Latest news with #InternationalLeagueT20
News18
5 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Third edition of ILT20 Development Tournament begins on August 24
Dubai [UAE], August 14 (ANI): The third edition of the International League T20 (ILT20) Development Tournament will begin on August 24 at the ICC Academy Oval 1, Dubai. The 18-match tournament will feature six teams, and the tournament will be conducted in a single-league, round-robin format, as per a release from ILT20. Defending champions Gulf Giants Development will be joined by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Development, Desert Vipers Development, Dubai Capitals Development, MI Emirates Development, and Sharjah Warriorz Development. The six tournament squads will be chosen via Player Selection Draft, which will be conducted on 18 August at the Dubai International Stadium. Each team will consist of 15 players from the UAE. The tournament is an opportunity for aspiring cricketers in the UAE to showcase their talent and grab the attention of the six ILT20 franchises ahead of Season 4, which will be played in December-January 2025-2026. With UAE Men's participation in the Sharjah Tri-Series (August 29 to September 7) and the ACC Men's T20 Asia Cup 2025, the ILT20 Development Tournament will be a golden opportunity for UAE's emerging players to dazzle in front of the franchise selectors and earn a spot in the main of the six ILT20 franchises will need to pick a minimum of four UAE players per squad for the tournament's Season 4, which will begin on December 2. 'Last year, fast bowler Farhan Ahmed was discovered by Dubai Capitals at the development tournament. Farhan went on to dazzle at the DP World ILT20 Season 3 with the Capitals winning the tournament. Saghir Khan is another player who excelled in the development tournament last year and got his chance in the big event representing the Gulf Giants," he added. 'This particular edition is potentially the biggest opportunity for new talent to shine, especially with a lot of slots up for grabs in the absence of UAE's national players who will be competing in the Tri-Series in Sharjah and the ACC Men's T20 Asia Cup," he noted. The International League T20 Player Auction for Season 4 will be held a few days after the ACC Men's T20 Asia Cup. The six tournament teams will each get the opportunity to add 13 players each (a total of 78 players) to their Season 4 squads at the auction. Players interested in appearing for the Player Auction can register here. The last date for registration is September 10. The International League T20 Season 4 will begin on December 2, UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad), with a blockbuster opening. The six-team, 34-match tournament will conclude with the final on January 4. (ANI) view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
ILT20 Development Tournament to begin August 24: Full schedule, venue - All you need to know
The third edition of the International League T20 (ILT20) Development Tournament is set to kick off on Sunday, 24 August at the ICC Academy Oval 1, Dubai, offering UAE's emerging cricketers a golden chance to impress franchise scouts ahead of Season 4 of the main event. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Six teams will battle in the 18-match, single-league, round-robin competition — Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Development, Desert Vipers Development, Dubai Capitals Development, defending champions Gulf Giants Development, MI Emirates Development, and Sharjah Warriorz Development. The squads, each comprising 15 UAE-based players, will be finalised through the Player Selection Draft on 18 August at the Dubai International Stadium. With a minimum of four UAE players mandated per ILT20 Season 4 franchise squad, selectors will be watching closely. Poll Do you believe the ILT20 Development Tournament is a vital stepping stone for young cricketers? Yes No Prime platform for young talent Tournament Director Andrew Russell hailed the event's role in nurturing homegrown talent. 'The ILT20 Development Tournament is one of the most sought-after events in the Emirates Cricket Board's domestic calendar. The platform is ideal for young and emerging players from all over the country to showcase their talent and stake a claim for a place in the ILT20,' Russell said. