When Does the ILT20 Development Tournament Season 3 Start in Dubai?
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Synopsis
Gear up for the exciting third season of the International League T20 Development Tournament, kicking off in Dubai on August 24. This is a crucial platform for emerging cricketers to showcase their skills and potentially secure a spot in Season 4 of the ILT20. Don’t miss out on this thrilling opportunity!
Key Takeaways
- ILT20 Development Tournament starts on August 24.
- Includes 18 matches with six teams.
- Player Selection Draft on August 18.
- Opportunity for local players to impress franchise selectors.
- Each team to include 15 players from the UAE.
Dubai, Aug 14 (NationPress) The third edition of the International League T20 Development Tournament is set to kick off on August 24 at the ICC Academy Oval 1. This tournament will encompass 18 matches featuring six teams and will be played in a single-league, round-robin format.
The defending champions, Gulf Giants Development, will compete against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Development, Desert Vipers Development, Dubai Capitals Development, MI Emirates Development, and Sharjah Warriorz Development.
The teams will be formed through a Player Selection Draft scheduled for August 18 at the Dubai International Stadium. Each squad will comprise 15 players from the UAE.
This tournament serves as a vital platform for aspiring cricketers in the UAE to display their skills and attract the attention of the six ILT20 franchises in anticipation of Season 4, slated for December 2025 to January 2026.
With the UAE's participation in the Sharjah Tri-Series (from August 29 to September 7) and the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup (from September 9 to 28), the ILT20 Development Tournament presents an exceptional opportunity for emerging players to impress franchise selectors and secure a place in the main event.
Each of the six franchises must select a minimum of four UAE players for their squads ahead of Season 4, commencing on December 2.
The International League T20 Player Auction for Season 4 will occur shortly after the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup. Each team will have the chance to recruit 13 players (a total of 78 players) during the auction. The deadline for registration is September 10.
Andrew Russell, the Tournament Director of the ILT20 Development Tournament, stated, “The DP World ILT20 Development Tournament is a highly anticipated event on the Emirates Cricket Board’s domestic calendar. It provides a fantastic platform for young and rising talents from across the nation to shine and vie for a spot in the DP World ILT20.
“Last year, fast bowler Farhan Ahmed was discovered by the Dubai Capitals during this tournament, and he went on to impress in ILT20 Season 3. Likewise, Saghir Khan also excelled last year, earning his chance with the Gulf Giants.
“This particular edition could be the most significant opportunity for new talent to emerge, especially with many slots available due to the absence of UAE's national players who will be engaged in the Tri-Series and the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup.
Point of View
The ILT20 Development Tournament is an essential event nurturing local talent and promoting cricket in the UAE. It provides a vital opportunity for young players to display their skills on a larger stage while engaging with established franchises. This initiative aligns with the nation's commitment to developing sports and fostering talent.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the format of the ILT20 Development Tournament?
The tournament follows a single-league, round-robin format featuring six teams across 18 matches.
When will the Player Selection Draft take place?
The Player Selection Draft is scheduled for August 18 at the Dubai International Stadium.
How many players will each team consist of?
Each team will comprise 15 players from the UAE.
What is the significance of this tournament?
This tournament provides a platform for aspiring cricketers to showcase their talent and possibly secure a place in the upcoming Season 4 of the ILT20.
When does Season 4 of ILT20 begin?
Season 4 of the ILT20 is set to commence on December 2.
