The highly anticipated third season of the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) is set to kick off on January 11, 2025, with cricket legends Harbhajan Singh and Shoaib Akhtar returning as tournament ambassadors. The league, which runs until February 9, promises to deliver another thrilling season of top-tier T20 cricket in the UAE.
The third season of the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) is all set to kick off with a grand opening ceremony at the iconic Dubai International Stadium (DIS) on January 11. Bollywood’s star power will light up the evening as Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, and Sonam Bajwa take center stage with captivating performances that promise to enthrall the audience.
The opening ceremony, scheduled to commence at 6:00 pm local time, is expected to blend the magic of Bollywood with the excitement of cricket, creating an unforgettable experience for fans. The gates will open at 4:00 pm, allowing spectators to settle in before the grand spectacle unfolds. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be broadcast globally via the Zee Network and its syndication partners on both linear and digital platforms.
Bollywood heartthrob Shahid Kapoor expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “If you know me, you know how much I love cricket and dancing. And when the two things come together, you can expect to get the best of both worlds, which is why I’m really looking forward to being a part of the opening ceremony of the DP World International League T20 on January 11 at the Dubai International Stadium.” Kapoor encouraged fans to secure their tickets, promising an electrifying blend of Bollywood and cricket in what he termed a true “cric-tainment” event.
Renowned Bollywood producer and actor Jackky Bhagnani, along with popular emcee Ridhima Pathak, will host the evening, ensuring a lively and engaging atmosphere for attendees. The ceremony will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display before the cricket action begins. The defending champions, MI Emirates, will face off against Dubai Capitals in a much-anticipated rematch of last year’s final. The match is slated to start at 7:15 pm local time.
Fans attending the event can take advantage of a special offer in the general category, with four tickets available for just AED 40. This initiative aims to make the opening ceremony accessible to a larger audience, adding to the excitement and celebration surrounding the tournament’s launch.
Harbhajan Singh, famously known as the ‘Turbanator,’ brings with him a wealth of experience, having taken over 711 international wickets during his illustrious 18-year career. Harbhajan has been associated with the ILT20 since its inception, contributing both as an ambassador and a member of the commentary panel. Speaking about his continued involvement, Harbhajan expressed excitement about the league’s growth and the rising cricketing talent in the UAE. “Each season just gets better, and it’s exciting to see how this league is shaping the future of the game here. The atmosphere during the January-February window, with the beautiful weather and New Year festivities, makes the DP World ILT20 even more special for players and fans alike,” he remarked.
Joining Harbhajan is Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, known as the ‘Rawalpindi Express’ for his blistering pace. With 444 wickets across Test, ODI, and T20 formats for Pakistan, Akhtar remains one of the most feared fast bowlers in cricket history. Returning for his second season as an ILT20 ambassador, Akhtar highlighted the importance of the tournament in nurturing future cricketing talent. “This tournament not only showcases world-class talent but also helps nurture the next generation of players, which is so important for the future of UAE cricket,” Akhtar noted.
David White, CEO of ILT20, expressed his delight at welcoming back the cricketing icons. “Their involvement continues to add immense value to the league. Season 2 was a huge success, with the level of competition and quality of cricket exceeding expectations. We’re confident that Season 3 will raise the bar even further and continue to contribute to the growing reputation of UAE cricket on the international stage,” White stated.
The tournament will commence with a grand opening ceremony at the Dubai International Stadium, also known as The Ring of Fire, on January 11. Bollywood stars Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, and Sonam Bajwa are set to headline the event with electrifying performances. The ceremony, emceed by Bollywood producer Jackky Bhagnani and TV presenter Ridhima Pathak, will begin at 6:00 pm local time. Gates will open at 4:00 pm, with fans around the world able to watch the broadcast on the Zee Network and its syndication partners.
The first match of the season will see defending champions MI Emirates take on Dubai Capitals in a rematch of last year’s grand finale. The opening game is scheduled to start at 7:15 pm local time. To make the event more accessible, fans can avail a special offer of four tickets for just AED 40 in the general category.
This season, the six participating franchises have retained several T20 superstars. Key players include Andre Russell and Sunil Narine (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Alex Hales and Sherfane Rutherford (Desert Vipers), David Warner and Rovman Powell (Dubai Capitals), Chris Jordan and Shimron Hetmyer (Gulf Giants), Akeal Hossein and Nicholas Pooran (MI Emirates), and Adil Rashid and Johnson Charles (Sharjah Warriorz).
Several prominent cricketers will make their debut in the ILT20 this season. Notable names include New Zealand’s Tim Southee, who will lead the Sharjah Warriorz campaign, and England’s Jason Roy, returning to the league after appearing for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders last season. Former West Indies captain Jason Holder will also switch teams, appearing for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders after playing for the Dubai Capitals last season.
Other new entrants to the league include Fakhar Zaman (Desert Vipers), Shai Hope (Dubai Capitals), Lockie Ferguson (Desert Vipers), Roston Chase (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Matthew Wade (Sharjah Warriorz), Ibrahim Zadran (Gulf Giants), and Romario Shepherd (MI Emirates). These additions are expected to further elevate the quality of cricket on display during the tournament.