International League T20 2025-26: Schedule, Date, Time, Venues, And All You Need To Know

By Rohit - Sep 03, 2025 07:07 PM
Last updated on Sep 03, 2025 07:15 PM

The countdown to the International League T20 (ILT20) Season 4 has officially begun. The franchise-based T20 tournament returns in December 2025, bringing world-class cricketing action back to the UAE.

The season opener promises fireworks, as defending champions Dubai Capitals clash with the Desert Vipers on Tuesday, December 2, in a rematch of last season’s epic final. Played at the Dubai International Stadium, the opener begins at 6:30 PM local time and is expected to draw a massive turnout, just as Season 3’s finale did.

The Season 4 Opener: A Final Revisited

Last season, the Dubai Capitals stunned the Vipers in a nail-biting contest, clinching their maiden ILT20 trophy with just four balls to spare. The rematch sets the perfect stage for Season 4, reigniting one of the tournament’s fiercest rivalries.

The Dubai International Stadium, which hosted the memorable final, will once again serve as the venue for this high-stakes opener. Fans are already anticipating a repeat of the tension, drama, and entertainment that defined the 2024-25 final.

Tournament Format and Structure

ILT20 Season 4 will feature six franchises battling across 34 matches. The format remains unchanged:

• Double round-robin stage: Each team plays the others twice.
• Top four teams advance to the playoffs.
• Playoff matches include Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the grand final.

This structure ensures that the top-performing sides throughout the season get rewarded with multiple opportunities to progress to the finale.

Venues for ILT20 Season 4

The league will once again make use of three of the UAE’s premier cricket stadiums:

• Dubai International Stadium (15 matches)
• Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi (11 matches)
• Sharjah Cricket Stadium (8 matches)

These venues have become iconic hosts for international and franchise cricket, offering modern facilities, large capacities, and passionate fanbases.

ILT20 Season 4 Schedule

Teams To Watch

Dubai Capitals

Defending champions and Season 3 winners, they’ll carry momentum and confidence into the new season. Their roster boasts experienced international stars and promising local talent.

Desert Vipers

Runners-up in Season 3, the Desert Vipers are determined to avenge their narrow loss in the final. Their aggressive style of play makes them a constant threat.

Sharjah Warriorz

One of the surprise packages last season, the Warriorz reached the playoffs for the first time. Their rise has energized fans and added another competitive edge to the league.

Gulf Giants & MI Emirates

Both former champions, these teams bring pedigree and experience. Their early clash on December 4 will be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season.

Why ILT20 Is Growing in Popularity?

Since its inception, the ILT20 has quickly established itself as one of the premier franchise cricket tournaments. Its appeal lies in:

• Global talent: Top players from across cricketing nations feature each season.
• Balanced venues: Matches spread across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah provide variety and accessibility.
• High-quality production: State-of-the-art broadcasts ensure global reach and fan engagement.
• Competitive parity: Unlike some leagues dominated by one or two teams, ILT20 has seen different winners each season, keeping the competition unpredictable.

Season 4, with its blockbuster opening and packed calendar, is expected to further enhance the league’s stature.

Conclusion

The ILT20 2025-26 (Season 4) promises a cricketing spectacle full of drama, thrills, and world-class performances. Beginning December 2 with a rematch between Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers, the tournament will unfold across 34 matches at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah before concluding with the final on January 4, 2026.

Fans can expect a festival of cricket where rivalries are reignited, new heroes emerge, and the UAE once again becomes the global hub of franchise T20 cricket.

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