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The International League T20 (ILT20) is all set to face a massive setback months before the start of its fifth season. It is being said that one of the ILT20 franchises decided to end their association with the competition.
The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has recently pushed the tournament to a different window so it would not overlap with popular T20 leagues like the SA20 of South Africa and Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL). Now, the ILT20 2026 is scheduled to be held from November 22 to December 20. Amid this, Shubman Gill RULED OUT? India captain retires hurt after suffering hamstring injury.
ILT20 faces major blow before new season as Desert Vipers likely to exit
Despite the changes, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is all set to find itself in the threatening position because of the Desert Vipers. As reported by Cricbuzz, Desert Vipers are likely to leave the ILT20 after deciding to end their association with the UAE’s competition.
The news has come as a huge surprise because the Desert Vipers lifted their first ILT20 title earlier this year. Now, the Vipers franchise is preparing to walk away from the league despite being the defending champions, leaving ECB with very little window to find the new franchise.
It is being said that the Desert Vipers have already informed the ILT20 organizers about their decision to exit from the league. The franchise is owned by Lancer Capital, which is backed by American businessman Avram Glazer. Amid this, Jonathan Trott takes up first coaching role since Afghanistan exit, joins Cricket Ireland.
Franchise fee and business model behind Desert Vipers' decision
The report said the main reason behind the decision is an ongoing disagreement over the franchise fee and the league's business model. Both sides have reportedly been trying to solve the issues for nearly two years, but they have not yet come to any agreement.
The report further suggested that Paul Voigt, a close associate of Avram Glazer, recently informed the league management about the franchise's decision. Reports also claimed that he personally spoke to the owners of the other five ILT20 teams and updated them about the situation.
If the Desert Vipers officially leave, the ILT20 will have a big task on its hands. Since players have already been signed and coaching staffs are in place, the league must have six teams for the upcoming season. This means the organizers will need to bring in a new owner before the tournament begins on November 22, 2026.
ILT20 faces big challenge despite having replacement options ready
However, it won’t be that tough because the league already has working relationships with the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation and Kuwait Cricket. However, with only a few months left before the next season starts, time will be the biggest challenge.
Interestingly, the Desert Vipers are the only team in the ILT20 that does not have Indian ownership, making their possible exit even more shocking. However, neither the ILT20 organizers nor the Desert Vipers have reacted to the reports yet.
Interestingly, the Desert Vipers have recently released details about their preparations for the Guyana Global Super League, where they qualified after winning the ILT20 title under Sam Curran’s captaincy.
