The third season of the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) is all set to kick off with a grand opening ceremony at the iconic Dubai International Stadium (DIS) on January 11. Bollywood’s star power will light up the evening as Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, and Sonam Bajwa take center stage with captivating performances that promise to enthrall the audience.
The opening ceremony, scheduled to commence at 6:00 pm local time, is expected to blend the magic of Bollywood with the excitement of cricket, creating an unforgettable experience for fans. The gates will open at 4:00 pm, allowing spectators to settle in before the grand spectacle unfolds. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be broadcast globally via the Zee Network and its syndication partners on both linear and digital platforms.
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Bollywood heartthrob Shahid Kapoor expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “If you know me, you know how much I love cricket and dancing. And when the two things come together, you can expect to get the best of both worlds, which is why I’m really looking forward to being a part of the opening ceremony of the DP World International League T20 on January 11 at the Dubai International Stadium.” Kapoor encouraged fans to secure their tickets, promising an electrifying blend of Bollywood and cricket in what he termed a true “cric-tainment” event.
Renowned Bollywood producer and actor Jackky Bhagnani, along with popular emcee Ridhima Pathak, will host the evening, ensuring a lively and engaging atmosphere for attendees. The ceremony will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display before the cricket action begins. The defending champions, MI Emirates, will face off against Dubai Capitals in a much-anticipated rematch of last year’s final. The match is slated to start at 7:15 pm local time.
Fans attending the event can take advantage of a special offer in the general category, with four tickets available for just AED 40. This initiative aims to make the opening ceremony accessible to a larger audience, adding to the excitement and celebration surrounding the tournament’s launch.
The ILT20, which will run from January 11 to February 9, has become a major fixture in the cricketing calendar, attracting top talent from around the world. The six participating franchises have retained some of the biggest names in T20 cricket. The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will once again rely on the power-hitting of Andre Russell and the spin wizardry of Sunil Narine. The Desert Vipers have retained Alex Hales and Sherfane Rutherford, while the Dubai Capitals boast stars like David Warner and Rovman Powell.
Meanwhile, the Gulf Giants have retained key players such as Chris Jordan and Shimron Hetmyer, while the MI Emirates squad includes prominent names like Nicholas Pooran and Akeal Hossein. The Sharjah Warriorz have brought back Adil Rashid, who joined them as a wildcard pick in Season 2, along with Johnson Charles.
In addition to the retained players, several high-profile cricketers will make their ILT20 debuts this season. England’s white-ball specialist Jason Roy, who previously played for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, will now represent the Sharjah Warriorz. Former West Indies captain Jason Holder, who appeared for the Dubai Capitals last season, will join the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.
Other notable debutants include New Zealand’s Tim Southee (Sharjah Warriorz), Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman (Desert Vipers), West Indies’ Shai Hope (Dubai Capitals), New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson (Desert Vipers), and West Indies’ Roston Chase (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders). Australia’s wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade will turn out for the Sharjah Warriorz, while Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran joins the Gulf Giants. Additionally, Romario Shepherd from the West Indies will bolster the MI Emirates lineup.
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