ILT20 2025-26 full schedule announced; Dubai Capitals set to take on Desert Vipers in opener

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has revealed the schedule for the fourth edition of the International League T20 (ILT20). As per the schedule, the tournament is set to begin on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, with an opening match between Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers at the Dubai International Stadium.

The ILT20 season will begin with a rematch of last year’s final, where Dubai Capitals defeated Desert Vipers by four wickets with four balls remaining to claim their first title in front of over 25,000 fans. MI Emirates won the trophy in 2024, while the Gulf Giants were crowned champions in the inaugural season.

ILT20 2025-26 Schedule Announced on September 3

A total of 34 matches across three venues will be played in Season 4 of the ILT20. Dubai International Stadium will host 15 fixtures, Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi 11, and Sharjah Cricket Stadium eight matches.

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Following the curtain-raiser, Sharjah Warriorz, who reached the playoffs for the first time last season, will face Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on December 3.

Gulf Giants, winners of the inaugural 2023 edition, will begin their campaign against Season 2 champions MI Emirates on December 4 at Dubai International Stadium. All matches will be played across Dubai International Stadium, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, and Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

ILT20 2025-26 Playoffs to Commence on December 30

The ILT20 2025-26 season will run from December 2, 2025, to January 4, 2026. The competition will follow the same format as previous editions, starting with a 30-match double round-robin league stage before moving into the playoffs.

The league stage concludes on December 28, with the knockout phase beginning two days later. Qualifier 1, featuring the top two teams, will take place on December 30 in Abu Dhabi.

The Eliminator, contested by the third and fourth-placed sides, is scheduled for January 1 in Dubai, followed by Qualifier 2 the next day in Sharjah. After a one-day break, the final will be played on January 4 in Dubai.

The tournament will overlap with South Africa’s SA20, which begins on December 26. With nearly two weeks of scheduling conflicts, players will be forced to choose between the two leagues. ILT20 ends on January 4, while SA20 continues for another three weeks.

ILT20 2025-26: Full Schedule, Venues, and Match Timings

Playoffs:

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