ILT20 season 5 to begin on November 22

The DP World ILT20 has announced that its fifth season will run from November 22 to December 20, 2026, with the final in Dubai. The six-team tournament will feature 34 matches.

DUBAI: The fifth season of the DP World International League T20 will start on Sunday, November 22, 2026, with the final scheduled for Sunday, December 20 at the Dubai International Stadium.

The tournament, described in the announcement as the biggest cricket league in the Gulf region and the second-most watched T20 league in the world, will feature six teams and 34 matches.

The league said its fourth season was held in a December window after the first three editions were played in the January-February period. According to the announcement, Season 4 recorded stronger broadcast figures and higher spectator attendance.

The final of Season 4, played on January 4, 2026, was held before a full house at the Dubai International Stadium, where the Desert Vipers won their first title by defeating MI Emirates by 46 runs.

DP World ILT20 chief executive David White said, “We are pleased to confirm the DP World ILT20 Season 5 window. The biggest cricketing spectacle in the Gulf region will be played from Sunday, 22 November to Sunday, 20 December 2026. We are delighted with Season 4’s success. The broadcast numbers, spectators’ interest and the participation of the biggest T20 stars made the tournament a remarkable success as the quality of the league grew further.”

He added, “The DP World ILT20 continues to make massive strides and our strategic partnerships with Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation and Kuwait Cricket are already making a big impact. This year, these partnerships will be consolidated further through our development tournaments which will be played in both countries prior to Season 5.”

White also said, “The DP World ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction was a great success as well and we are already gearing up for this year’s auction. There are a number of exciting announcements and initiatives that will be revealed in the coming days.”

Season 4 award winners and leading names

The fourth season featured several prominent T20 players. Sam Curran of the Desert Vipers was named Player of the Tournament and also received the Best Batter award, identified as the Red and Green Belts. Waqar Salamkheil of MI Emirates took the Best Bowler award and White Belt, while Muhammad Waseem was named Best UAE Player and received the Blue Belt.

The competition also included players such as Andre Russell, Azmatullah Omarzai, Dinesh Karthik, Pathum Nissanka, Fakhar Zaman, Jason Holder, Jason Roy, Kieron Pollard, Moeen Ali, Mohammad Nabi, Naseem Shah, Nicholas Pooran, Phil Salt, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Romario Shepherd, Shakib Al Hasan, Sikandar Raza, Sunil Narine, Tim David and Tim Southee.

The announcement was issued from Dubai on April 13, 2026, confirming the schedule for the next edition as the league prepares for another season later this year.