The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) is fast becoming one of the most prominent T20 cricket leagues in the world, attracting top-tier international players and engaging fans across the globe. With its third season set to take place from 11th January to 19th February 2025, across major cricketing venues in the UAE—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah—the league has retained a significant number of leading players. As many as 69 players were retained by the six participating franchises, ensuring the tournament’s continued appeal.
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Growth and Prestige of ILT20
Since its inception, the DP World ILT20 has been recognised for its growing reputation as a global destination for elite cricket talent. What sets the league apart is its ability to attract some of the biggest names in the sport, establishing it as a top destination for T20 players from around the world. The first two editions of the tournament were highly successful, featuring competitive matches, impressive individual performances, and high fan engagement. With the announcement of player retentions for the third season, the league appears poised to build on this foundation.
Player retention, a process that began in June 2024, is a crucial aspect of the tournament’s continuity and success. Retaining star players is not only important for maintaining high standards of competition but also for ensuring that fans remain invested in their favourite teams and players. The franchises’ decisions to retain key players further underline the importance of consistency and team building in T20 cricket, where teams that have settled combinations tend to fare better.
Notable Player Retentions
Several top players from around the world have been confirmed to participate in the third season, ensuring that the ILT20 will continue to feature high-quality cricket. Among the notable retained players are West Indies’ Andre Russell, England’s David Willey, and Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Andre Russell, known for his explosive all-round abilities, is a key figure in T20 cricket worldwide. His ability to dominate with both bat and ball makes him an indispensable asset for any franchise. David Willey, an experienced English cricketer, is also a crucial retention, particularly given his ability to bowl in the powerplay and provide valuable runs down the order. Fazalhaq Farooqi, a promising left-arm fast bowler from Afghanistan, has been a standout player in the global T20 circuit. His impressive performances in various leagues have made him a sought-after talent for franchises, known for his ability to bowl both with the new ball and in the death overs.
Alongside these big names, a host of other international and regional players have been retained, contributing to a well-rounded tournament lineup that balances experience with emerging talent.
International players include:
Andre Russell, David Willey, Sunil Narine (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Alex Hales, Azam Khan, Muhammad Amir, Sherfane Rutherford, Wanindu Hasaranga (Desert Vipers), Dasun Shanaka, David Warner, Rovman Powell, Sam Billings, Sikandar Raza (Dubai Capitals), Chris Jordan, James Vince, Shimron Hetmyer (Gulf Giants), Akeal Hosein, Dwayne Bravo, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, (MI Emirates), Johnson Charles and Tom Kohler-Cadmore (Sharjah Warriors).
Each of the six franchises has also retained two UAE players. These include:
Aditya Shetty and Alishan Sharafu (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Ali Naseer and Tanish Suri (Desert Vipers), Haider Ali and Raja Akif (Dubai Capitals), Aayan Afzal Khan and Mohammad Zohaib Zubair (Gulf Giants), Muhammad Rohid Khan and Muhammad Waseem (MI Emirates), Junaid Siddique and Muhammad Jawadullah (Sharjah Warriors).
Venue Selection and Fan Engagement
The decision to host the matches in three key UAE cities—Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah—is strategic, given these cities’ modern cricket infrastructure and the region’s love for the sport. Dubai International Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Stadium are known for hosting high-profile international and domestic matches, making them the ideal settings for a competition of this magnitude. Additionally, Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Stadium has emerged as a world-class venue, frequently hosting global tournaments.
These cities also attract large crowds, particularly cricket-loving expatriates from South Asia, who form a significant portion of the fanbase. The combination of world-class venues, enthusiastic crowds, and top-tier talent ensures that the ILT20 remains an exciting prospect for both local and international fans.
Moreover, the tournament’s timing—from January to February—fits perfectly into the global cricket calendar, allowing the participation of international players who may otherwise be busy with other commitments during the year. This window, free from most international series, ensures that the tournament can attract the best players without clashing with other major T20 leagues like the IPL or the Big Bash League.
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The Role of Franchise Cricket in Global T20 Leagues
The franchise model, as seen in T20 leagues worldwide, has transformed cricket in the past decade. Franchise-based leagues like the IPL, the Big Bash, and the Caribbean Premier League have become vital for both the financial health of cricket and the global exposure of players. The ILT20 is no different, and its franchises play a pivotal role in the league’s success. These franchises invest heavily in both domestic and international talent, creating balanced teams that reflect the global nature of modern cricket.
Player retention plays a key role in this model, allowing franchises to build teams over multiple seasons, develop team culture, and give fans a reason to follow a team loyally. The ILT20’s retention of 69 players indicates a strong commitment from franchises to both their players and their long-term vision.
Conclusion
The DP World ILT20 continues to grow in stature, building a reputation as a must-watch global T20 league. With the retention of 69 top players, including some of the biggest names in cricket, the third season promises to deliver thrilling matches and high-quality cricket. The league’s ability to attract and retain talent reflects its importance on the international cricket stage, and its strategic venue selection in the UAE ensures that fans will be treated to a memorable tournament.
As the global appetite for franchise-based T20 cricket continues to rise, the ILT20 is carving out a place for itself among the premier leagues in the world. Its growing popularity, player retention policies, and competitive spirit promise to keep it at the forefront of T20 cricket for years to come.
The DP World ILT20 Season 3 promises to be an exciting event in 2025, and for fans looking to attend, ES Sport offers official hospitality packages. We provide tailored experiences, ensuring that fans can enjoy matches in iconic Dubai International Stadium. These packages include access to exclusive hospitality areas, VIP seating, and other perks, enhancing the overall cricketing experience.
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