Kuwait's ILT20 connection bears fruit on the road to the T20 World Cup
ILT20 experience pays off for Kuwait on the road to the T20 World Cup
Kuwait's success in the Sub-Regional Asia A Qualifier for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2028 in Malaysia has highlighted the role the ILT20 has played in preparing the country's players for international cricket. Several members of the qualifying team have featured in the league, where they trained and played alongside international stars.
Bilal Tahir, who scored 16 off seven balls against Bahrain and remained unbeaten on 32 off 16 balls against Qatar during the qualifier, said his time with the Desert Vipers had shown him what it takes to be part of a title-winning side.
"Winning the title with the Desert Vipers showed me what a championship environment looks like. Seeing how players like Sam Curran, Fakhar Zaman and Lockie Ferguson train and prepare every day raised my own standards, and I have tried to hold myself to that level ever since. I hope many more players from Kuwait get the chance to experience the ILT20, because it can transform a cricketer's career."
Learning from the best
Mohamed Shafeeq became the first Kuwait player to feature in an ILT20 match when he represented MI Emirates last season. He said sharing a dressing room with experienced internationals had helped him understand the tactical side of T20 cricket.
"Walking out for MI Emirates for the first time was a moment I will never forget, it was special for me and for cricket in Kuwait. Sharing a dressing room with players like Kieron Pollard and Shakib Al Hasan, you learn how much thought goes into every situation in a T20 game, and that changes the way you approach your own cricket. I have tried to bring that understanding back to the Kuwait team and share what I have learned. I am really looking forward to returning to MI Emirates for Season 5 and continuing to learn."
Wicket-takers and run-scorers
Kuwait players were among the leading wicket-takers in the qualifier. Mohamed Aslam finished second on the list with 15 wickets in six innings, while Adnan Idrees took 12 wickets in six innings to finish third. Both played in Season 4 of the ILT20, and Idrees was also named Player of the Tournament in that season.
Ravija Sandaruwan finished as the qualifier's third-highest run-scorer, making 176 runs in six innings. He is set to join Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for Season 5.
"I am very excited to be joining the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for ILT20 Season 5. I have seen how much my teammates grew from their time in the league last season, and I want to make the most of the same opportunity. The Qualifier gave me a lot of confidence with the bat, and I want to carry that form into the season. Playing alongside and against world-class cricketers is the best way to test yourself, and I hope to learn as much as I can and bring that experience back to the Kuwait team."
Kuwait's representation in Season 5
Kuwait's presence in the league will continue in Season 5, with five other players also set to feature:
- Bilal Tahir – Desert Vipers
- Meet Bhavsar – Gulf Giants
- Mohamed Shafeeq – MI Emirates
- Anudeep Chenthamara – Dubai Capitals
- Arunraj Selvaraj – Sharjah Warriorz