By Ijaz Rashid
DUBAI, September 10, 2026: The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) Season 5 was officially launched in Dubai at a glittering gala event featuring former fast-bowling legends Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar.
The launch showcased the rapid growth of the UAE-based franchise league and its increasing contribution to the development of cricket across the Gulf region.
ILT20 Chairman Khalid Al Zarooni said the tournament had grown significantly since its inception and thanked franchise owners, stakeholders and commercial partners for their continued support.
“What began as a dream has grown into one of the world’s leading cricket leagues, bringing together top players and major franchises, while helping grow cricket in the UAE, the region and beyond,” Al Zarooni said.
Al Zarooni also acknowledged the support of DP World and Zee Network, along with the league’s strategic cricket partners, including Kuwait Cricket, the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation, the Afghanistan Cricket Board and Cricket Ireland. SPORTFIVE was welcomed as a new commercial partner.
A panel discussion hosted by former New Zealand international Simon Doull brought together senior figures from cricket, sport, business and government. Mubashshir Usmani, Dr Mohamed Abu Hamra, Eisa Sharif, Mukund Galgali, Venu Nair and Tushar Malhotra discussed the changing cricket landscape and the future of the sport in the region.
Doull later joined Lee and Shoaib on another panel, where the two legendary fast bowlers reflected on their careers and spoke about the ILT20’s growing influence on cricket in the UAE and the wider region.
The event also featured a performance by celebrity mentalist Karan Singh Magic and the unveiling of the league’s new Season 5 brand identity.
The six-team, 34-match tournament will be staged in November and December at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Dubai International Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Defending champions Desert Vipers will return to defend their title. The Season 5 Player Auction is scheduled for October 1, while player registration closes on September 12.
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