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Palembang: Unsold Sofas Prices May Surprise You (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola Citing past success stories, Russell noted: 'Last year, fast bowler Farhan Ahmed was discovered by Dubai Capitals at the development tournament. He went on to dazzle at ILT20 Season 3, helping the Capitals win the title. Saghir Khan is another player who excelled in the development tournament and later represented Gulf Giants in the main event.' This year's edition could be an even greater opportunity, Russell added, with UAE's national players unavailable due to their commitments in the Sharjah Tri-Series (29 August–7 September) and the ACC Men's T20 Asia Cup 2025. Season 4 promises high stakes Season 4 of the ILT20 will begin on 2 December 2025 — coinciding with UAE National Day — and will run until 4 January 2026, featuring six franchises across 34 matches. The International League T20 Player Auction for the main tournament will take place shortly after the Asia Cup, allowing each team to sign 13 players (total 78 slots) for their squads. For many participants, the Development Tournament could be the bridge to franchise cricket and a professional career. As Russell summed it up: 'This edition is potentially the biggest opportunity for new talent to shine.' The last date for player registration for the Season 4 auction is Wednesday, 10 September. Full Schedule ILT20 Development Tournament 2025 Sunday, 24 August – 5pm – Dubai Capitals Development vs Desert Vipers Development Sunday, 24 August – 9pm – MI Emirates Development vs Gulf Giants Development Monday, 25 August – 5pm – Sharjah Warriorz Development vs ADKR Development Monday, 25 August – 9pm – Gulf Giants Development vs Dubai Capitals Development Tuesday, 26 August – 5pm – ADKR Development vs MI Emirates Development Tuesday, 26 August – 9pm – Desert Vipers Development vs Sharjah Warriorz Development Wednesday, 27 August – 5pm – MI Emirates Development vs Dubai Capitals Development Wednesday, 27 August – 9pm – Gulf Giants Development vs Desert Vipers Development Thursday, 28 August – Rest / Training Friday, 29 August – 5pm – Sharjah Warriorz Development vs Gulf Giants Development Friday, 29 August – 9pm – ADKR Development vs Dubai Capitals Development Saturday, 30 August – 5pm – Desert Vipers Development vs MI Emirates Development Saturday, 30 August – 9pm – Dubai Capitals Development vs Sharjah Warriorz Development Sunday, 31 August – 7pm – Desert Vipers Development vs ADKR Development Monday, 1 September – 5pm – Sharjah Warriorz Development vs MI Emirates Development Monday, 1 September – 9pm – ADKR Development vs Gulf Giants Development Tuesday, 2 September – 5pm – Semi-Final 1 Tuesday, 2 September – 9pm – Semi-Final 2 Wednesday, 3 September – 7pm – Final *Venue: All matches to be played at the ICC Academy – Dubai Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
News18
31-07-2025
- Business
- News18
ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction To Be Held In September
The ILT20 Player Auction is the second phase of squads' selection for season 4. The International League T20 (ILT20) Player Auction for Season 4 will be held on Tuesday, 30 September in Dubai. The six tournament teams will each get the opportunity to add 13 players each (a total of 78 players) to their Season 4 squads at the auction. Players interested in appearing for the Player Auction can register themselves till Wednesday, 10 September. The six franchises will have a combined purse of USD 4.8 million to spend at the Player Auction. Details about the available budgets for the teams (including the remaining budgets from their direct signing allotment, which can be used in the Player Auction), the auction order and the players list will be shared in due course. ILT20 CEO David White: 'We are delighted to confirm the DP World International League Season 4 Player Auction date – Tuesday, 30 September. The auction is a big milestone for the league as we continue to grow as a world-class T20 tournament. The auction will be a great opportunity for our franchises to add local and international firepower to their Season 4 squads. 'For the UAE players, the ACC Asia Cup 2025 – September 9-28 in the UAE – is a massive opportunity for making a global impression ahead of the Player Auction. The players will have incredible exposure in the continental championship, where they will be pitted against some of the top-ranked T20 teams. 'We are also set to play the third edition of the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament from later this month, which – alongside the Asia Cup – is another platform for the local players to impress ahead of the Player Auction." The ILT20 Player Auction is the second phase of squad' selection for Season 4. Earlier this month, the teams completed their new signings and retentions – a total of eight players per team. The list of those selections is available below. ILT20 Season 4 – Season 4 squads so far: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Alex Hales, Alishan Sharafu, Andre Russell, Charith Asalanka, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Sherfane Rutherford and Sunil Narine. Desert Vipers: Andries Gous, Dan Lawrence, David Payne, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Lockie Ferguson, Max Holden, Sam Curran and Wanindu Hasaranga. Dubai Capitals: Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Gulbadin Naib, Luke Wood, Muhammad Jawadullah, Rovmann Powell, Shai