ILT20 2025-26: Season 4 Begins December 2 on UAE National Day

ILT20 Officials comment on the change of schedule

Given the change of schedule, ILT20’s chief executive, David White, said, "Following extensive discussions with all our stakeholders, we believe the 2 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 tournament window is ideal for the DP World International League T20 Season 4." He explained how the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to begin in February next year, played a major role in the change of schedule. "The ICC Men's T20 World Cup begins in early February hence it was important for us to start and finish Season 4 well before the tournament as it will allow the players playing both the DP World ILT20 and the T20 World Cup to prepare for national duty. In addition, we feel that the December-January window will provide the teams' the best opportunity to access a bigger pool of players," White further added. 

There is still room for clarity as there was no explanation provided whether this move will be a one-off move because of the T20 World Cup or the fans could expect a similar schedule in the upcoming seasons as well.

Talking about beginning the season on the UAE National Day, Emirates Cricket Board vice-chairman Khalid Al Zarooni said, The UAE National Day is the day where we celebrate the United Arab Emirates which is home to people from around the world including millions of diehard cricket fans. 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."

In the first three tournaments, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates, and Dubai Capitals have won the trophy once each. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, and Sharjah Warriors are the other three teams that are yet to win the ILT20 title.