The International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 is set to attract cricket fans worldwide. Matches will occur across three key UAE venues: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
The ILT20 tournament begins on January 11, 2025, with the Dubai Capitals taking on MI Emirates in the iconic opening match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
This article will give you everything you need to know about ILT20 2025. Expect thrilling contests, nail-biting finishes, and a festive cricketing atmosphere.
ILT20 2025 Full Fixtures
Below is the detailed fixture schedule for ILT20 2025:
| Date | Match Details | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 11, Sat | Dubai Capitals vs MI Emirates, 1st Match | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 12, Sun | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Desert Vipers, 2nd Match | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 3:30 PM |
| Jan 12, Sun | Gulf Giants vs Sharjah Warriors, 3rd Match | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 13, Mon | MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals, 4th Match | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 8:00 PM |
| Jan 14, Tue | Gulf Giants vs Desert Vipers, 5th Match | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 8:00 PM |
| Jan 15, Wed | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Sharjah Warriors, 6th Match | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 8:00 PM |
| Jan 16, Thu | Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates, 7th Match | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 8:00 PM |
| Jan 17, Fri | Sharjah Warriors vs Dubai Capitals, 8th Match | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah | 8:00 PM |
| Jan 18, Sat | Desert Vipers vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, 9th Match | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 3:30 PM |
| Gulf Giants vs Dubai Capitals, 10th Match | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah | 7:30 PM | |
| Jan 19, Sun | Sharjah Warriors vs MI Emirates, 11th Match | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah | 3:30 PM |
| Jan 19, Sun | Gulf Giants vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, 12th Match | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 3:30 PM |
| Jan 20, Mon | Dubai Capitals vs Desert Vipers, 13th Match | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 8:00 PM |
| Jan 21, Tue | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs MI Emirates, 14th Match | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 8:00 PM |
| Jan 22, Wed | Desert Vipers vs Sharjah Warriors, 15th Match | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 8:00 PM |
| Jan 23, Thu | Dubai Capitals vs Gulf Giants, 16th Match | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 8:00 PM |
| Jan 24, Fri | MI Emirates vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, 17th Match | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 8:00 PM |
| Jan 25, Sat | Sharjah Warriors vs Desert Vipers, 18th Match | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah | 3:30 PM |
| Jan 25, Sat | MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants, 19th Match | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 26, Sun | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Dubai Capitals, 20th Match | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 3:30 PM |
| Jan 26, Sun | Sharjah Warriors vs Gulf Giants, 21st Match | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah | 7:30 PM |
| Jan 27, Mon | MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers, 22nd Match | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 8:00 PM |
| Jan 28, Tue | Dubai Capitals vs Sharjah Warriors, 23rd Match | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 8:00 PM |
| Jan 29, Wed | Desert Vipers vs Gulf Giants, 24th Match | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 8:00 PM |
| Jan 30, Thu | Sharjah Warriors vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, 25th Match | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah | 8:00 PM |
| Jan 31, Fri | Gulf Giants vs MI Emirates, 26th Match | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 8:00 PM |
| Feb 01, Sat | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Gulf Giants, 27th Match | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 02, Sun | MI Emirates vs Sharjah Warriors, 28th Match | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 3:30 PM |
| Feb 02, Sun | Dubai Capitals vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, 29th Match | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 03, Mon | Desert Vipers vs Dubai Capitals, 30th Match | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah | 7:30 PM |
| Feb 05, Wed | TBC vs TBC, Qualifier 1 | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 8:00 PM |
| Feb 06, Thu | TBC vs TBC, Eliminator | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 8:00 PM |
| Feb 07, Fri | TBC vs TBC, Qualifier 2 | Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah | 8:00 PM |
| Feb 09, Sun | TBC vs TBC, Final | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | 7:30 PM |
ILT20 2025 is gearing up to be a blend of thrilling cricket, global talent, and unforgettable moments. Continue reading for more information!
ILT20 Teams and Format
Each team plays against all other teams twice in a round-robin format. The top four teams progress to the playoffs, which include Qualifier 1, an Eliminator, and Qualifier 2, leading to the Final.
