Some of the world’s top T20 players are set to return to action for the fourth edition of the International League T20 (ILT20), which will begin on December 2, 2025, coinciding with UAE’s National Day. The six-team tournament will run through 34 matches, culminating in the grand final on January 4, 2026.
ILT20 Season 4 will once again feature a star-studded roster, with England’s T20 World Cup 2022 winners leading the way. Alex Hales, Chris Woakes, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Phil Salt, and Sam Curran — who was the Season 3 Red Belt Winner (Most Valuable Player) — are all returning. These names headline a group of global cricketing talent that has made the ILT20 one of the most exciting franchise leagues in the world.
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West Indies stars Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Sherfane Rutherford, and Shai Hope — the Green Belt Winner (Best Batter of Season 3) — will also be in action. Zimbabwe’s versatile all-rounder Sikandar Raza and Afghanistan’s left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi, who was awarded the White Belt (Best Bowler of Season 3), are also back. Other international players like Australia’s Tim David and New Zealand pacers Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee have confirmed their participation.
The squad-building process for Season 4 is halfway through. Teams retained players from Season 3 and made key new signings by June 30. The final squads will be completed in the upcoming ILT20 Player Auction, with details to be announced soon.
Each of the six franchises has strengthened its squad with high-profile additions. Dubai Capitals, the defending champions, have boosted their bowling unit by signing Afghanistan spinner Waqar Salamkheil (formerly with MI Emirates), English pacer Luke Wood, and UAE’s Muhammad Jawadullah.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have added big-hitting trio Alex Hales and Liam Livingstone (both from rival teams) and Sherfane Rutherford. Desert Vipers brought in former ADKR opener Andries Gous and retained a strong core including Sam Curran and Wanindu Hasaranga.
Gulf Giants made key signings in Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai, England’s Moeen Ali, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who is joining his fourth ILT20 franchise. MI Emirates added all-round strength in Chris Woakes and welcomed Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis for his debut season.
Sharjah Warriorz strengthened their squad with Sikandar Raza, returning spinner Maheesh Theekshana, power-hitter Tim David, and USA left-arm pacer Saurabh Netravalkar. The squad blends experienced campaigners with emerging names for a well-rounded setup.
ILT20 Season 4 – New Signings
| Team | Players |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | Alex Hales, Liam Livingstone, Sherfane Rutherford |
| Desert Vipers | Andries Gous |
| Dubai Capitals | Luke Wood, Waqar Salamkheil, Muhammad Jawadullah |
| Gulf Giants | Azmatullah Omarzai, Moeen Ali, Rahmanullah Gurbaz |
| MI Emirates | Chris Woakes, Kamindu Mendis |
| Sharjah Warriorz | Maheesh Theekshana, Sikandar Raza, Saurabh Netravalkar, Tim David |
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