DP World ILT20 Season 5
ILT20 2026
Live scores, fixtures, squads and stats from the UAE’s T20 league.
21 November to 20 December in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
ILT20 2026 is the fifth season of the DP World International League T20, the UAE’s franchise T20 league. It starts on Saturday 21 November with Desert Vipers against MI Emirates in Dubai and ends with the final on 20 December. Six teams play 34 matches across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. On ILT20Live you can follow the ILT20 live score today, check the full ILT20 2026 schedule with times for the UAE, India and Pakistan, and track the race for the top four on the ILT20 points table 2026. For the day’s fixture, visit our today’s match hub, and find where to watch with our ILT20 live streaming guide.
Planning to attend? Our ILT20 tickets 2026 guide covers the sale date, prices and official sellers. Tomorrow’s fixture lives on the ILT20 tomorrow match page.
Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates
ILT20 Today Match and Tomorrow Match
There is no ILT20 match today (26 October 2026). Season 5 of the DP World ILT20 has not started yet. The next ILT20 match is the season opener: Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates on Saturday 21 November 2026 at Dubai International Stadium, starting at 6:30 PM UAE time (7:30 PM PKT, 8:00 PM IST). For the fixture on the day, visit our ILT20 today match page, and for the next day’s fixture, see the ILT20 tomorrow match page. From 21 November, live scores will appear on the today match page during every match.
Please note: Season 4 ended on 4 January 2026, when Desert Vipers beat MI Emirates in the final. Season 5 runs from 21 November to 20 December 2026. Fixtures and scores labelled “ILT20 Development” belong to a separate development tournament, not to Season 5.
ILT20 2026 Matches: Opening Weekend Fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue | UAE / Pakistan / India time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday 21 November 2026 | Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates | Dubai International Stadium | 6:30 PM GST / 7:30 PM PKT / 8:00 PM IST |
| Sunday 22 November 2026 | Sharjah Warriorz vs Gulf Giants | Sharjah Cricket Stadium | 2:00 PM GST / 3:00 PM PKT / 3:30 PM IST |
| Sunday 22 November 2026 | Dubai Capitals vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | Dubai International Stadium | 6:30 PM GST / 7:30 PM PKT / 8:00 PM IST |
Afternoon matches start at 2:00 PM GST, which is 3:00 PM PKT and 3:30 PM IST. Night matches start at 6:30 PM GST, which is 7:30 PM PKT and 8:00 PM IST. See the full ILT20 2026 schedule for all 34 matches.
Playoff schedule: Qualifier 1 on 16 December in Abu Dhabi, Eliminator on 17 December in Dubai, Qualifier 2 on 18 December in Sharjah, and the final on 20 December in Dubai.
DP World ILT20 Points Table 2026
The DP World ILT20 (DPW ILT20) points table for Season 5 has no results yet, because the tournament starts on 21 November 2026. All six teams start on zero points. The standings from January 2026 belong to Season 4, not Season 5. The top four teams at the end of the league stage qualify for the playoffs, and a win is worth two points. Follow the race on our ILT20 points table page.
ILT20 2026 Squads After the Auction
Every franchise reshaped its squad at the ILT20 auction 2026 on 1 October. MI Emirates broke the record with $380,000 for Fazalhaq Farooqi, Gulf Giants spent big on Liam Livingstone and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and the champions added Babar Azam. Tap any squad to see the full team, prices and fixtures.
Latest ILT20 News
- ILT20 2026 Squads Ranked: The Strongest Team After the Season 5 Auction
- Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates Head to Head: Vipers Lead 6-4 Before the Season 5 Opener
- Is Babar Azam the Desert Vipers Captain for ILT20 2026?
- How to Buy ILT20 2026 Tickets from Pakistan and India
- ILT20 2026 Auction Bargains: The Best Value Buys After the $380k Record
- ILT20 2026 Prize Money: How Much the Champions Take Home
- Mark Boucher Appointed MI Emirates Head Coach for ILT20 Season 5
- Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar Named ILT20 Season 5 Ambassadors
ILT20 2026 at a Glance
| Detail | Season 5 information |
|---|---|
| Season | 5th edition of the DP World ILT20 |
| Dates | 21 November to 20 December 2026 |
| Opening match | Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates, Dubai, 6:30pm UAE |
| Total matches | 34 (30 league games and 4 playoffs) |
| Teams | 6 franchises, 10 league games each |
| Venues | Dubai International Stadium, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Sharjah Cricket Stadium |
| Playoffs | Top 4 qualify, Qualifier 1 on 16 December |
| Final | Sunday 20 December, Dubai |
| Defending champions | Desert Vipers |
| Most expensive player | Fazalhaq Farooqi, $380,000 |
Most Expensive Player at Each Franchise
These are the biggest buys each team made at the Season 5 auction. Four of the six top prices went to bowlers or all rounders, which shows how much the franchises value wicket takers on UAE pitches.
