Get ready for the most exciting cricket event, ILT20 Teams 2025-2026. Imagine a place where top cricket players worldwide come together in the United Arab Emirates to show off their amazing skills. It’s like a big competition where they use their talent and strategies to win.
Get ready to see awesome hits, great bowling, and amazing fielding by ILT20 teams 2025-2026 takes over cricket and makes the UAE sky shine with the love of the game. The International League T20 2025-2026 teams consist of a diverse and talented array of cricket players from various countries worldwide.
Keep reading this post for the latest updates about ILT20 teams 2025-2026 and their players.
Abu Dhabi International League T20 2025
ILT20 is the most popular league in the world. In Abu Dhabi International League T20 2025, different teams will participate. Each team comprises different players coming from different countries. ILT20 is a big chance for them to show their performance.
The 6 teams are Knight Riders, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates, Dubai Capitals, Desert Viper, and Sharjah Worries. The DP World ILT20 will be held in UAE, and the different franchises will control the team’s responsibilities.
The different coaching staff come from different countries to set the all-around system of T20 in the UAE. Different countries are involved in the tournament, including Nepal, the United States, the Netherlands, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, South Africa, England, and West Indies.
Pakistan is also registered as a participant in this league because Ramze Raja allowed Pakistani players to participate in the T20 league.
Detailed of ILT20 Teams 2025
1. MI Emirates
MI Emirates is a professional cricket franchise based in Abu Dhabi that competes in the UAE’s International League T20 (ILT20). Owned by Indiawin Sports, the same group behind Mumbai Indians, the team plays its home matches at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.
Captained by Nicholas Pooran and coached by Robin Singh, MI Emirates features a mix of international and local stars such as Kusal Perera, Muhammad Waseem, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Romario Shepherd, Chris Woakes, and Tom Banton. They clinched the ILT20 title in 2024, making them one of the strongest sides in the competition, and entered the 2025 season as defending champions
MI Emirates Team Captain
The captain of MI Emirates is Nicholas Pooran
MI Emirates Team Squad
- Kieron Pollard (Captain)
- Akeal Hosein
- Ambati Rayudu
- Andre Fletcher
- Corey Anderson
- Daniel Mousley
- Dwayne Bravo
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Jordan Thompson
- Kusal Perera
- Mckenny Clarke
- Muhammad Waseem
- Nicholas Pooran
- Nosthush Kenjige
- Odean Smith
- Trent Boult
- Vijayakanth Viyaskanth
- Waqar Salamkheil
- Will Smeed
- Zahoor Khan
MI Emirates Team Matches Schedule 2025-2026
| Match No | Date & Day | Time | Venue | Opponent Team |
| 03 | 4th Dec Thursday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Gulf Giants |
| 06 | 7th Dec Sunday | 2:00 PM | Sharjah | Sharjah Warriors |
| 09 | 9th Dec Tuesday | 6:30 PM | Abu Dhabi | Desert Vipers |
| 11 | 11th Dec Thursday | 6:30 PM | Abu Dhabi | ADKR (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) |
| 14 | 14th Dec Sunday | 2:00 PM | Abu Dhabi | Sharjah Warriors |
| 18 | 17th Dec Wednesday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Dubai Capitals |
| 21 | 20th Dec Saturday | 2:00 PM | Abu Dhabi | ADKR (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) |
| 24 | 21st Dec Sunday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Desert Vipers |
| 26 | 23rd Dec Tuesday | 6:30 PM | Abu Dhabi | Gulf Giants |
| 29 | 27th Dec Saturday | 6:30 PM | Abu Dhabi | Dubai Capitals |
2. Dubai Capitals
Dubai Capitals is a Twenty20 franchise based in Dubai, UAE, competing in the International League T20 (ILT20) since its inception in 2023. The team is owned by the GMR Group and plays its home matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Under coach Hemang Badani and captained by David Warner, the Capitals have quickly become a fierce side after finishing as runners-up in the 2024 ILT20 they captured their maiden championship in 2025. With a strong squad blending international stars and local talent, Dubai Capitals are now one of the top contenders in the league. And now they will play 2025-2026 ILT 20 league matches.
