DP World International League T20: Global Stars Set to Dazzle As Squads Take Shape For Season 4

The cricketing world is abuzz as the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) gears up for its fourth consecutive season, promising yet another month-long spectacle of T20 power and precision. Commencing on Tuesday, December 2nd, coinciding with UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad), and culminating in the grand final on Sunday, January 4th, 2026, this 34-match tournament is set to be the Gulf region's biggest T20 extravaganza.

The league has once again attracted a stellar cast of international talent, with several familiar faces and exciting new additions ready to enthral fans.

A strong contingent of England's ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 champions are returning to the UAE. Expect explosive performances from Alex Hales, Chris Woakes, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Phil Salt, and Sam Curran, who was crowned the Season 3 Red Belt Winner (Most Valuable Player). Their presence alone guarantees high-octane action.

Joining the English stars are West Indies' T20 giants, including Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Sherfane Rutherford, and Shai Hope, who earned the Season 3 Green Belt Winner (Best Batter of the Tournament) accolade. Their aggressive brand of cricket is a perennial crowd-puller.

Beyond these established names, the league will feature Zimbabwean all-rounder Sikandar Raza (Season 2 Red Belt Winner – Most Valuable Player) and Afghanistan's pace sensation Fazalhaq Farooqi (Season 3 White Belt Winner – Best Bowler of the Tournament). Australia's dynamic Tim David and New Zealand's fast bowling duo Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee have also confirmed their availability, ensuring a truly global flavour.

The six franchises have now completed the crucial first phase of squad selection, finalizing eight players each through a retention window (closed June 16th) and a new signings window (closed June 30th). The remaining slots will be filled at the much-anticipated DP World ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction, with the date and details to be announced in the coming days.

Defending Champions Dubai Capitals have significantly bolstered their bowling arsenal. They welcome Waqar Salamkheil (Season 2 White Belt Winner, Afghanistan left-arm-wrist spinner from MI Emirates), alongside left-arm pacers Luke Wood (from Desert Vipers) and Muhammad Jawadullah (from Sharjah Warriorz). Retained core players include Rovman Powell and Shai Hope.

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have opted for sheer batting firepower. They've snapped up three explosive T20 batters: Alex Hales (from Desert Vipers), Liam Livingstone (from Sharjah Warriorz), and Sherfane Rutherford (from Desert Vipers). Andre Russell and Sunil Narine remain key retentions.

Desert Vipers, the Season 1 and Season 3 finalists, have largely retained their core from last season, including Sam Curran and Wanindu Hasaranga. Their new signing is former ADKR opener Andries Gous.

Season 1 Winners Gulf Giants have made exciting additions. Afghanistan's globally recognized all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai will make his ILT20 debut in Giants colours. England's Moeen Ali (from Sharjah Warriorz) returns to the league, and dashing Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz also joins as a new signing.

Season 2 Winners MI Emirates have added all-round strength to their already formidable squad. They welcome the experienced Chris Woakes (from Sharjah Warriorz) and Sri Lanka’s promising all-rounder Kamindu Mendis, who is set for his ILT20 debut.

Sharjah Warriorz have made some high-profile acquisitions. They've signed the dynamic Sikandar Raza (from Dubai Capitals), and Sri Lanka’s star white-ball spinner Maheesh Theekshana returns to the side. The Warriorz have also significantly boosted their batting with the inclusion of Australia’s big-hitting Tim David and USA left-arm fast bowler Saurabh Netravalkar.

With teams strategically shaping their rosters ahead of the auction, the DP World ILT20 Season 4 promises a thrilling blend of established superstars and emerging talents, setting the stage for a captivating cricketing spectacle this December.