| Team | Player | Country | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| MI Emirates | Fazalhaq Farooqi | Afghanistan | $380,000 |
| Gulf Giants | Liam Livingstone | England | $350,000 |
| Dubai Capitals | Faf du Plessis | South Africa | $300,000 |
| Sharjah Warriorz | Richard Gleeson | England | $180,000 |
| Desert Vipers | David Payne | England | $150,000 |
| Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | Alishan Sharafu | UAE | $110,000 (RTM) |
What Makes Season 5 Different
This is the first season after a full auction reshuffle, and plenty of big names have changed shirts. Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt left the Knight Riders, James Vince moved from Gulf Giants to Sharjah Warriorz, and Tom Banton swapped MI Emirates for Sharjah. Three teams also start with new head coaches, with Mark Boucher at MI Emirates, Simon Helmot at Gulf Giants and Adrian Birrell at Sharjah.
It is also a season that could make history. Four different teams have won the first four titles, so a win for Gulf Giants, MI Emirates, Dubai Capitals or Desert Vipers would make them the first two time champions.
Which Team Looks Strongest for ILT20 2026
On paper, MI Emirates look the most complete side. They have reached the playoffs every season and now pair Farooqi, the leading wicket taker in league history, with Rashid Khan, Nicholas Pooran and Romario Shepherd. The worry is that they spent their whole purse and have nothing left for injuries.
Desert Vipers are the closest challengers. The champions added Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan and still have the most money left. Dubai Capitals, who have also never missed the playoffs, look dangerous with Faf du Plessis and Salt at the top. Gulf Giants may have the strongest batting of all with Gurbaz, Livingstone, Klaasen and Miller, but their bench is thin. This is our view before a ball is bowled, and the ILT20 standings will soon show how close it is. For the full team-by-team breakdown, see our ILT20 2026 squads ranked.
What the Cricket World Is Watching
Babar Azam at the Champions
Desert Vipers bought Babar Azam for his base price of $80,000, and many saw it as the bargain of the auction. The former Pakistan captain joins Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan, giving the champions the strongest Pakistan group in the league. Fans across Pakistan will be following every Vipers game, and Babar’s ability to bat through an innings could be what turns a good side into back to back winners.
Can Farooqi Justify the Record Price
MI Emirates paid $380,000 for Fazalhaq Farooqi, the highest fee in ILT20 history. The numbers suggest it is money well spent. The Afghan left armer is the league’s leading wicket taker, the first bowler to reach 50 ILT20 wickets, and he took 21 in 2025, more than anyone else that season. With the new ball in Abu Dhabi he could decide several games on his own.
Heinrich Klaasen’s First ILT20 Season
Klaasen signed for Gulf Giants before the auction and will play in the ILT20 for the first time. He is one of the cleanest strikers of spin in the world, and he joins David Miller, Liam Livingstone and Rahmanullah Gurbaz in a batting order that could post huge totals in Dubai. How he handles the slower surfaces in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi will be worth watching.
The Race to Become the First Repeat Champion
Four seasons have produced four different winners, and that makes Season 5 a chance for history. Desert Vipers want to defend their title, while MI Emirates, Dubai Capitals and Gulf Giants are each chasing a second trophy. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Sharjah Warriorz, meanwhile, are still looking for their first final.
The Rise of UAE Players
Local cricketers are no longer squad fillers. MI Emirates kept UAE captain Muhammad Waseem for $210,000 after he was named Best UAE Player last season, and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders matched a bid of $110,000 to keep Alishan Sharafu. Muhammad Rohid and Aayan Khan also went for $95,000 each. Every team must pick UAE players, so the best of them can swing a whole season.
ILT20 Winners List
Four seasons have produced four different champions, so nobody has won the ILT20 twice yet. Season 5 will either crown a repeat winner for the first time or add a fifth name to the list.
2025-26Desert VipersBeat MI Emirates by 46 runs
2025Dubai CapitalsBeat Desert Vipers by 4 wickets
2024MI EmiratesBeat Dubai Capitals by 45 runs
2023Gulf GiantsBeat Desert Vipers by 7 wicketsAbu Dhabi Knight Riders and Sharjah Warriorz are still chasing a first final. You can compare all six ILT20 teams side by side, or see who is leading the ILT20 run and wicket charts.
