excitement is also building for the Gulf Giants, with England’s Moeen Ali highlighting the thrill of playing in the UAE. Meanwhile, Kieron Pollard has stepped in as the captain of MI Emirates, replacing Nicholas Pooran. He expressed optimism about the competition, stating, “The UAE is always exciting, and it’s a good place to play cricket, which gives us an added incentive.”
This season marks a significant milestone as it includes players from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait for the first time, reflecting the growth of cricket in the region. Tim Southee, captain of the Sharjah Warriorz, commented on the positive trajectory of UAE cricket since the introduction of ILT20, and he looks forward to seeing similar progress from new players from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Notably, Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik will make his debut in this tournament, adding further star power.
The tournament details are as follows:
DP World ILT20
- When: December 2, 2023 – January 4, 2024
- Where: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah
- Matches: 34
- Teams: 6
- Dubai Capitals
- Desert Vipers
- Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
- MI Emirates
- Gulf Giants
- Sharjah Warriorz
Past Winners
- 2023: Gulf Giants
- 2024: MI Emirates
- 2025: Dubai Capitals
Fans and players alike are eager to see how the tournament unfolds, with hopes for thrilling matches and standout performances throughout the season.