Here are the player details for each ILT20 2025 team, based on the latest squads announced:
1. Dubai Capitals
Captain: David Warner
The Dubai Capitals have built a strong and balanced team featuring experienced international stars and promising local talent. The squad includes players like David Warner (Captain), Joe Root, Sikandar Raza, Rovman Powell, Sam Billings, and Dasun Shanaka.
They also retained key players such as Dushmantha Chameera, Haider Ali, and Raja Akif. This mix of batting depth, all-round versatility, and fast-bowling prowess makes the Capitals a formidable contender this season
2. MI Emirates
Captain: Nicholas Pooran
MI Emirates features an impressive lineup, combining international stars with experienced T20 specialists. Players like Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Trent Boult, and Dwayne Bravo headline their squad.
MI Emirates includes emerging talents such as Bas de Leede and Muhammad Waseem, which adds to their dynamism. The team thrives on big-hitting batsmen and death-over specialists
3. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
Captain: Sunil Narine
This team boasts seasoned T20 players like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Paul Stirling, offering explosive batting and spin wizardry. Youngsters like Aayan Khan also bring fresh energy to the side.
The Knight Riders aim to dominate through their experienced all-rounders and reliable performers.
4. Sharjah Warriors
Captain: Tom-Kohler Cadmore
The Sharjah Warriors aim to make a strong impact with their versatile squad. In addition to experienced campaigners like Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes, they have nurtured young talents such as Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Naveen-ul-Haq.
Their strategy focuses on blending steady anchors with explosive hitters, offering balance in the batting lineup. With their bowling attack featuring versatile spin and pace combinations, the Warriors have the potential to excel in pressure.
5. Gulf Giants
Captain: James Vince
The Gulf Giants’ squad is a powerhouse of skill and flair, with players like Chris Lynn and Shimron Hetmyer known for their aggressive batting. Under James Vince’s astute leadership, the team thrives on adaptability, thanks to all-rounders like Liam Dawson.
The Giants’ bowling unit, led by David Willey, combines precision and pace, ensuring their competitiveness on any surface. Their mix of experience and youthful energy positions them as strong contenders for the title.
6. Desert Vipers
Captain: Colin Munro
The Desert Vipers boast a formidable lineup, with stars like Alex Hales and Wanindu Hasaranga delivering impactful performances. Captain Colin Munro’s aggressive leadership style matches the team’s ethos of fearless cricket.
The inclusion of Tom Curran and Sheldon Cottrell adds depth to their pace attack, while spin variations bring unpredictability. Known for their explosive power-hitting and resourceful bowling strategies, the Vipers have a reputation for thriving under pressure.
What to Expect from ILT20 2025
The ILT20 2025 is set to deliver an exciting mix of cricketing action with top-tier players, innovative strategies, and intense competition among six highly competitive teams. Here’s what fans can look forward to:
1. High-quality cricket: Teams have bolstered their rosters with star players like David Warner, Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, and Moeen Ali. Emerging talents like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Muhammad Waseem will also aim to make their mark.
2. New strategies and rivalries: This season, the rivalries between teams, especially returning franchises like Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Desert Vipers, will add extra spice to the matches.
3. Entertainment beyond the pitch: The tournament also offers fans a chance to enjoy world-class venues in the UAE, such as the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, and Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. ILT20 promises more than just cricket.
Is ILT20 successful?
ILT20 has been a success, establishing itself as a competitive and entertaining cricket league in the Middle East. Its appeal lies in attracting top international players, providing a high-quality cricketing experience, and utilizing world-class venues in the UAE.
Strong fan engagement, innovative marketing, and thrilling matches have further boosted its popularity.
However, like any new league, it continues to change, working to cement its position among the world’s premier cricket tournaments.
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Conclusion: ILT20 Begins from 11 January 2025
ILT20 2025 is a global celebration of passion, teamwork, and talent. From thrilling games to the roar of fans in iconic UAE stadiums, every moment is set to be unforgettable.
This league connects cricket lovers worldwide, bringing excitement and unity to the sport. The teams clash for glory and surprises, where spectacular performances are guaranteed.
The countdown has begun for a season filled with joy, drama, and non-stop action. Get ready for a cricket festival like no other!
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