By Zainab Shafiq 
The UAE’s International League T20 (ILT20) is set to ignite once again, with defending champions MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals kicking off the third edition of the tournament. This blog discusses the ILT20 2025 overview including teams, format, captains, coaches, players to watch, and much more. Read till the end to find out.
ILT20 2025 Overview
When and Where Does the Action Begin?
The ILT20 2025 commences on January 11th at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and will continue until February 9th, featuring a total of 34 matches: 30 league games, two qualifiers, an eliminator, and a thrilling final. The tournament will be played across three iconic venues: Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi.
Who’s Competing?
Six formidable teams will vie for the coveted title:
- Dubai Capitals
- MI Emirates
- Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
- Desert Vipers
- Gulf Giants
- Sharjah Warriors
Tournament Format
The league stage will witness a round-robin format, with each team facing every other team twice. The top two teams on the points table will progress to Qualifier 1, with the winner advancing directly to the final.
Teams finishing third and fourth will engage in an eliminator, with the victor moving on to face the loser of Qualifier 1 to determine the second finalist.
Dubai will host the prestigious Qualifier 1 and the grand finale, while Abu Dhabi will play host to the eliminator. Sharjah will witness the action of Qualifier 2.
Are MI Emirates the Team to Beat?
Defending champions MI Emirates remain a force to be reckoned with. Boasting a formidable squad featuring Nicholas Pooran as captain and star players like Kieron Pollard, Romario Shepherd, Alzarri Joseph, and Fazalhaq Farooqi, they are undoubtedly a strong contender.
However, the Desert Vipers, armed with a potent lineup including Fakhar Zaman, Azam Khan, Sherfane Rutherford, and Mohammad Amir, will undoubtedly present a stiff challenge.
Captains and Coaching Staff
- MI Emirates: Nicholas Pooran
- Dubai Capitals: David Warner
- Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Sunil Narine
- Desert Vipers: Lockie Ferguson (new captain)
- Gulf Giants: James Vince
- Sharjah Warriors: Tim Southee (new captain)
A Recap of the Previous Season
The 2024 season witnessed the dominance of MI Emirates, who topped the points table with an impressive record. However, the playoffs saw thrilling encounters, with the Giants facing defeat in both Qualifier 1 against Emirates and Qualifier 2 against Capitals.
In the final, Emirates showcased their strength, posting a formidable total of 208 for 3. Capitals, despite a valiant effort, fell short, managing only 163 for 7.
Players to Watch Out For
- Nicholas Pooran: The reigning champion had a phenomenal 2024, shattering records with 2331 runs and an incredible 170 sixes in T20s.
- Sherfane Rutherford: A destructive force with the bat, capable of changing the game with explosive power-hitting.
- David Warner: The veteran opener will be eager to prove his worth after going unsold in the IPL 2025 auctions.
- Tom Kohler-Cadmore: Riding high on the momentum of a successful Abu Dhabi T10 campaign, he will be a key player for his team.
- AM Ghazanfar: The Afghan off-spinner could prove to be a valuable asset on the UAE pitches.
Associate and Local Talent
While established stars will undoubtedly shine, keep an eye on emerging talent.
- Muhammad Waseem and Aayan Afzal Khan: Expected to play crucial roles for their respective teams.
- Alishan Sharafu: A rising star with a prolific T20 record, he will be eager to showcase his skills.
- Ali Naseer: The fast-bowling all-rounder possesses immense potential and will be a valuable asset.
- Kushal Malla: The first Nepali player to feature in the ILT20, he will be eager to make his mark.
- Thomas Draca: The first Italian player to be drafted in the league, he will be an exciting prospect to watch.
A Clash of Titans
The ILT20 2025 is set to clash with other major T20 leagues, including South Africa’s SA20, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Australia’s BBL, and New Zealand’s Super Smash. This will undoubtedly create a thrilling and competitive landscape for cricket fans worldwide.
Also, see:
SA20 2025 Complete Squads, Captains, and Coaches