International League T20 Season 5 Set to Kick Off in November 2026

The International League T20 (ILT20) has announced that its fifth season will kick off on November 22, 2026, featuring six teams in a total of 34 matches. The tournament will conclude with the final on December 20 at the Dubai International Stadium. Following a successful Season 4, which saw increased viewership and attendance, the league is set to enhance its partnerships with cricket federations in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Notable players from the previous season included Sam Curran and Waqar Salamkheil, among many others. Stay tuned for more updates on the upcoming auction and exciting initiatives.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 13, 2026, 18:28 IST

Announcement of ILT20 Season 5 Dates

The International League T20 (ILT20), recognized as the premier cricket league in the Gulf region, is scheduled to commence its fifth season on Sunday, November 22, 2026. This season will feature six teams competing in a total of 34 matches, culminating in the grand finale on Sunday, December 20, at the Dubai International Stadium, according to an official press release.

Transition to December Schedule

Previously held in January and February, the league shifted to a December schedule starting with Season 4. The last season witnessed significant success, marked by increased viewership and higher attendance. The final match on January 4, 2026, attracted a full house at the Dubai International Stadium, where the Desert Vipers claimed their first championship by defeating MI Emirates by 46 runs.

CEO Highlights League's Progress

David White, the CEO of ILT20, expressed excitement about the upcoming season, stating, "We are thrilled to announce the Season 5 schedule for the DP World International League T20. The tournament will run from November 22 to December 20, 2026. Season 4 was a remarkable success, with impressive broadcast figures and strong spectator engagement, showcasing the league's growing quality."

"The ILT20 is making significant advancements, and our collaborations with the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation and Kuwait Cricket are already yielding positive results. This year, we plan to strengthen these partnerships through development tournaments in both nations leading up to Season 5."

"The auction for Season 4 was also a tremendous success, and we are preparing for this year's auction with several exciting announcements and initiatives to be revealed soon."

Notable Performers from Season 4

Season 4 of the DP World ILT20 showcased numerous T20 stars, including:

Sam Curran (Desert Vipers) - Player of the Tournament and Best Batter (Red and Green Belts)

Waqar Salamkheil (MI Emirates) - Best Bowler and White Belt winner

Muhammad Waseem - Best UAE Player and Blue Belt winner

The league also featured prominent players such as Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik, Kieron Pollard, and Shakib Al Hasan, among others.