Hope and Waqar Salamkheil. Gulf Giants: Aayan Afzal Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Blessing Muzarabani, Gerhard Erasmus, James Vince, Mark Adair, Moeen Ali and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. MI Emirates: AM Ghazanfar, Chris Woakes, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Perera, Romario Shepherd, Tom Banton and Muhammad Waseem. Sharjah Warriorz: Johnson Charles, Maheesh Theekshana, Tim Southee, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Maheesh Theekshana, Saurabh Netravalkar, Sikandar Raza and Tim David. The International League T20 Season 4 will begin on Tuesday, 2 December – UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) with a blockbuster opening, the six-team, 34-match tournament will conclude with the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How do T20 league auctions work during a busy calendar? A behind-the-scenes look as ILT20 takes the big leap
ILT20 Auction With excitement building around the fourth season of the International League T20 (ILT20), all eyes are now on a major shift in the league's approach to squad building - the introduction of a player auction. For the first time since its inception, the UAE's marquee franchise league will hold an auction, scheduled for September, replacing the draft system used in the first three seasons. Auctions have become a signature feature of global T20 leagues, offering drama, intrigue, and promotional buzz ahead of a new season. Player prices, bidding wars, and squad strategies often capture fan and media attention - and ILT20 is now poised to enter that high-stakes space. The upcoming auction not only aims to refresh team compositions but also to reinforce the league's ambition of becoming one of the most global cricket competitions. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! But what does it take to organise such a complex event - from creating a player pool to planning logistics for a multi-national talent assembly? To understand the mechanics and ambitions behind the ILT20's first-ever auction, caught up with Mike Fordham, ILT20's Head of Cricket Operations. In an exclusive interview, Fordham walked us through every detail - from Right to Match to wildcard picks and UAE player development. Excerpts: What was the thought process behind introducing the auction format after three seasons of drafts? It was for a few reasons. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo Most of the players were originally signed on three-year contracts, and we're now at the end of that cycle. So, we felt it was a good opportunity to freshen things up and try something new. We also wanted to open up more opportunities to new players. One of our aims with ILT20 is to be the most global cricket league in the world. We felt an auction was a good way to attract talent from various parts of the world and give teams a chance to reshape their squads. This year, teams were allowed to retain or directly sign up to eight players — including a mix of international and UAE players. All six teams have filled those slots. They'll complete their squads at the auction and are also allowed to add two wildcard signings later. Some teams have already begun that process. The auction will also serve as the launchpad for Season Four, generating buzz and giving fans something to talk about. It's scheduled for September, ahead of the league's December 2 start. ILT20 2025 Retentions: Big Names Stay, Shocks & Surprises Unfold! What goes on behind the scenes to streamline the auction process, especially around building the player pool and aligning with player availability? A lot of preparation is involved, and we have a full team managing it. First, we're launching an online registration portal for players and agents to sign up for the auction. That will remain open for about five to six weeks, leading into late August. Once that closes, we'll finalise the player pool. Legal documents and contracts are also being prepared. Logistically, the auction will be a large event - venue selection, top-tier auctioneer, and specialised auction software are all being handled. We're working with a leading software firm to ensure everything runs smoothly. People will travel to Dubai for the event, so all associated logistics are also being looked after. We're confident our team will deliver. Will Right To Match (RTM) influence auction dynamics? And how do wildcard signings work? Wildcard signings occur outside the auction. Each team can sign two additional players beyond the 21-member squad at any point after the direct signing window. Some teams have started signing wildcards; others might wait closer to the season. RTM applies only to UAE players. We've been running a development tournament for the last two years, and this year's edition will happen just before the auction. Each franchise has a development team - Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, etc. If