ILT20 Season 4 Begins December 2 – UAE National Day Cricket Festival 2025

ILT20 Season 4 Set to Begin on UAE National Day 2025: Bigger, Better and World Cup Ready

The cricketing world is set to witness another exciting chapter in the evolution of franchise T20 cricket as the DP World International League T20 Season 4 returns this winter with a powerful message: celebration, competition, and preparation.

In a landmark announcement made on May 14, 2025, the Emirates Cricket Board confirmed that ILT20 Season 4 will officially begin on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, coinciding with UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad). This 34-match, six-team extravaganza will conclude on Sunday, 4 January 2026, acting as a perfect prelude to the highly anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to commence in early February.

Why the December-January Window Makes Perfect Sense

Traditionally held in the January-February window, the DP World ILT20 has shifted its fourth season ahead to avoid a clash with the upcoming global showpiece. The move is not only timely but tactically beneficial for both franchises and national teams preparing for the T20 World Cup.

David White, CEO of DP World ILT20, emphasized the strategic reasoning behind this decision:

“We wanted to ensure that ILT20 Season 4 doesn’t overlap with the T20 World Cup. This way, players get the best of both worlds—top-quality franchise cricket and ample time to regroup with their national squads.”

The window shift also means franchises can tap into a larger and more diverse pool of players, enhancing the quality of competition across the board.

Starting the Season on UAE National Day: A Symbolic Celebration

What better way to begin the region’s premier cricket league than on UAE National Day, a time when the nation comes together in celebration and unity? The decision is a symbolic gesture that connects cricket with the heart of Emirati culture.

Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of ILT20 and Vice-Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, put it best:

“It’s a true honour to launch Season 4 on UAE National Day—one of the most important days on our calendar. We’re proud to merge sport with celebration, welcoming fans from around the world to our cricketing home.”

The UAE is a melting pot of cultures, and ILT20 has become a shared festival for millions of residents and global fans who tune in religiously every season.

Recap of Season 3: A Grand Success and High Expectations

The bar has been set incredibly high by ILT20 Season 3, which concluded in February 2025 with Dubai Capitals edging out Desert Vipers in a thrilling, last-over final in front of a sold-out Dubai International Stadium.

That season wasn’t just about close finishes. It was a showcase of individual brilliance and team spirit:

• Sam Curran clinched the Red Belt for Player of the Tournament.

• Shai Hope finished with the Green Belt for most runs.

• Fazalhaq Farooqi earned the White Belt as top wicket-taker.

Add to that the presence of global icons like David Warner, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Alex Hales, Fakhar Zaman, Nicholas Pooran, and Matthew Wade, and you have a tournament that truly rivaled the best in the world.

With Season 4, expectations are sky-high. Given the wider availability of international stars this time, we’re set for even more gripping cricket action.

The Growing Global Appeal of DP World ILT20

Launched just three years ago, the DP World International League T20 has quickly risen to become the second-most watched T20 league globally, trailing only the IPL. With a strong broadcasting footprint and robust digital engagement, it continues to elevate the UAE’s status as a global cricketing destination.

The league has also built a reputation for being fan-first, entertainment-driven, and high on quality. From laser shows to musical acts and nail-biting super overs, it’s as much a festival as it is a tournament.

Looking Ahead: What ILT20 Season 4 Promises

Cricket fans can expect:

• A 34-match format across six teams over 34 days.

• The return of global superstars and fresh new talent.

• Matches scheduled for prime-time TV audiences around the world.

• A showcase of world-class venues including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

But most importantly, ILT20 Season 4 is not just another tournament it is the launchpad to the T20 World Cup 2026. For fans and players alike, it offers the perfect mix of competitive cricket, festive fervor, and a sneak peek into potential World Cup performances.

Conclusion

ILT20 Season 4 is more than just a cricket league it’s a celebration of the UAE’s identity, a global stage for top-level T20 action, and a precursor to the world’s biggest T20 tournament. With a well-thought-out schedule, player availability at its peak, and a strong legacy from the previous season, December 2, 2025 is a date that every cricket fan should circle on their calendar.

Get ready for fireworks on and off the field.