6 Players to Watch at This Year's ILT20

The rescheduled International League T20 (ILT20) takes place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from January 2023. Here are some of the key players who could make their mark in the first ever edition of the tournament and help their side to glory.

Background

The first ILT20 is set for 2023, after being rescheduled from January and February 2022. The tournament features six UAE franchises, with each able to field nine overseas players. This means lots of big names and lucrative contracts. The goal of the organisers is for the league to grow to become second only to the Indian Premier League (IPL).

If you plan on watching a live cricket match in India today, you’ll also love the excitement and action of watching the very first ILT20.

Players to watch

In a tournament bursting with international talent, here is just a selection of the players to watch:

Andre Russell (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders)

The big hitting West Indian could make a serious impact in the ILT20. Part of the 2012 and 2016 ICC World T20 winning West Indies team, Russell brings his all-rounder skills to Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ strong batting side. He has enjoyed a long, successful limited overs career and is a sought-after player in T20 leagues across the world, including the IPL and Big Bash League (BBL)

Alex Hales (Desert Vipers)

One of many England players featuring in the ILT20, Hales has had some controversy away from the game. However, he is a dominant batter who has a proven ability to score quickly and heavily in limited overs cricket. After a three-year absence, he returned to international white ball cricket in the 2022 T20 World Cup, playing a key role in England’s victory.

Joe Root (Dubai Capitals)

Despite his impressive record as a batter, England’s former Test captain is something of a surprise inclusion in the tournament. Root made his last T20 International appearance back in 2019 and has had only a handful of appearances for the Sydney Thunder in the BBL. However, his pedigree as a run-scorer for his county and country mean he could enjoy success in the ILT20.

Rehan Ahmed (Gulf Giants)

Ahmed became the England men’s team’s youngest Test debutant when he took to the field against Pakistan in 2022. He went on to take five wickets in an innings, putting himself firmly in the category of “rising star of the game”. All eyes will be on what the right-arm leg spinner can do in the T20 form of the game.

Trent Boult (MI Emirates)

The New Zealand fast bowler has long been a mainstay in T20 cricket and has the potential to make a serious impact on the inaugural ILT20. He featured in the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup, bowling the super over, as his side narrowly missed out to England. Also a talented fielder, Boult has played in the IPL and BBL.

Marcus Stoinis (Sharjah Warriors)

One of the very few Australian players in the ILT20, all-rounder Stoinis has featured heavily in the IPL and the BBL. He is also a fixture in Australia’s limited-overs sides. His versatile skills as a batter and medium-pace bowler will no doubt prove valuable for the Sharjah Warriors.

Watching all your favourite players in action in domestic and international tournaments throughout the year is great. However, the build-up to the first ILT20 is especially exciting. No matter which team you’re rooting for, there will be many amazing moments for everyone to enjoy.