International League T20 (United Arab Emirates) 2025/26

The International League T20 (ILT20) stands as the premier professional Twenty20 cricket league in the United Arab Emirates, sanctioned by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB). Officially announced in June 2022, the competition launched its inaugural season in January and February 2023. It occupies the top tier of the UAE domestic pyramid, functioning as a closed franchise system that operates separately from the ECB’s developmental representative tournaments.

The league features six city-based franchises: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates, and Sharjah Warriors. A double round-robin format dictates the league stage, where each team plays ten matches against every other side. The structure advances to playoffs for the top four contenders, utilising a Qualifier 1, an Eliminator, and a Qualifier 2 to determine the finalists.

Distinctive commercial ties define the ILT20’s identity. Several franchises maintain ownership links to Indian Premier League entities. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders are controlled by the owners of the Kolkata Knight Riders, while MI Emirates is owned by Reliance Industries, proprietors of the Mumbai Indians. Dubai Capitals fall under the GMR Group, which also owns the Delhi Capitals. This arrangement establishes a direct commercial connection to the IPL ecosystem.

The season typically runs during the January–February window, positioning it alongside the South African SA20 league in the global cricket calendar. Player recruitment combines direct signings under nationality obligation rules with a draft or auction system governed by a salary cap. The competition allows for a mix of international talent acquisition strategies.

Recent results highlight the league’s competitive balance. The Dubai Capitals claimed the title in the 2024/2025 season, defeating the Desert Vipers in the final on February 9, 2025. Previous champions include the Gulf Giants, who won the first edition in 2023, and MI Emirates, who secured victory in 2024. No team has yet accumulated more than a single title, maintaining an even distribution of success among the winners. The league maintains an official digital presence at its designated website.