Dubai Capitals Team Captain
The captain of Dubai Capitals is Sam Billings.
Dubai Capitals Team Squad 2025-2026
Dubai Capitals has a good team mix of batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders. They have a strong team to win the trophy.
- David Warner (Captain)
- Andrew Tye
- Dasun Shanaka
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Joe Root
- Mark Wood
- Max Holden
- Muhammad Mohsin
- Nawan Thushara
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz
- Raja Akif
- Rovman Powell
- Roelof Van Der Merwe
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Sam Billings
- Sikandar Raza
Dubai Capitals Team Matches 2025-2026
| Match No | Date & Day | Time | Venue | Opponent Team |
| 01 | 2nd Dec Tuesday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Desert Vipers |
| 05 | 6th Dec Saturday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Gulf Giants |
| 07 | 7th Dec Sunday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | ADKR (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) |
| 13 | 13th Dec Saturday | 6:30 PM | Abu Dhabi | ADKR (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) |
| 15 | 14th Dec Sunday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Desert Vipers |
| 18 | 17th Dec Wednesday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | MI Emirates |
| 20 | 19th Dec Friday | 6:30 PM | Sharjah | Sharjah Warriors |
| 23 | 21st Dec Sunday | 2:00 PM | Sharjah | Gulf Giants |
| 27 | 24th Dec Wednesday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Sharjah Warriors |
3. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) are a professional T20 franchise cricket club competing in the UAE’s International League T20 (ILT20), owned by the Knight Riders Group. Based in Abu Dhabi, their home ground is the prestigious Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.
The team is captained by Sunil Narine and coached by Dwayne Bravo. Since their inception in 2023, ADKR have built a squad blending big-name international stars (such as Andre Russell, Kyle Mayers, Phil Salt) with emerging talents. While they’ve had some strong performances, ADKR are still chasing consistency so far they have finished last or mid-table in various seasons.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Team Captain
The captain of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for the 2025-26 ILT20 matches is Sunil Narine.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Team Squad
The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders squad boasts a competitive lineup because they have well-balanced combination of batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders. Their roster has the talent and versatility needed to mount a strong defense of their title in the ILT20 League 2025-2026.
The squad of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders team is given below:
- Sunil Narine (Captain)
- Ali Khan
- Andre Russell
- Brandon McMullen
- Charith Asalanka
- David Willey
- Jake Lintott
- Joe Clark
- Josh Little
- Laurine Evans
- Marchant De Lange
- Matiullah Khan
- Michael Pepper
- Ravi Bopara
- Sabir Ali
- Sam Hussain
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Team Matches 2025-2026
| Match No | Date & Day | Time | Venue | Opponent Team |
| 02 | 3rd Dec Wednesday | 6:30 PM | Sharjah | Sharjah Warriors |
| 04 | 5th Dec Friday | 6:30 PM | Sharjah | Desert Vipers |
| 07 | 7th Dec Sunday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Dubai Capitals |
| 11 | 11th Dec Thursday | 6:30 PM | Abu Dhabi | MI Emirates |
| 13 | 13th Dec Saturday | 6:30 PM | Abu Dhabi | Dubai Capitals |
| 17 | 16th Dec Tuesday | 6:30 PM | Abu Dhabi | Desert Vipers |
| 19 | 18th Dec Thursday | 6:30 PM | Abu Dhabi | Gulf Giants |
| 21 | 20th Dec Saturday | 2:00 PM | Abu Dhabi | MI Emirates |
| 25 | 22nd Dec Monday | 6:30 PM | Abu Dhabi | Sharjah Warriors |
| 30 | 28th Dec Sunday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Gulf Giants |
4. Gulf Giants
Gulf Giants are a Dubai-based professional T20 franchise in the UAE’s International League T20 (ILT20), owned by Adani Sportsline (part of the Adani Group) and launched in 2022. Their home ground is Dubai International Stadium, which seats around 25,000 spectators. James Vince leads the side as captain, while the coaching setup has included Andy Flower and more recently Jonathan Trott.
