The International League T20 (ILT20) is set to kick off its fifth season on November 22, 2026, with the month-long competition scheduled to wrap up on December 20 at the Dubai International Stadium. The league’s six teams will battle it out across 34 matches in the November–December window, a timing change introduced last year after the earlier editions ran in the January–February period.
Season 5 dates and the push for a new calendar
- The fifth ILT20 season begins on November 22, 2026.
- The tournament concludes on December 20 at the Dubai International Stadium.
- There will be 34 matches across the six-team event.
- The league will continue using the November–December window, introduced last season after the first editions were staged in January–February.
League organisers have described the switch in scheduling as a positive step, highlighting improved television distribution and strong crowd numbers inside venues during the previous campaign. A key marker was the Season 4 final on January 4, when the Desert Vipers secured their first-ever ILT20 title by beating MI Emirates by 46 runs in front of a packed house in Dubai.
What the league says about Season 4 growth
ILT20 CEO David White said the organisation was “delighted” with the progress shown in its fourth edition. He pointed to rising fan involvement, stronger broadcast figures, and the draw of high-profile international players as major signs of momentum.
Regional expansion plans
The league is also aiming to widen its reach across the Gulf through partnerships with the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation and Kuwait Cricket. Development competitions are expected to be staged in both countries ahead of Season 5, as part of a broader effort to build a stronger cricket ecosystem in the region.
Season 4: top performers and marquee names
Season 4 delivered a lineup of well-known T20 stars, with Sam Curran finishing as Player of the Tournament. Waqar Salamkheil took the leading wicket-taker honours as the tournament’s top bowler, while Muhammad Waseem was recognised as the best UAE player.
The event also attracted multiple marquee international figures, including Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, Moeen Ali, and Sunil Narine, reinforcing the league’s ambition to compete alongside established global T20 competitions.
