Kamal Ghorui
The International League T20 (ILT20) will return for its fifth season on November 22, 2026, with the month-long tournament set to conclude on December 20 at the Dubai International Stadium.The six-team competition will feature 34 matches, continuing in the November–December window that was first introduced last year (December-January) after the league’s initial editions were held in January–February.
League organisers have positioned the shift in scheduling as a success, pointing to improved broadcast reach and strong in-stadium attendance last season. The Season 4 final, played on January 4, saw the Desert Vipers lift their maiden title with a 46-run win over MI Emirates in front of a full house in Dubai.ILT20 CEO David White said the league was “delighted” with the growth seen in its fourth edition, citing increased fan engagement, broadcast numbers and the presence of high-profile international players as key indicators of progress.
ILT20 Season 5 will begin on November 22.
The league is also looking to expand its footprint in the region through partnerships with the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation and Kuwait Cricket. Development tournaments are expected to be held in both countries ahead of Season 5 as part of efforts to strengthen the sport’s ecosystem in the Gulf.Season 4 featured a host of global T20 names, with Sam Curran emerging as Player of the Tournament. Other standout performers included Waqar Salamkheil, who finished as the leading bowler, and Muhammad Waseem, named the best UAE player. The tournament also attracted several marquee players such as Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, Moeen Ali and Sunil Narine, underlining its ambition to compete with established global T20 leagues.
