The DP World ILT20 is gearing up for a festive and electrifying start as the UAE celebrates Eid Al Etihad, the National Day, on Tuesday. The fourth edition of the country’s flagship T20 league will begin at the Dubai International Stadium with defending champions Dubai Capitals facing last year’s runners-up, the Desert Vipers, at 6:30 pm UAE time.
Captains Unite Ahead of Season Opener
Photo Caption: Sharjah Warriorz captain Tim Southee, MI Emirates skipper Kieron Pollard, Gulf Giants captain Moeen Ali, Dubai Capitals star Gulbadin Naib, Desert Vipers captain Lockie Ferguson and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders captain Jason Holder pose with the tournament trophy.*
A grand opening ceremony, led by Pakistani rock sensation Ali Zafar, will precede the much-anticipated curtain-raiser. But the spotlight will quickly shift to the field, where some of the world’s most exciting players are set to showcase their talent. This season also marks a milestone for the league as it held its first-ever player auction.
Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, a key figure in Dubai Capitals’ title-winning campaign last year, returns with renewed ambition.
We always enjoy this tournament. Last year we won, and now we are focused on another successful season,” Naib said.
It’s a huge platform for everyone. We have new faces, and they’re eager to contribute.
New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, now leading the Desert Vipers, is determined to make amends for last year’s final defeat.
“We played great cricket last season. This time we want to go even further,” Ferguson said.
“I’m looking forward to working with Naseem Shah, David Payne and Khuzaima Tanveer in a strong bowling group.”
After finishing at the bottom last year, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders captain Jason Holder is confident of a stronger performance.
“We all want to win; it’s about discipline and execution,” Holder said.
“We have depth and power now we need to bring it together.”
Gulf Giants will be boosted by England veteran Moeen Ali, while Kieron Pollard takes over captaincy duties for MI Emirates, replacing Nicholas Pooran.
“The UAE is always a great place to play. We’re hoping everything falls into place,” Pollard said.
This season also welcomes players from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait for the first time, another major step in the regional growth of the sport.
“We’ve seen how the ILT20 has improved UAE cricket. I believe players from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia will benefit the same way,” said Sharjah Warriorz captain Tim Southee.
The season will also see the ILT20 debut of India’s Dinesh Karthik, a valuable addition to the Sharjah squad.
“Dinesh Karthik’s experience is going to be a great asset,” Southee added.
The month-long tournament will feature 34 matches, culminating in the grand final on January 4. The top four teams from the league stage will advance to the playoffs.
-Md Imran Hossain, Reporter, Bangla Express
