The much-anticipated fourth season of the DP International League T20 (ILT20) roars into action today, setting the stage for a thrilling summer of cricket in the United Arab Emirates. The season opener is a blockbuster clash, a direct rematch of last year's final, as the Dubai Capitals take on the Desert Vipers at the iconic Dubai International Stadium.
Star-Studded Opening and Ceremony
Before the first ball is bowled, fans will be treated to a glittering opening ceremony headlined by musical superstar Ali Zafar. The event promises to be a spectacular launch for what is set to be another high-octane tournament. Limited tickets for both the opening ceremony and the inaugural match are still available across all categories. Stand tickets start at an affordable AED 20, while hospitality packages begin at AED 325. For a premium experience, fans can book the new Sixes Lounge for AED 395, which includes unlimited food and beverages. Tickets can be purchased via the official website tickets.ilt20.ae or at Virgin Megastores outlets.
Squads Finalised After Retentions and Auction
All six franchises have solidified their line-ups for Season 4, following a combination of player retentions and the league's inaugural Player Auction held in October 2023. The squads boast a formidable array of international cricket superstars, promising top-tier competitive action.
Here is a look at the complete squads for ILT20 Season 4:
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
International Players: Alex Hales, Andre Russell, Brandon McMullen, George Garton, Jason Holder, Khary Pierre, Liam Livingstone, Michael Pepper, Olly Stone, Phil Salt, Piyush Chawla, Sherfane Rutherford, Sunil Narine.
UAE Players: Ajay Kumar, Alishan Sharafu, Ibrar Ahmed, Mayank Chowdary.
Associate Players: Abdul Manan (Saudi Arabia), Adnan Idrees (Kuwait), Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Unmukt Chand.
Dubai Capitals
International Players: David Willey, Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Gulbadin Naib, Jimmy Neesham, Jordan Cox, Leus du Plooy, Mohammad Nabi, Mustafizur Rahman, Navin Bidaisee, Rovman Powell, Scott Currie, Sediqullah Atal, Toby Albert, Tymal Mills, Waqar Salamkhell.
UAE Players: Farhan Khan, Haider Ali, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah.
Associate Players: Anudeep Chenthamara (Kuwait), Rushil Ugarkar, Shayan Jahangir, Usman Najeeb (Saudi Arabia).
Desert Vipers
International Players: Daniel Lawrence, David Payne, Fakhar Zaman, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Hassan Nawaz, Lockie Ferguson, Max Holden, Naseem Shah, Noor Ahmad, Qais Ahmad, Sam Curran, Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga.
UAE Players: Khuzaima Tanveer, Matiullah Khan, Sanjay Pahal, Vriitya Aravind.
Associate Players: Andries Gous, Bilal Tahir (Kuwait), Faisal Khan (Saudi Arabia), Tom Bruce.
Gulf Giants
International Players: Azmatullah Omarzai, Chris Wood, James Vince, Liam Dawson, Lorcan Tucker, Mark Adair, Matthew Forde, Moeen Ali, Nuwan Thushara, Pathum Nissanka, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sean Dickson, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tom Moores, Kyle Mayers.
UAE Players: Aayan Khan, Asif Khan, Haider Razzaq, Zuhaib Zubair.
Associate Players: Fred Klaassen, Gerhard Erasmus, Ishtiaq Ahmad (Saudi Arabia), Meet Bhavsar (Kuwait).
MI Emirates
International Players: Ackeem Auguste, Allah Ghazanfar, Andre Fletcher, Arab Gul, Chris Woakes, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Jonny Bairstow, Jordan Thompson, Kamindu Mendis, Kieron Pollard, Naveen-ul-Haq, Nicholas Pooran, Romario Shepherd, Shakib Al Hasan, Tom Banton.
UAE Players: Muhammad Rohid, Muhammad Waseem, Usman Khan, Zahoor Khan.
Associate Players: Mohammed Shafeeq (Kuwait), Nosthush Kenjige, Tajinder Dhillon, Zain Ul Abidin (Saudi Arabia).
Sharjah Warriors
International Players: Adil Rashid, Dinesh Karthik, Dwaine Pretorius, James Rew, Johnson Charles, Mahesh Theekshana, Mark Chapman, Matheesha Pathirana, Nathan Sowter, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Taskin Ahmed, Tim David, Tim Southee, Tom Abell, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Wafiqullah Tarakhil.
UAE Players: Ethan D’Souza, Junaid Siddique, Raees Ahmad, Wasim Akram.
Associate Players: Abdul Salman Khan (Saudi Arabia), Harmeet Singh, Mohamed Aslam (Kuwait), Saurabh Netravalkar, Shubham Ranjane.
A Tournament Poised for Growth
The launch of Season 4 marks a significant moment for the ILT20 as it continues to establish itself on the global T20 calendar. With a perfect blend of world-renowned stars, exciting UAE talent, and players from associate nations, the league offers a unique and competitive platform. The direct link to the high-profile Indian Premier League (IPL) through shared ownership and player pools further elevates its stature and appeal to a massive Indian and global cricket audience. Fans can expect a month of intense, fast-paced cricket as these powerhouse teams battle for the coveted ILT20 trophy.