The team had a dream inaugural season in 2023, winning the ILT20 title by defeating the Desert Vipers in the final. They maintained strong performances in following seasons: in 2024 they finished second in the league stage and made the playoffs.
Their squad blends international stars with emerging talent, and the franchise emphasizes a strong identity tied to UAE heritage (symbolized by things like the golden falcon in their logo). Now they will play 2025-2026 matches.
Gulf Giants Team Captain
The captain of Gulf Giants for the 2025-2026 ILT20 season is James Vince.
Gulf Giants Team Squad
The 1st edition of this league was played in 2023 and Gulf Giants is the winner of 1st title. They have announced the team for the 3rd season of ILT20 2025 and have a good combination of batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders. They picked the best players from all over the world to defend the title.
Adani SportsLine is the owner of Gulf Giants, Andy Flower is the head coach and James Vince is the captain of the team. They all played a role for winning the 1st title.
Gulf Giants squad 2025-2026 for ILT20 is given below:
- James Vince (C)
- Aayan Afzal Khan
- Carlos Brathwaite
- Chris Jordan
- Chris Lynn
- Dominic Drakes
- Gerhard Erasmus
- Jamie Overton
- Jamie Smith
- Jordan Cox
- Karim Janat
- Mohammad Zohaib Zubair
- Mujeeb-ur-Rahman
- Rehan Ahmad
- Richard Gleeson
- Sanchit Sharma
- Saurabh Netravalkar
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Usman Khan
James Vince, Chris Lynn, and other batsmen are in the Gulf Giants squad 2025. They are top performers and hard hitters in the team. In the bowling attack, they have the best bowlers like Chris Jordan, Shimron Heymyer, and Mujeed-ur-Rahman. They have a competitive and balanced team.
Gulf Giants Team 2025-2026 Matches
| Match No | Date & Day | Time | Venue | Opponent Team |
| 03 | 4th Dec Thursday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | MI Emirates |
| 05 | 6th Dec Saturday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Dubai Capitals |
| 08 | 8th Dec Monday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Desert Vipers |
| 10 | 10th Dec Wednesday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Sharjah Warriors |
| 12 | 12th Dec Friday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Desert Vipers |
| 16 | 15th Dec Monday | 6:30 PM | Sharjah | Sharjah Warriors |
| 19 | 18th Dec Thursday | 6:30 PM | Abu Dhabi | ADKR (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) |
| 23 | 21st Dec Sunday | 2:00 PM | Sharjah | Dubai Capitals |
| 26 | 23rd Dec Tuesday | 6:30 PM | Abu Dhabi | MI Emirates |
| 30 | 28th Dec Sunday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | ADKR (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) |
5. Desert Vipers
The Desert Vipers are one of the six founding teams of the International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE, established in 2022 and competing since the inaugural season in 2023. They are owned by Lancer Capital and play their home matches at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Coached by James Foster, the team is led by Lockie Ferguson as captain. Their squad mixes experienced international names like Alex Hales, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammad Amir, and Sam Curran with emerging talent. Although they haven’t yet clinched the ILT20 title, the Vipers have been runners-up multiple times, coming very close in seasons past.
Desert Vipers Team Captain
The captain of Desert Vipers for the 2025-26 ILT20 season is Lockie Ferguson.
Desert Vipers Team Squad
The Desert Vipers team was the runner-up in the 1st edition of the International League T20 in 2023. The final was played between the Desert Vipers and the Gulf Giants. Now, they are ready to win the title and have a strong team with the best combination of players.
Lancer Capital owns this franchise, and Colin Munro will lead the team. James Foster is the head coach of the franchise. They all are very excited to play and win the trophy.
The Desert Vipers squad 2025 -2026 for ILT20 is given below
- Colin Munro (Captain)
- Alex Hales
- Adam Hose
- Ali Naseer
- Aryan Lakra
- Azam Khan
- Bas De Leede
- Dinesh Chandinal
- Gus Atkinson
- Karthik Meiyappan
- Luke Wood
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Michael Jones
- Rohan Mustafa
- Shadab Khan
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Sheldon Cottrell
- Sherfane Rutherford
- Tom Curran
- Wanindu Hasaranga
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sheldon Cottrell, and Tom Curran are the best bowlers in the squad. Colin Munro and Alex Hales are the top performers of the 1st season, and Shadab Khan Wanindu Hasaranga are the best spinners in the world. The team consists of top performers from all corners of the world.
