The anticipation for the DP World International League T20 is increasing as the tournament gears up for its highly anticipated third edition, scheduled to kick off on January 11, 2025. Renowned cricketing icons Shoaib Akhtar and Virender Sehwag recently gathered at a lavish launch event on a yacht at Dubai Marina, where they praised the league’s significant contributions to developing local cricket talent and providing invaluable experiences to players.
Sehwag Reflects on Talent Development
Reflecting on the DP World ILT20’s impact over its first two seasons, the legendary Indian batsman Virender Sehwag stated:
“When we look back at the past two seasons of the DP World ILT20, it’s evident that many players from the UAE and neighbouring countries, including Afghanistan, have shown remarkable improvement in their performances at ICC tournaments. This league has played a pivotal role in shaping their skills and boosting their confidence.”
Sehwag, known for his explosive batting style, is one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, holding the record for the highest individual score in a Test match by an Indian, with an impressive 319 runs against South Africa in 2008. His ability to dominate bowling attacks and score runs at a rapid pace has left an indelible mark on international cricket. He emphasised the unique learning opportunities the DP World ILT20 offers for UAE players, saying:
“For the UAE national team, playing alongside nine international stars provides an unparalleled chance to learn. They gain insights not only during matches but also by observing how these seasoned professionals practice, prepare, and manage pressure situations. Such exposure is something they simply won’t find anywhere else.”
Akhtar on the League’s Broader Impact
Shoaib Akhtar, affectionately known as the Rawalpindi Express, shared his views on the league’s broader implications for cricket in the region. Akhtar, renowned as one of the fastest bowlers in cricket history, consistently clocked speeds exceeding 150 km/h (93 mph) throughout his illustrious career. He is the current world record holder with a scorching delivery in 2002 clocking in at 161.3km/h (100.2mph). His aggressive bowling style and remarkable wicket-taking ability made him a key player for Pakistan, and he continues to be a prominent figure in cricket analysis and commentary today.
“As I’ve always said, this tournament serves as a breeding ground for talent across the GCC countries, not just in the UAE. It’s an incredible initiative that will help elevate the game and inspire the next generation of cricketers. I feel privileged to be part of it and to contribute to its growth,” Akhtar stated.
Exclusive Offerings from Expat Sport
In addition to the excitement surrounding the tournament, cricket fans can look forward to exclusive offerings from Expat Sport, which has tailored its services to enhance the DP World ILT20 experience. Expat Sport will provide hospitality packages for individual cricket fans, along with private VIP suites and corporate suites, allowing cricket enthusiasts and corporate guests to enjoy matches in style.
Mark Your Calendars for DP World ILT20
As the countdown continues, the DP World International League T20 Season 3 will begin on Saturday, January 11, 2025. This thrilling 34-match tournament will run for a month, culminating in the final on Sunday, February 9, 2025. We encourage you to secure your VIP and corporate hospitality tickets early to ensure you don’t miss out on this spectacular cricketing event.
