The tournament goes to the December-January window to accommodate the ICC T20 World Cup; Capitals of Dubai To defend the titleThe fourth season of International League T20 (ILT20), one of the T20 franchise competitions with the fastest growth worldwide and the second widest T20 league, will start on Tuesday December 2, 2025, coinciding with National Water Day (Eid-Al-Etihad). The season will take place until Sunday January 4, 2026, with 34 high issues featuring some of the best T20 players from around the world.The decision to move the tournament of its traditional January-February window came following the Male T20 World Cup of the ICC, scheduled for February-March 2026. The new dates were finalized after detailed consultations with stakeholders to ensure that ILT20 season 4 is completed well before the world centerpiece, allowing players to prepare enough time for their international functions.Go beyond the border with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Khalid Al Zarooni, president of ILT20 and vice-president of the Emirate Cricket Boardunderlined the importance of the launch of the season during the most famous national holiday of the United Arab Emirates: “We are delighted to confirm that season 4 of the International League T20 will start the national day of water – Eid -Al -Etihad – which is one of the most important days on the water calendar.“The National Water Day is a celebration of our diversified and dynamic nation, which houses millions of cricket fans. It is a real honor for us to mark this opportunity by launching the largest T20 league in the region the same day.”
David White, CEO of ILT20, reiterated the strategic value behind the revised tournament window:“After many discussions with all our stakeholders, we believe that on December 2, 2025 to January 4, 2026 is ideal. The Male T20 World Cup ICC begins in early February, so it was crucial for us to finish season 4 of ILT20 before this event.“This will allow double participation players time to move on to national commitments.White also praised the success of season 3 of ILT20, which delivered a successful cricket and a massive commitment to all platforms: “Season 3 was a great success with exceptional broadcasting and digital numbers. Fans have experienced a notable step in the quality of the cricket.“The final, in particular, was a thriller, the Capitals of Dubai were very closely ahead of Desert Vipers in the last in front of an international stadium in Dubai crowded on February 9, 2025. We are now focusing on this success and offering an even better tournament in season 4.”
ILT20 has already established itself as a leading destination for international talents. Season 3 presented a galaxy of world T20 stars, notably Nicholas Pooran, Sam Curran (tournament player – Red Belt Winner), Shai Hope (Green Belt – Most Runs), Fazalhaq Farooqi (White Belt – Most Wickets), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Jason Holder, David Warner, Adil, Adil Shimron Hetmyer and Adam Zampa among others.The league unique belt system for the best artists has also drawn the attention of fans, adding an additional layer of competitiveness and recognition to the tournament.With six teams that are competing again on 34 games, season 4 promises intense action, star power and continuous growth for a league which has quickly become a must in the world landscape of the T20.While the countdown begins, water cricket fans and around the world can expect fireworks on and off the field when it comes back in December.
