The DP World ILT20 Schools Cup is underway across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, with 45 teams competing in this year’s tournament.
The fourth edition includes 13 girls’ hardball teams, with the girls’ competition returning for its second year.
Matches began on 30 September, with school first XI players competing for places in the finals at the ICC Academy in Dubai on 13 November.
The finals will be held during the DP World ILT20 Junior Cricket Festival, ahead of the fifth season of the professional T20 league.
GEMS Modern School enter as defending champions in both the boys’ and girls’ competitions, having won both titles in 2025.
The school also won the boys’ competition in 2023, while Cambridge High School Abu Dhabi claimed the title in 2024.
Andrew Russell, tournament director of the DP World ILT20 Schools Cup, welcomed the continued participation of girls in the tournament.
“Every season we see talented cricketers emerge from this tournament, and the continued growth of the girls’ competition is especially encouraging for the future of the game here”
Participating schools will also work with DP World ILT20 franchises, giving pupils opportunities to connect with the six professional teams based across the Emirates.
The Schools Cup concludes eight days before the start of DP World ILT20 Season 5, which begins on 21 November.
Fixtures, results and participating teams are available for both the boys’ competition and girls’ competition.
