ILT20 — International League T20
Desert Viperswon ILT20 2025-26. UAE's premier T20 league — six franchises in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah each December and January.
About ILT20
The International League T20 (ILT20)is the UAE's premier franchise T20 cricket league, launched in January 2023 under the stewardship of Emirates Cricket Board. Played across three iconic UAE venues — Dubai International Stadium, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium — ILT20 has rapidly become one of the most competitive T20 leagues in world cricket.
The league was built to capitalise on the UAE's position as a global cricket hub. Four of the six franchises are linked to IPL ownership groups — MI Emirates (Mumbai Indians), Dubai Capitals (Delhi Capitals/GMR Group), Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Knight Riders Group), and Gulf Giants (Adani Group) — while Desert Vipers and Sharjah Warriorz are independently owned. This mix of IPL-backed infrastructure and independent ownership has produced remarkable competitive balance: the first four editions each produced a different champion.
Desert Vipers are the reigning champions, having claimed the 2025-26 title in a historic run. ILT20 attracts world-class talent including players from England, Australia, West Indies, South Africa, and the Indian subcontinent, making it a key tournament in the global T20 calendar.
ILT20 Teams
6 FranchisesDesert Vipers
Owner: Independent (Lancer Capital LLC)
2025-26 ILT20 champions. Desert Vipers are privately owned by Lancer Capital LLC with no IPL franchise affiliation, proving independent ownership can match the IPL-backed giants. Sam Curran was their standout in 2025-26.
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.
Dubai Capitals
Owner: Delhi Capitals (GMR Group)
2025 ILT20 champions, backed by the GMR Group — the same Indian multinational that owns Delhi Capitals. Their 2025 title run showed cohesive team cricket from top to bottom.
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 a balanced outfit with strong fast-bowling attacks suited to UAE pitches.
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 smart cricket — data analytics, death bowling, power-hitting — to the Abu Dhabi desert.
Sharjah Warriorz
Owner: Capri Global Holdings
Based at the legendary Sharjah Cricket Stadium — one of cricket's most storied venues, having hosted more ODIs than any other ground outside of major cricket nations — the Warriorz are backed by Capri Global Holdings.
ILT20 Champions — All Editions
| Season | Champion | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | Desert Vipers | MI Emirates |
| 2025 | Dubai Capitals | Desert Vipers |
| 2024 | MI Emirates | Dubai Capitals |
| 2023 | Gulf Giants | Desert Vipers |
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
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.
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.