Emirates Cricket Board announced that the first edition of the UAE ILT20 would take place between January 6, 2023, and February 12, 2023. This brand new T20 competition would be known as the International League T20, abbreviated as ILT20.
Six teams would be competing for the ILT20 trophy across 34 matches that will be held in the world-class stadiums of the UAE. The competition will also serve as an important platform for Emirates Cricket to improve its local talent.
The board believes that the participation of world-class talents in the tournament will hugely benefit the local players. By playing alongside them, the young players of the league will get a lot of confidence and obtain important knowledge of the sport.
Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan said, “Emirates Cricket Board is delighted to welcome Reliance Industries, Kolkata Knight Riders, Capri Global, GMR, Lancer Capital, Adani Sportsline, broadcaster ZEE and all other stakeholders to the newly established T20 League of UAE.
“Such illustrious, experienced names and entities as partners bodes well for the UAE T20 League. Through the commitment of these partners, they have demonstrated confidence in the Emirates Cricket Board as we take the game into the future.
“As we begin this long journey, I am confident that together we will achieve new heights and, in the process provide entertainment and excitement to the millions of fans around the globe who are waiting for the first ball of the UAE T20 League to be bowled.
“On behalf of ECB let me assure everyone that whilst being entertained on field with cricket, you will also be entertained by our traditional UAE hospitality off the field.”
Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman, ILT20 said, “Emirates Cricket, and the UAE, has a proven history of identifying and embracing initiatives that underpin the success of the game. It is vitally important, that through this tournament UAE-based players continue to flourish which is one of the objectives of this League.
“The ILT20 wishes to thank His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Chairman of ECB for his unstinting support to UAE cricket which, under his guidance, has been growing from strength to strength. We look forward to introducing to the world a T20 event that will provide unmatched competition and entertainment to the ardent followers of this game.”