ILT20 2027: UAE's International League T20 Teams and Format Guide
Everything about ILT20 2027 — the UAE's International League T20, its six franchises, IPL connections, and why this Gulf-based competition is growing rapidly in global cricket.
The International League T20 (ILT20) is the UAE's franchise T20 competition, launched in January 2023. The 2027 edition is scheduled to run from 12 January to 12 February 2027. Backed by the Emirates Cricket Board and featuring significant IPL franchise investment, ILT20 is played across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah — venues that have hosted international cricket for decades.
The Six ILT20 Franchises
| Team | Venue | IPL Owner Link |
|---|---|---|
| Desert Vipers | Dubai | Lucknow Super Giants |
| Dubai Capitals | Dubai International Stadium | Delhi Capitals |
| Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | Zayed Cricket Stadium | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Gulf Giants | Sharjah Cricket Stadium | Mumbai Indians |
| MI Emirates | Abu Dhabi / Dubai | Mumbai Indians |
| Sharjah Warriors | Sharjah Cricket Stadium | Independent |
Why UAE Hosts International T20 Cricket
The UAE has been a neutral venue for major international cricket since the 1980s — most notably hosting Pakistan home matches when Pakistan cricket was unable to stage international fixtures domestically. The country's infrastructure, tax environment, and large South Asian diaspora make it a natural hub for cricket investment. The three main ILT20 venues — Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah Cricket Stadium — have hosted countless international matches.
Format
ILT20 follows a double round-robin group stage where each team plays 10 matches, followed by play-offs for the top four teams. The competition coincides with SA20 and runs simultaneously with the first half of the Pakistan Super League, making January and February a dense period of franchise T20 cricket globally.
Desert Vipers and MI Emirates
Desert Vipers, backed by the Lucknow Super Giants ownership group, have been among ILT20's most competitive franchises. MI Emirates, connected to the Mumbai Indians empire, brings strong brand recognition and high-profile signings. The competition has featured players from over 20 different cricket nations, reflecting the UAE's status as a global crossroads.
Frequently asked questions
What is ILT20 cricket?
ILT20 (International League T20) is the UAE's domestic T20 franchise competition, launched in 2023. It features six teams playing across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
When does ILT20 2027 start?
ILT20 2027 runs from 12 January to 12 February 2027.
Are ILT20 teams connected to IPL franchises?
Yes — most ILT20 franchises have ownership links to IPL franchise groups. For example, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders is linked to Kolkata Knight Riders, and Gulf Giants to Mumbai Indians.