The International League T20 (ILT20), the UAE’s premier franchise cricket tournament, is making a strategic shift for its fourth season. The 2025-26 edition will now take place from December 2, 2025, to January 4, 2026, a move designed to avoid scheduling conflicts and maximize player participation ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Why the Schedule Change?
ILT20 has traditionally been played in the January-February window, often clashing with other major T20 leagues like South Africa’s SA20, Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), and the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). This overlap has made it difficult for franchises to attract a full pool of international stars and left fans with divided attention.
This year, the decision to advance the tournament comes after “extensive discussions with all our stakeholders,” according to ILT20 chief executive David White. The new window ensures:
The tournament finishes well before the T20 World Cup, scheduled for February-March 2026.
Players participating in both ILT20 and the T20 World Cup have ample time to prepare for national duty.
Teams can access a broader pool of international and local talent, with fewer schedule conflicts.
A Festive Start: Launching on UAE National Day
Season four of ILT20 will kick off on December 2, coinciding with UAE National Day (Eid Al Etihad). This alignment is more than symbolic-it’s a celebration of the UAE’s diverse, cricket-loving community and a chance to showcase the league on one of the nation’s most significant days.
ILT20 chairman and Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni highlighted the importance of this launch, saying, “It is a real honour for us to join the nation in the UAE National Day 2025 celebrations with the launch of the region’s biggest T20 league – the DP World ILT20 Season 4 – on the same day”.
What to Expect from ILT20 2025-26
Tournament Dates: December 2, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Teams: Six franchises, including Gulf Giants, MI Emirates, Dubai Capitals, Desert Vipers, Sharjah Warriorz, and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
Format: 34 matches, including playoffs and a grand final
Overlap: Partial overlap with the opening phase of Australia’s BBL and the start of South Africa’s SA20 (from December 26)
While there’s still some overlap with other leagues, the new window is expected to reduce direct competition, giving ILT20 a clearer spotlight.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Move Matters
Player Availability: With fewer league clashes, franchises can sign more top-tier international players.
Preparation for T20 World Cup: Players have a buffer to rest and regroup before the global tournament.
Fan Engagement: Launching on UAE National Day boosts local excitement and global visibility.
League Growth: The move demonstrates ILT20’s adaptability and ambition to become a mainstay in the global T20 calendar.
It remains to be seen if this December-January window will become a permanent fixture for ILT20 or if it’s a one-off adjustment for the World Cup year.
FAQs: ILT20’s New December-January Window
1. Why is ILT20 moving to a December-January window for 2025-26?
The shift avoids clashes with other T20 leagues and ensures the tournament finishes before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in February-March 2026.
2. When will ILT20 2025-26 be held?
ILT20 Season 4 will run from December 2, 2025, to January 4, 2026, launching on UAE National Day.
3. Will there still be scheduling conflicts with other leagues?
There will be some overlap with the Big Bash League and the SA20, but the new window reduces direct competition compared to previous years.
4. How many teams will compete in ILT20 2025-26?
Six franchises will participate: Gulf Giants, MI Emirates, Dubai Capitals, Desert Vipers, Sharjah Warriorz, and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.
5. Is this schedule change permanent?
It’s not confirmed if the December-January window will be permanent; the league may review its timing in future seasons.
Conclusion
ILT20’s move to a December-January window for the 2025-26 season marks a pivotal moment for the UAE’s flagship T20 league. By aligning with the UAE National Day and clearing the decks before the T20 World Cup, the league is set to attract more top players, engage fans, and strengthen its place in the global cricket calendar. As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on the UAE for another thrilling chapter of franchise T20 cricket.