The DP World ILT20 returns for its fourth season with a revised place in the global cricket calendar and a growing sense of identity. Season 4 will run from 2 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, bringing elite T20 franchise cricket to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah across a month that aligns with the UAE’s peak festive period.
The opening match takes place on UAE National Day, a deliberate scheduling choice that underlines the league’s ambition to embed itself within the country’s wider sporting and cultural landscape. ILT20 chairman Khalid Al Zarooni described the decision as a point of pride, calling it “a real honour” to launch the season on one of the most significant days in the national calendar.
Six teams will again compete in a 34-match tournament, with the familiar structure of a league phase followed by play-offs and a final. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz return as the league’s franchise pillars, each bringing distinct squad profiles and competitive strengths.
As the league enters its fourth year, the emphasis has shifted slightly. The early novelty has faded, replaced by questions of consistency, squad balance and whether teams can build sustained success across seasons rather than isolated runs.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: depth, power and multi-skill options
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders continue to shape their identity around all-round depth and explosive batting. For Season 4, the franchise features global T20 names including Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Jason Holder (captain), Liam Livingstone, Alex Hales and Phil Salt, players whose experience spans the IPL, international cricket and multiple franchise leagues.
That blend gives the Knight Riders flexibility. Narine and Livingstone can influence both innings, Holder adds control with the new ball and at the death, while Russell remains one of the most destructive finishers in the format. Salt strengthens the top order and wicketkeeping group, adding further tactical options.
The bowling unit is typically built around pace and variation rather than outright speed alone, with experienced operators complemented by UAE-based players including Alishan Sharafu and Adnan Idrees. On UAE pitches that reward discipline, that balance often proves decisive.
If the Knight Riders can establish stable batting roles early in the season, their squad composition gives them multiple pathways to winning matches across different venues.
Desert Vipers: aggression with structure
Desert Vipers have leaned into a more direct batting identity, anchored by players known for clean striking and intent through the middle overs. Their Season 4 squad includes Fakhar Zaman, Shimron Hetmyer, Max Holden, Hasan Nawaz, Tom Bruce and Dan Lawrence, a group that favours momentum and boundary pressure rather than accumulation.
The bowling attack features Lockie Ferguson (captain), Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga, Naseem Shah and David Payne, providing both pace and spin options. During Season 4 matches, former Pakistan fast bowler and commentator Waqar Younis praised UAE player Khuzaima Tanveer as an emerging all-round option capable of influencing matches with both bat and ball following his performance against Gulf Giants.
The Vipers’ challenge has often been converting strong batting performances into consistent wins. In a league where totals regularly exceed 160, their success will hinge on disciplined bowling at the back end of innings and the ability to control scoring without sacrificing wicket-taking intent.
Dubai Capitals: defending champions under scrutiny
Dubai Capitals enter Season 4 as defending champions, a status that brings expectation as well as attention. Their title win last season was built on clarity of roles and calm execution in pressure moments, qualities that are difficult to sustain when every opponent arrives with tailored plans.
The squad features recognised T20 performers including captain Rovman Powell, Leus du Plooy and Jordan Cox, supported by a pace attack that includes Mustafizur Rahman and Dushmantha Chameera. That combination offers both variation and experience, particularly in closing overs.
Season 4 opens with a rematch of last year’s final against Desert Vipers, immediately placing the Capitals back under the spotlight. How they respond in the opening week may shape perceptions of whether they are positioned for another deep run or a season of defensive adjustments.
Gulf Giants: balance and adaptability
On paper, Gulf Giants remain one of the most balanced squads in the competition. Their batting core features captain James Vince and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, providing technical stability at the top of the order, while their all-round group adds depth across both disciplines. Pathum Nissanka was initially in the squad but has been sidelined by injury.
Names including Moeen Ali, Liam Dawson, Kyle Mayers, Azmatullah Omarzai and Gerhard Erasmus offer flexibility rather than fixed roles. That allows the Giants to adapt to pitch conditions in Sharjah or Abu Dhabi without major structural changes.
Behind the stumps, the presence of multiple wicketkeeping options including Gurbaz, Lorcan Tucker and Tom Moores gives selectors freedom to adjust the batting order while maintaining fielding standards.
If the Giants can manage workload and rotation across the month-long schedule, their squad shape is well suited to the demands of a compressed league.
MI Emirates: bowling firepower and match control
MI Emirates continue to draw attention for their bowling resources. The franchise squad for Season 4 includes Rashid Khan (joining as a replacement player), Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq, providing elite spin and pace options. Rashid joined MI Emirates after Jordan Thompson was ruled out through injury, though he is only available until around 20 December before departing for SA20 commitments.
That attack allows MI Emirates, captained by Kieron Pollard this season, to control tempo, particularly through the middle overs, where matches in the ILT20 are often decided. The batting group includes UAE international Muhammad Waseem, whose role at the top of the order carries added importance, alongside Jonny Bairstow and Nicholas Pooran.
MI Emirates are also active participants in the league’s development initiatives, hosting emerging players from Associate Member nations within their training environment. That programme has been framed by the league as part of a broader commitment to regional growth rather than a symbolic gesture.
Sharjah Warriorz: middle-order power and momentum batting
Sharjah Warriorz have typically built their squads around aggressive middle-order hitters, and Season 4 follows that pattern. Players in their squad include Tim David, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Johnson Charles, Sikandar Raza and Dinesh Karthik, a group comfortable accelerating against both spin and pace.
The Warriorz often look to seize control during overs seven to fifteen, a phase that can define matches at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Their success will depend on translating that intent into defendable totals and maintaining discipline with the ball during high-pressure chases.
Player development as a league pillar
Beyond results, ILT20 continues to position itself as a development platform. Season 4 includes a formal Player Development Initiative that embeds emerging cricketers from African ICC Associate Member nations within franchise squads.
The initiative has brought players including Rwanda fast bowler Martin Akayezu and Kenya all-rounder Francis Mutua into professional training environments alongside elite international cricketers. These placements offer exposure to high-performance systems, access to world-class coaching resources, and the opportunity to train daily within franchise structures.
The programme has become a defining feature of the league’s messaging, offering tangible pathways for emerging talent alongside commercial growth.
Experience ILT20 in style with ES Sport
For fans looking to elevate their DP World ILT20 experience, ES Sport’s exclusive hospitality packages offer a premium alternative to standard match tickets.
Available across selected fixtures and venues, ES Sport’s packages include access to VIP lounges and private suites with panoramic views of the action, five-star catering, air-conditioned comfort and dedicated service throughout the matchday. These experiences are designed for corporate hosting, social groups and fans who want to enjoy ILT20 cricket in a refined setting.
With strong demand expected across the festive season, early booking is recommended. Full details of ES Sport’s DP World ILT20 hospitality options can be found at es-sport.ae, where packages can be tailored to individual matchdays or multi-match experiences.
