ILT20 2025 to begin on January 11, set to clash with BBL and SA20
Pakistan for ODIs to prepare for the 2025 Champions Trophy, planned for mid-February—the ILT20 2025 third season clashes with the BBL and possibly the SA20 in 2025. According to the schedule for the ILT20, a six-team franchise league in the UAE, released on Friday, the event will run from January 11 to February 9, 2025.
While BBL and SA20 dates aren’t set, theilt 20 believes the former will end on January 26, and the latter will begin shortly after the New Year’s Test against Pakistan finishes in Cape Town on January 7. Another potential overlap could be South Africa’s trip to Pakistan for ODIs to prepare for the 2025 Champions Trophy, tentatively scheduled for mid-February, also in Pakistan.
ILT20 2025 Complexities
The ILT20’s complexities are further heightened by a potential overlap with the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), though the ILT20 remains a more financially attractive option for top players. These scheduling conflicts with other leagues have led to significant player turnover in the ILT20, with teams making short-term signings as players quickly move between competitions.
- Last season, the BBL experienced a major departure of overseas players for the finals when the ILT20 began on January 19.
- However, some foreign players were able to participate in most of the regular season before heading to the UAE.
- This won’t be possible next summer for those under contract with the ILT20.
Read more about ilt20 2025 Veneu
BBL clashes with foreign leagues
The BBL hoped to avoid clashes with foreign leagues by having Australia’s Test stars play after the India series ends on January 7. But a two-Test tour of Sri Lanka in late January might limit Test players to just three BBL games, if any, depending on who needs rest after five Tests against India in seven weeks.
ILT20 CEO David White admitted the January-February 2025 window was busy, with the Champions Trophy adding complexity. White said the ILT20 2025 would consider all options, including moving to October-November, subject to the ICC’s Future Tours Programme of bilateral matches.
Status of 2024 season
The ILT20, now with ICC’s List A status for the 2024 season, has opted to keep its January-February slot consistent with the past two years.
White stated in a Friday press release, “After weighing all factors, the January-February window for Season 3 has emerged as the most appropriate.”
Recently, the PCB announced a bold plan to shift PSL to April-May, aiming to avoid the busy December-February ICC’s List A status. White noted “boosted” attendance at the three UAE venues.