a UAE player from a development squad enters the auction and is bid on, the original franchise will have the final right to match. This helps reinforce investment in local talent and gives development squads a tangible reward for grooming players. Will ILT20 increase the number of UAE or associate players in the playing XI? Yes, this season we're mandating two UAE players and one associate player in the playing XI. That associate player can be from UAE or another associate nation like Namibia, Scotland, Netherlands, Nepal, or the USA. Cricket is growing rapidly, and we want to support that global expansion. Right now, cricket is a top global sport but only truly taken seriously in about a dozen countries. We want ILT20 to serve as a platform for emerging nations. Ideally, five years from now, we'd like to see more UAE and associate players in starting XIs, with overall playing standards continuing to rise. What are the unique challenges of organising an ILT20 auction compared to other leagues? The structure of auctions is generally similar across leagues, but ILT20 had some unique challenges. Until now, we didn't have a clearly defined window due to overlapping leagues during January. This season, we've moved it forward - starting early December and ending early January - to reduce conflicts. While the window isn't entirely clear, availability has improved, which should boost the talent pool. The auction should run smoothly, but the league's uniqueness lies in its international appeal. Players enjoy coming to the UAE, especially during the holiday season. Great weather, world-class facilities, and family-friendly environments make it attractive. We're leveraging that to build a strong product, and the auction is a vital part of that journey. EPIC IS BACK! ILT20 set for explosive return on December 2, 2025 Will teams focus more on availability or squad dynamics during the auction? It's a mix. Ideally, teams want players available for the full season. But if a world-class player is only available for part of it, they might still sign him to get off to a strong start. For example, Sharjah Warriors have signed Tim David , one of the world's best T20 batters. He'll play the first half before joining the Big Bash League in Australia. Teams will replace such players mid-season if needed. International commitments - like England-Australia Test series (Ashes) - also impact availability. Teams are used to managing this and franchise cricket operates with that flexibility. Players are accustomed to flying in and out on short notice. What can fans expect from the auction? Will it be live-streamed or offer new innovations? We're working on plans to stream the auction live on our digital platforms. It should be an exciting event for fans to watch as teams finalise their squads. There will likely be surprises and new elements. The RTM for UAE players will be an interesting dynamic. Additionally, we're introducing players from other Gulf countries, making the tournament more pan-Middle Eastern. Overall, we hope the auction provides something fresh for ILT20 and a reason for fans to stay engaged as the season build-up begins. How has ILT20 contributed to UAE's cricket growth, particularly in player development and infrastructure? Development of local players has been a core objective. Any league, in any sport, must build a strong local base - it can't be just about overseas stars. The UAE has long had a talented pool, partly due to its diverse population. Now, we're seeing sustained progress. Take Aayan Khan, for example. He's been part of Gulf Giants since Season One and has worked closely with top professionals like James Vince and Chris Jordan, under Andy Flower. That exposure is invaluable. Each franchise has a minimum of four UAE players per squad - 24 in total across the league - working with coaches like Tom Moody , James Foster, and Dwayne Bravo. That elevated their performance. The UAE's recent win over Bangladesh in a bilateral series speaks volumes. Players like Muhammad Waseem (MI Emirates) are now winning ICC Player of the Month awards. This progress is directly linked to ILT20's environment. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'Not lifting the trophy is frustrating, but we're close': Tom Moody opens up on Desert Vipers' retentions, ILT20's evolution and road ahead
