International League T20 Season 5 Set to Kick Off in November 2026
Exciting Announcement for ILT20 Fans
The highly anticipated Season 5 of the International League T20 (ILT20), the premier cricket league in the Gulf region, is scheduled to commence on Sunday, November 22, 2026.
This tournament 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, as stated in a recent press release.
After successfully shifting to a December schedule in Season 4, which previously took place in January and February, the league has seen a significant boost in viewership and attendance. The Season 4 finale, held on January 4, 2026, attracted a full house at the Dubai International Stadium, where the Desert Vipers claimed their first title with a 46-run victory over MI Emirates.
David White, CEO of ILT20, expressed excitement about the upcoming season, stating, “We are thrilled to announce the window for DP World International League T20 Season 5. The Gulf region's premier cricket event will run from November 22 to December 20, 2026. The success of Season 4, marked by increased broadcast figures and fan engagement, has elevated the league's profile.”
He further noted, “The ILT20 is making significant progress, and our collaborations with the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation and Kuwait Cricket are already yielding positive results. This year, we aim to strengthen these partnerships through development tournaments in both nations leading up to Season 5.”
The Player Auction for Season 4 was also a notable success, and preparations for this year's auction are already underway, with several exciting announcements expected soon.
Season 4 showcased an array of T20 talent, including standout players like Sam Curran from Desert Vipers, who was named Player of the Tournament and received the Best Batter award. Other notable mentions include Waqar Salamkheil from MI Emirates, who was recognized as the Best Bowler, and Muhammad Waseem, awarded as the Best UAE Player.
The league featured a star-studded lineup, including renowned players such as Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik, Kieron Pollard, and Shakib Al Hasan, among others.