UAE’s ILT20 to kick off January 13

The inaugural edition of the International League T20 will get underway on January 13, 2023, with the opening match between Dubai Capitals and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at Dubai International Stadium.

With ten matches scheduled in Abu Dhabi, sixteen in Dubai, and eight in Sharjah, the competition will set the UAE-cricketing stage on fire with stars such as Shimron Hetmyer, Moeen Ali, Kieron Pollard and Wanindu Hasaranga, as well as a number of UAE’s elite playing in a total of 34 matches, boasting five-weekend-day double-headers, and where the six franchises will play each other twice before the playoffs, culminating in the final in Dubai on February 12.

"This is a very exciting time for the league and, collectively, we are delighted to announce the 2023 ILT20 playing schedule. To have superstars such as Dubai Capital’s Dasun Shanaka and Abu Dhabi Knight Rider’s Andre Russell open their teams’ accounts is very exciting. We cannot wait for the teams to arrive (in early January) and battle it out on the park and provide world-class entertainment to the cricket fans here, in the UAE, and around the globe,” said Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary, Emirates Cricket Board, in a press release.

“We are confident that the ILT20 will be a huge success."