DP World International League T20 • Season 5
ILT20 Teams 2026: All 6 Season 5 Franchises
Six franchises will compete in DP World ILT20 Season 5. Explore every ILT20 team for 2026, including each franchise’s ownership, UAE representation, championship record and team information.
Season 5 Franchises
Which Teams Are Playing in ILT20 2026?
The DP World International League T20 continues with the same six-franchise structure for Season 5: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz.
The franchises represent Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah as well as wider international cricket ownership groups. This page focuses on the teams themselves. For full Season 5 player lists, use the dedicated ILT20 squads page.
At a Glance
ILT20 Teams 2026
| TEAM | SHORT NAME | OWNER | ILT20 TITLES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | ADKR | Knight Riders Group | 0 |
| Desert Vipers | DV | Lancer Capital | 1 |
| Dubai Capitals | DC | GMR Group | 1 |
| Gulf Giants | GG | Adani Sportsline | 1 |
| MI Emirates | MIE | Reliance Industries | 1 |
| Sharjah Warriorz | SW | Capri Global | 0 |
ADKR • Purple & Gold
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders represent Abu Dhabi and form part of the wider Knight Riders cricket franchise network. The franchise is owned by the Knight Riders Group and is still pursuing its first ILT20 championship.
DV • Red & Black
Desert Vipers
Desert Vipers are owned by Lancer Capital and enter Season 5 as the defending ILT20 champions. Their Season 4 victory was the franchise’s first title after previously reaching the inaugural final.
DC • Navy & Red
Dubai Capitals
Dubai Capitals represent Dubai and are owned by GMR Group. The franchise won its first ILT20 championship in Season 3 after defeating Desert Vipers in the 2025 final.
GG • Orange & Gold
Gulf Giants
Gulf Giants are owned by Adani Sportsline. The franchise became the first champions in ILT20 history by winning the inaugural competition in 2023.
MIE • Blue & Gold
MI Emirates
MI Emirates are part of the Mumbai Indians franchise network and are owned by Reliance Industries. They became ILT20 champions in Season 2 and returned to the final in Season 4.
SW • Purple & Crimson
Sharjah Warriorz
Sharjah Warriorz represent Sharjah and are owned by Capri Global. The franchise is still searching for its first ILT20 championship as it enters the fifth season of the competition.
Championship Record
Four Champions in Four ILT20 Seasons
The first four editions of the International League T20 produced four different champions. Gulf Giants won the inaugural title, followed by MI Emirates, Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers.
That leaves Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Sharjah Warriorz as the two original franchises still searching for their first ILT20 championship heading into Season 5.
Looking for the 2026 player lists?
Player names, post-auction squad lists and team-by-team roster information are kept on the dedicated ILT20 Squads 2026 page to keep the two topics separate.
FAQs
ILT20 Teams 2026 FAQs
How many teams are in ILT20 2026?
There are six teams in DP World ILT20 Season 5.
Which teams are playing in ILT20 Season 5?
The six franchises are Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz.
Who are the defending ILT20 champions?
Desert Vipers enter Season 5 as the defending champions after winning their first ILT20 title in Season 4.
Which ILT20 teams have won the tournament?
Gulf Giants, MI Emirates, Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers have each won one ILT20 championship.
Which teams have not won the ILT20?
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Sharjah Warriorz have not yet won the ILT20 championship.
Where can I see the ILT20 2026 squads?
The complete current player lists for all six franchises are available on the dedicated ILT20 Squads 2026 page.
Last updated:
1 October 2026
ILT20 Season 5 is scheduled from 21 November to 20 December 2026.
ILT20event.com is an independent informational website and is not the official website of DP World ILT20 or any participating franchise.