International League T20 Season 4 to Begin on UAE National Day

International League T20 Season 4 to Kick Off on UAE National Day with New Tournament Window Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

The International League T20 (ILT20) has announced that its eagerly awaited Season 4 will kick play on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, coinciding with the UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) festivities. The competition will culminate in the grand final on Sunday, January 4, 2026, with six teams vying in 34 thrilling matchups.

As a strategic move, the event organizers moved the tournament window from its customary January-February time slot to early December. In order to maximize the availability of international players and provide the best possible player preparation for national duty, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which is scheduled for February–March 2026, will not conflict with this rescheduling.

Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of ILT20 and Vice-Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, expressed pride in launching the tournament on such a symbolic day. “We are honoured to begin Season 4 of DP World ILT20 on UAE National Day, a celebration of unity in a nation that embraces millions of passionate cricket fans. Launching the region’s premier T20 league on this important day adds greater significance to both the league and the national festivities.”

David White, CEO of ILT20, highlighted the collaborative planning behind the new dates. “After thorough discussions with all stakeholders, we agreed that a December 2 to January 4 window is best suited for Season 4. It allows us to conclude the tournament well ahead of the T20 World Cup, enabling top players to participate fully in both events. Additionally, this modification gives franchises access to a larger pool of talent.

When discussing the success of Season 3, White remarked on the unprecedented viewership and the intense competition that delighted spectators throughout the area. In a thrilling final at a crowded Dubai International Stadium, the Dubai Capitals defeated the Desert Vipers by a slim margin to win the 2025 tournament.

Alongside top players like Andre Russell, David Warner, Sunil Narine, Lockie Ferguson, and Matthew Wade, ILT20 Season 3 showcased some of the biggest T20 stars in the sport, such as Nicholas Pooran, Sam Curran (Player of the Tournament – Red Belt), Shai Hope (Most Runs – Green Belt), and Fazalhaq Farooqi (Top Wicket-taker – White Belt).
With its refreshed calendar, elite player line-up, and strong fan engagement, ILT20 Season 4 is set to elevate Gulf cricket even further, turning UAE National Day 2025 into a dual celebration of sport and nationhood.