What Is the ILT20?
The International League T20, known as the ILT20 and sponsored by DP World, is a franchise league run under the Emirates Cricket Board. It started in January 2023 and brings star players from around the world together with home grown UAE cricketers, because every squad must include UAE players. Half of the teams share owners with famous IPL franchises, which is why names like MI Emirates and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders sound familiar.
Matches are played at three grounds, Dubai International Stadium, Zayed Cricket Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Night games start at 6:30pm UAE time and afternoon games at 2pm, which makes the league easy to follow live from India and Pakistan.
ILT20 Tickets 2026: Prices and How to Buy
Tickets for Season 5 are on sale now.
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult, league and playoff matches | AED 20 |
| Adult, final | AED 30 |
| Children aged 5 to 16 | AED 10 |
| Children under 5 | Free |
| Sixes Lounge Family Pass, league matches | AED 500 |
| Sixes Lounge Family Pass, final | AED 650 |
| Hospitality packages | From AED 125 |
Official sellers are tickets.ilt20.ae and Platinumlist, and box offices in Dubai and Sharjah open from 14 November. See our ILT20 tickets guide for the full price list and booking steps.
Where to Watch ILT20 Live Streaming
| Country / Region | Season 5 status |
|---|---|
| India | ZEE TV and Zee5 (confirmed) |
| Pakistan | Not yet confirmed for Season 5 |
| UAE and Gulf | Not yet confirmed for Season 5 |
| UK and USA | Not yet confirmed for Season 5 |
See our ILT20 live streaming guide for the latest confirmed channels before the opener.
ILT20 Auction 2026
The Season 5 auction took place on 1 October 2026 in Dubai and reshaped every squad. MI Emirates broke the record with $380,000 for Fazalhaq Farooqi. This was the first season after a full auction reshuffle, so plenty of big names changed shirts. See our ILT20 auction page for the full results and every team’s buys.
ILT20 Season 4 Belts and Records
| Belt | Player | Season 4 figure |
|---|---|---|
| Green Belt, most runs | Sam Curran | 397 runs |
| White Belt, most wickets | Waqar Salamkheil | 18 wickets |
| Red Belt, most valuable player | Sam Curran | MVP |
| Blue Belt, top UAE player | Muhammad Waseem | 370 runs |
These are Season 4 records; Season 5 belts will be decided in November and December 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ILT20?
The ILT20, or International League T20, is the UAE’s professional franchise T20 league. Six teams compete each season, and DP World is the title sponsor.
When does ILT20 2026 start?
Season 5 starts on Saturday 21 November 2026 with Desert Vipers against MI Emirates at Dubai International Stadium.
Who won the last ILT20?
Desert Vipers won the 2025 to 2026 title, beating MI Emirates by 46 runs in the final in Dubai.
How many matches are in ILT20 2026?
There are 34 matches. Each team plays 10 league games, followed by Qualifier 1, the Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and the final.
Where will the ILT20 2026 final be played?
The final is on Sunday 20 December 2026 at Dubai International Stadium.
What time do ILT20 matches start?
Night matches start at 6:30pm UAE time, which is 8pm in India and 7:30pm in Pakistan. Afternoon matches start at 2pm UAE time.
Is there an ILT20 match today?
No. There is no ILT20 match today (26 October 2026) because Season 5 starts on 21 November 2026. The next match is Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates on 21 November in Dubai. See our today match page for the daily fixture once the season starts.
What is tomorrow’s ILT20 match?
There is no ILT20 match tomorrow (27 October 2026). The next fixture is the season opener on 21 November 2026. See our tomorrow match page for the next day’s fixture during the season.
How much are ILT20 tickets?
Adult tickets cost AED 20 for league and playoff matches and AED 30 for the final. Children aged 5 to 16 pay AED 10, and under-5s enter free.
Where can I watch ILT20 live?
In India, matches are on ZEE TV and Zee5. Broadcasters for Pakistan, the UAE and Gulf, the UK and the USA are not yet confirmed for Season 5. See our live streaming guide for updates.
What is the ILT20 points table?
The Season 5 points table has no results yet and all six teams start on zero. The top four teams qualify for the playoffs. See our points table page.
Who owns the ILT20?
The league is run under the Emirates Cricket Board.
Explore ILT20 2026
ILT20 Today Match | ILT20 Tomorrow Match | Full Schedule | Points Table | Tickets | Live Streaming | Teams | Squads Ranked | Auction | Venues | Latest News
Last updated: 26 October 2026