Desert Vipers have twice finished runners-up in ILT20. (Creimas) The International League T20 (ILT20) - UAE's premier franchise league - has taken a major step towards its fourth season with the announcement of player retentions. Each team was permitted to retain up to eight players ahead of the first-ever ILT20 auction, scheduled for September. Among them, Desert Vipers made the most significant move, retaining seven players from their 2025 squad - the most by any franchise - and signing USA wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous as their lone direct addition. The decision aligns with their philosophy of continuity and consistency. The Vipers' retained list includes Lockie Ferguson (captain), Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga, Max Holden, Dan Lawrence, David Payne, and Khuzaima bin Tanveer, one of UAE's fast emerging bowlers. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! In an exclusive interview with Tom Moody, the team's Director of Cricket, admitted that whittling down the squad to meet the retention cap was a challenge, especially given the team's emphasis on stability and squad cohesion over the years. 'It's a very difficult process, particularly given the philosophy that we've tried to carry through from year one and that's to try to have some sort of continuity and consistency with our squad. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo To build that familiarity around the environment that we're building,' he explained. 'Unfortunately, you have to make some difficult decisions.' Tom Moody with Desert Vipers captain Lockie Ferguson in ILT20. (Creimas) Ferguson will continue as captain despite missing a few games last season due to rotation and fitness. Moody emphasised that his off-field value and leadership made him the ideal candidate. 'We think the leadership role is more than someone that is available 100% of the time. There's no guarantee the captain or any player for that matter is going to be available for 100% of the time. What Lockie could offer from a leadership perspective outweighed the fact that he might miss a game or two.' Backing Ferguson is Curran, who stepped in as captain during Lockie's absence and has impressed the management with his on-field maturity. 'Sam has got a lot of great leadership qualities and we enjoyed him taking over the reins for those few games,' Moody said. Auction focus: Pakistan players, local talent in sight Lockie Ferguson has been retained by the Desert Vipers for the fourth season of ILT2. (Creimas) The upcoming ILT20 auction will be the first of its kind for the league, and Moody's experience with player auctions in the IPL and other global leagues will be invaluable. He laid out a clear strategy - fill remaining gaps and build on existing relationships. 'We'll be looking in the auction for obvious talent that fits the voids that we have in our squad.' The Vipers have previously featured a number of Pakistan players, and Moody confirmed they remain part of the franchise's recruitment radar. 'We've had a number of Pakistan players involved with us and we've enjoyed a good relationship with them both on and off the field. They'll be a playing group that we'll be looking at closely.' The team is also closely monitoring UAE players. 'We could only retain one UAE player, and we believe Bin Tanveer is a really exciting talent. We'll be certainly looking closely at ones we've had an ongoing relationship with.' Moody warned that the auction could present unexpected challenges, but said the key lies in staying flexible and avoiding emotional decisions. 'Auction can be volatile. Players attract more attention than expected, and prices go up. It's important that you remain focused on your plan and not get caught too much in the emotion... and be well prepared with other options.' As for the Vipers' repeated heartbreaks in finals, Moody prefers to see the glass half full. Desert Vipers have retained Sam Curran for the next season of ILT20. (Creimas) 'Not taking that final step is frustrating. I'd be reluctant to think that we need to do too many things differently because I think once you as a franchise, both on and off the field, get a lot of the things right to put yourself in that consistent position of playing finals, I think it's a matter of time that you jump that final hurdle,' Moody said. 'We only have to look at the last final. It's the smallest of margins that can turn a final one way or the other... not getting too caught up in those setbacks and disappointments is important. If anything, we should celebrate that we're consistently putting ourselves in a position to win trophies.' With a solid core, measured planning, and a clear developmental pathway in place, the Desert Vipers are not just chasing silverware - they're shaping their identity as one of ILT20's most consistent teams. ILT20's impact and the Vipers' bigger picture Moody credited the ILT20 with raising the standard of cricket in the UAE, likening its role to what the IPL did for India in its early years. 'I've personally seen the development of young players with the exposure and experiences that they've had in the first three seasons. We've seen a lot of players really develop underneath our feet.' The ILT20 Development Tournament has become a key scouting ground for franchises, offering local talent a stage to perform under pressure. 'It enables us to do the necessary scouting with them performing right in front of us.' Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
