ILT20 — International League T20
UAE's premier T20 cricket league. Six franchises play across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah in a month-long festival every December and January.
ILT20 Teams
Desert Vipers
Owner: Independent (Lancer Capital LLC)
2025-26 ILT20 champions — the most recent title winners. Desert Vipers are privately owned by Lancer Capital LLC (linked to Avram Glazer) with no IPL franchise affiliation, proving that independent ownership can match the IPL-backed giants. Sam Curran was their standout performer in 2025-26 with 397 runs.
🏟 Various UAE venues
MI Emirates
Owner: Mumbai Indians (Reliance Industries)
2024 ILT20 champions, backed by Mumbai Indians and Reliance Industries. The MI franchise model — aggressive batting orders, wrist spinners, high-pressure knockout cricket — translates seamlessly to the UAE's T20 pitches. A perennial finalist and title contender every season.
🏟 Dubai International Stadium
Dubai Capitals
Owner: Delhi Capitals (GMR Group)
2025 ILT20 champions, backed by the GMR Group — the same Indian multinational that owns Delhi Capitals. Dubai Capitals play in the UAE capital of T20 commerce, and their 2025 title run showed cohesive team cricket from top to bottom.
🏟 Dubai International Stadium
Gulf Giants
Owner: Adani Group (Gujarat Giants, WPL)
2023 inaugural ILT20 champions — the first side to lift the ILT20 trophy. Backed by the Adani Group, Gulf Giants have been a balanced outfit with strong fast-bowling attacks suited to UAE pitches. Each of the first four champions has been different — testament to the ILT20's competitive balance.
🏟 Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
Owner: Knight Riders Group (KKR, TKR, LAK)
Knight Riders Group's UAE franchise, part of the global KKR empire that also includes Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL) and Los Angeles Knight Riders (MLC). ADKR bring the KKR brand of smart cricket — data analytics, death bowling, and power-hitting — to the Abu Dhabi desert.
🏟 Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Sharjah Warriorz
Owner: Capri Global Holdings
Based at the legendary Sharjah Cricket Stadium — one of cricket's most storied venues — the Warriorz are backed by Capri Global Holdings (Capri Sports). Sharjah Cricket Stadium has hosted more ODIs than any other ground outside of major cricket nations, giving the Warriorz a ground with genuine cricketing heritage.
🏟 Sharjah Cricket Stadium
ILT20 Champions History
| Season | Champion |
|---|---|
| 2025-26 | Desert Vipers |
| 2025 | Dubai Capitals |
| 2024 | MI Emirates |
| 2023 | Gulf Giants |
Four seasons — four different champions. The ILT20 has the most competitive balance of any global T20 franchise league.
Tournament Format
League Stage
- • 6 teams in a double round-robin
- • Each team plays every other team twice
- • 30 league matches total
- • Top 4 qualify for playoffs
Playoffs
- • Qualifier 1: 1st vs 2nd (winner to final)
- • Eliminator: 3rd vs 4th (loser out)
- • Qualifier 2: Loser of Q1 vs Elim winner
- • Final: Q1 winner vs Q2 winner
Venues: Dubai International Stadium · Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium (Abu Dhabi) · Sharjah Cricket Stadium
ILT20 — Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won ILT20?
Each of the first four ILT20 seasons has produced a different champion: Gulf Giants (2023), MI Emirates (2024), Dubai Capitals (2025), and Desert Vipers (2025-26). Desert Vipers are the reigning champions.
When is ILT20 played?
ILT20 runs in December and January. The 2025-26 season ran from December 2, 2025 to January 4, 2026, wrapping up before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 calendar kicks in.
Where are ILT20 matches played?
ILT20 matches are played across three UAE cities: Dubai International Stadium, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Which IPL teams are in ILT20?
Several IPL groups have ILT20 franchises: Mumbai Indians (MI Emirates), Delhi Capitals/GMR Group (Dubai Capitals), and Knight Riders Group/KKR (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders). Gulf Giants are backed by Adani Group. Desert Vipers and Sharjah Warriorz are independently owned.
How many teams are in ILT20?
ILT20 has six teams in a double round-robin league stage (30 matches) followed by playoffs — 34 matches in total across roughly five weeks.
Other T20 Leagues
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