Desert Vipers Team Matches 2025-2026
| Match No | Date & Day | Time | Venue | Opponent Team |
| 01 | 2nd Dec Tuesday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Dubai Capitals |
| 04 | 5th Dec Friday | 6:30 PM | Sharjah | ADKR (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) |
| 08 | 8th Dec Monday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Gulf Giants |
| 09 | 9th Dec Tuesday | 6:30 PM | Abu Dhabi | MI Emirates |
| 12 | 12th Dec Friday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Gulf Giants |
| 15 | 14th Dec Sunday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Dubai Capitals |
| 17 | 16th Dec Tuesday | 6:30 PM | Abu Dhabi | ADKR (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) |
| 22 | 20th Dec Saturday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Sharjah Warriors |
| 24 | 21st Dec Sunday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | MI Emirates |
| 28 | 26th Dec Friday | 6:30 PM | Sharjah | Sharjah Warriors |
6. Sharjah Warrior
Sharjah Warriorz are a UAE-based Twenty20 franchise in the International League T20, playing home games at Sharjah Cricket Stadium under the ownership of Capri Global. Coached by JP Duminy and captained by Tim Southee, Warriorz feature a balanced squad of international stars and local talent, seeking their breakthrough in the competitive ILT20 league.
Sharjah Warriorz Team Captain
The captain of Sharjah Warriorz for the 2025-2026 ILT20 season is Tim Southee.
Sharjah Warriorz Team Squad
- Tom Kohler-Cadmore (Captain)
- Martin Guptill
- Basil Hameed
- Chris Sole
- Chris Woakes
- Daniel Sams
- Dilshan Madushanka
- James Fuller
- Joe Denly
- Johnson Charles
- Junaid Siddique
- Kusal Mendis
- Lewis Gregory
- Mahesh Theekshana
- Mark Deyal
- Mark Watt
- Muhamad Jawadullah
- Nilansh Keswani
- Qais Ahmad
- Sean Williams
Sharjah Warriorz Team Matches 2025-2026
| Match No | Date & Day | Time | Venue | Opponent Team |
| 02 | 3rd Dec Wednesday | 6:30 PM | Sharjah | ADKR (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) |
| 06 | 7th Dec Sunday | 2:00 PM | Sharjah | MI Emirates |
| 10 | 10th Dec Wednesday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Gulf Giants |
| 14 | 14th Dec Sunday | 2:00 PM | Abu Dhabi | MI Emirates |
| 16 | 15th Dec Monday | 6:30 PM | Sharjah | Gulf Giants |
| 20 | 19th Dec Friday | 6:30 PM | Sharjah | Dubai Capitals |
| 22 | 20th Dec Saturday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Desert Vipers |
| 25 | 22nd Dec Monday | 6:30 PM | Abu Dhabi | ADKR (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) |
| 27 | 24th Dec Wednesday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Dubai Capitals |
| 28 | 26th Dec Friday | 6:30 PM | Sharjah | Desert Vipers |
Final Matches Schedule 2025-2026
| Match No | Date & Day | Time | Venue | Stage | Teams Playing |
| 31 | 30th Dec Tuesday | 6:30 PM | Abu Dhabi | Qualifier 1 | Seed 1 vs Seed 2 |
| 32 | 1st Jan Thursday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Eliminator | Seed 3 vs. Seed 4 |
| 33 | 2nd Jan Friday | 6:30 PM | Sharjah | Qualifier 2 | Loser of Q1 vs. Winner of Eliminator |
| 34 | 4th Jan Sunday | 6:30 PM | Dubai | Final | Winner of Q1 vs. Winner of Q2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
In short, as the anticipation for ILT20 2025-2026 team peaks, cricket fans worldwide are gearing up for an exhilarating display of talent, strategy, and sportsmanship. The blend of international players, coaching expertise, and the spectacular UAE backdrop sets the stage for an extraordinary cricket event.