Dubai is gearing up for the third edition of the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament, which kicks off on Sunday, August 24, at the ICC Academy Oval 1, Dubai.

The 18-match competition will see six sides. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Development, Desert Vipers Development, Dubai Capitals Development, Gulf Giants Development, MI Emirates Development, and Sharjah Warriorz Development will be battling it out in a round-robin league format.

Defending champions Gulf Giants Development will look to retain their crown, while the squads for all six franchises will be finalised through a Player Selection Draft on August 18 at Dubai International Stadium. Each team will consist of 15 UAE-based players.

Pathway to ILT20 Season 4

The tournament serves as a crucial platform for local cricketers to showcase their skills and earn a spot in the marquee DP World ILT20 Season 4, which gets underway on Tuesday, December 2 (UAE National Day) and runs until January 4, 2026.

With the UAE national team committed to the Sharjah Tri-Series (August 29 – September 7) and the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, several places are up for grabs, giving emerging players a golden chance to impress selectors.

Each ILT20 franchise is required to include a minimum of four UAE players in its squad for Season 4.

Tournament Director Andrew Russell said: “The DP World ILT20 Development Tournament is now a highlight on the Emirates Cricket Board calendar. It provides young players with the chance to shine and push for selection at the top level. Last year, we saw players like Farhan Ahmed and Saghir Khan graduate from this competition to make their mark in ILT20 Season 3. This edition is an even bigger opportunity, especially with the UAE’s national stars away on international duty.”

Player Auction and Registration

The ILT20 Player Auction for Season 4 will take place shortly after the Asia Cup, with franchises able to sign 13 players each, 78 in total. Registration for players is open until Wednesday, September 10.

Tournament Schedule

(All matches will take place at ICC Academy, Dubai)

• August 24 (5pm): Dubai Capitals Dev vs Desert Vipers Dev
• August 24 (9pm): MI Emirates Dev vs Gulf Giants Dev
• August 25 (5pm): Sharjah Warriorz Dev vs ADKR Dev
• August 25 (9pm): Gulf Giants Dev vs Dubai Capitals Dev
• August 26 (5pm): ADKR Dev vs MI Emirates Dev
• August 26 (9pm): Desert Vipers Dev vs Sharjah Warriorz Dev
• August 27 (5pm): MI Emirates Dev vs Dubai Capitals Dev
• August 27 (9pm): Gulf Giants Dev vs Desert Vipers Dev
• August 29 (5pm): Sharjah Warriorz Dev vs Gulf Giants Dev
• August 29 (9pm): ADKR Dev vs Dubai Capitals Dev
• August 30 (5pm): Desert Vipers Dev vs MI Emirates Dev
• August 30 (9pm): Dubai Capitals Dev vs Sharjah Warriorz Dev
• August 31 (7pm): Desert Vipers Dev vs ADKR Dev
• September 1 (5pm): Sharjah Warriorz Dev vs MI Emirates Dev
• September 1 (9pm): ADKR Dev vs Gulf Giants Dev
• September 2 (5pm): Semi-Final 1
• September 2 (9pm): Semi-Final 2
• September 3 (7pm): Final

The winning team will not only lift the trophy but also see several of its stars potentially fast-tracked into the spotlight of DP World ILT20 Season 4 this December.