Dubai Capitals with ILT20 2025 trophy [Source: @ILT20Official/x]
The defending champions, Dubai Capitals, have reinforced their bowling unit ahead of the fourth season of the International League T20 (ILT20), scheduled to begin on December 2, 2025, and conclude with the final on January 6, 2026. Key additions include Afghanistan's Waqar Salamkheil, signed from MI Emirates, England's Luke Wood from Desert Vipers, and UAE’s Muhammad Jawadullah from Sharjah Warriorz.
It is important to mention that Dubai Capitals have retained core players such as Rovman Powell, Shai Hope, and Gulbadin Naib. The team also retained Dasun Shanaka and Dushmantha Chameera.
Power-Hitters Join Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
After finishing last in the six-team competition last season, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have launched a major overhaul by adding three dynamic batters Alex Hales, Sherfane Rutherford, and Liam Livingstone.
The Knight Riders will continue to rely on seasoned campaigners Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Phil Salt, and Charith Asalanka, who have all been retained. With an emphasis on firepower, the team hopes to bounce back strongly in the upcoming edition.
ILT20 To Avoid T20 World Cup Clash With Early December Start
The ILT20 has adjusted its schedule to steer clear of the crowded January-February window and to conclude before the men's T20 World Cup, which runs from February to March 2026. All six franchises have released their preliminary squad lists.
MI Emirates welcomed Chris Woakes and Kamindu Mendis, while Desert Vipers brought in USA wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous. Gulf Giants picked up Moeen Ali, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Azmatullah Omarzai, while Sharjah Warriorz added Tim David, Sikandar Raza, Maheesh Theekshana, and Saurabh Netravalkar.
Retained players For Each Team
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
- Alishan Sharafu
- Andre Russell
- Charith Asalanka,
- Phil Salt
- Sunil Narine
Desert Vipers
- Dan Lawrence
- David Payne,
- Khuzaima Bin Tanveer
- Lockie Ferguson
- Max Holden
- Sam Curran
- Wanindu Hasaranga.
Dubai Capitals
- Dasun Shanaka
- Dushmantha Chameera
- Gulbadin Naib
- Rovmann Powell
- Shai Hope
Gulf Giants
- Aayan Afzal Khan
- Blessing Muzarabani
- Gerhard Erasmus
- James Vince
- Mark Adair
MI Emirates
- AM Ghazanfar
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Kusal Perera
- Romario Shepherd
- Tom Banton
- Muhammad Waseem.
Sharjah Warriorz
- Johnson Charles
- Kusal Mendis
- Tim Southee
- Tom Kohler-Cadmore.
New signings
Team | Players Name |
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | Alex Hales, Liam Livingstone and Sherfane Rutherford |
Desert Vipers | Andries Gous |
Dubai Capitals | Luke Wood, Waqar Salamkheil and Muhammad Jawadullah |
Gulf Giants | Azmatullah Omarzai, Moeen Ali, Rahmanullah Gurbaz |
MI Emirates | Chris Woakes and Kamindu Mendis |
Sharjah Warriorz | Maheesh Theekshana, Sikandar Raza, Saurabh Netravalkar and Tim David |