Dubai launches ILT20 Season 5 in style

The International League T20 (ILT20) officially launched its fifth season with a glittering ceremony in Dubai, with fast-bowling legends Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar among the star attractions on an evening celebrating the league's rapid rise and growing influence across the Gulf region. The event brought together leading figures from cricket, sport, business and government, as the league also unveiled its new brand identity for the upcoming campaign.

ILT20 chairman Khalid Al Zarooni and league commissioner Mubashshir Usmani — who also serves as ICC board director and ECB general secretary — highlighted the tournament's contribution to the development and expansion of cricket in the UAE and the wider region.

“What began as a dream has grown into one of the world's leading cricket leagues, bringing together top players and major franchises, while helping grow cricket in the UAE, the region and beyond,” said Al Zarooni.

He acknowledged the support of franchise owners, commercial and strategic partners, with a special mention for Zee Network, while welcoming SPORTFIVE as a new commercial partner. The evening also featured a spell-binding performance by celebrity mentalist Karan Singh Magic.

100-mph icons reunite as tournament ambassadors

In a major announcement, Lee and Akhtar were confirmed as tournament ambassadors for Season 5 — bringing together two of the quickest and most feared bowlers in cricket history. The duo were unveiled in their new roles at the launch ceremony in Dubai on September 9.

Lee, one of Australia's most celebrated fast bowlers, claimed 718 international wickets across formats during an illustrious career. Akhtar, widely regarded as one of cricket's fastest-ever bowlers, took 444 international wickets across Tests, ODIs and T20 cricket.

“I'm delighted to be joining the ILT20 as a tournament ambassador. I have been following the league for a while, and it has created a fantastic platform for international stars and emerging talent to come together in the UAE. I'm looking forward to being part of Season 5, meeting the fans and helping build the excitement around another great season of T20 cricket,” said Lee.

Akhtar, who has previously served as an ILT20 ambassador, said he was pleased to return to the league and highlighted the progress of UAE cricketers, particularly its fast bowlers.

“Brett and I have shared many battles on the field, so it's great to be associated with the league together. I'm looking forward to making more memories with him and inspiring the current and upcoming generation of UAE and Gulf cricketers,” he said.

Former New Zealand international Simon Doull hosted a special panel discussion exploring the changing landscape and future of cricket in the region and globally, featuring Usmani, Dr Mohamed Abu Hamra, Eisa Sharif of the Dubai Sports Council, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Deputy CEO and CFO Mukund Galgali, SportFive President Venu Nair and Bisleri Global Director Sales & Marketing Tushar Malhotra. Doull later brought Lee and Akhtar together for another engaging discussion, with the two legendary fast bowlers looking back on an era in which their blistering pace made them two of the most feared bowlers in world cricket.

Star-studded squads take shape ahead of auction

Season 5 will feature plenty of international firepower, with Finn Allen set to make his ILT20 debut for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, while David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen will make their maiden appearances for Gulf Giants. Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis will return to the tournament with Dubai Capitals after a three-year gap.

Several established ILT20 stars will also return, including Jason Holder and Sunil Narine for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Shimron Hetmyer for Desert Vipers, Rovman Powell and Mustafizur Rahman for Dubai Capitals, and Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan and Romario Shepherd for MI Emirates.

Schedule, venues and title history

The six franchises will complete their Season 5 squads at the ILT20 Player Auction on October 1, 2026. The six-team, 34-match season will be played across November and December at the UAE's three iconic venues — Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Dubai International Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Defending champions Desert Vipers will enter the fifth season aiming to retain their crown. Gulf Giants won the inaugural season, followed by MI Emirates in Season 2 and Dubai Capitals in Season 3.