International talent to light up UAE’s flagship T20 league from UAE National Day opener on 2 December
The DP World International League T20 has confirmed a stellar list of returning and new overseas signings for its fourth season, with England’s World Cup-winning stars, West Indies power-hitters, and some of the game’s most sought-after T20 names set to feature when the UAE-based tournament begins on 2 December 2025.
The six-team, 34-match competition begins on UAE National Day and concludes on 4 January 2026, delivering a month of franchise cricket in the Gulf.
Star-studded line-up returns for Season 4
The first phase of squad selection has been completed, with teams unveiling their lists of retained players and new signings. England’s Alex Hales, Sam Curran (the reigning Red Belt MVP), Chris Woakes, Moeen Ali, Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone will once again headline a strong English contingent.
West Indies stars Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rovman Powell, Sherfane Rutherford and Shai Hope (Season 3 Green Belt winner for best batter) are also confirmed to return. Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza, Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi (Season 3 White Belt best bowler), Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga and Australia’s Tim David add further global appeal.
Also committed are New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee, ensuring the tournament maintains its reputation for elite international talent.
Teams bolster squads with new signings
This first phase included a retention window for Season 3 players and a new signings window that closed in late June. The remaining spots will be filled through the DP World ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction, with dates to be announced soon.
Defending champions Dubai Capitals strengthened their bowling by adding Afghanistan’s Waqar Salamkheil (a former White Belt winner with MI Emirates) alongside left-arm pacers Luke Wood and Muhammad Jawadullah.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have boosted their batting firepower, signing Alex Hales, Liam Livingstone and Sherfane Rutherford.
Desert Vipers retained the core of their squad, including Sam Curran and Wanindu Hasaranga, while bringing in former ADKR opener Andries Gous as their new signing.
Gulf Giants will debut Afghanistan’s all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai and have added Moeen Ali and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who has previously played for three different ILT20 teams.
MI Emirates landed England’s Chris Woakes and Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis for an all-round boost.
Sharjah Warriorz added Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza (a former MVP), Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana, big-hitting Australian Tim David and USA pacer Saurabh Netravalkar.
Confirmed retentions and signings
Players rejoining their Season 3 teams:
- Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Alishan Sharafu, Andre Russell, Charith Asalanka, Phil Salt, Sunil Narine
- Desert Vipers: Dan Lawrence, David Payne, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Lockie Ferguson, Max Holden, Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dubai Capitals: Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Gulbadin Naib, Rovman Powell, Shai Hope
- Gulf Giants: Aayan Afzal Khan, Blessing Muzarabani, Gerhard Erasmus, James Vince, Mark Adair
- MI Emirates: AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kusal Perera, Romario Shepherd, Tom Banton, Muhammad Waseem
- Sharjah Warriorz: Johnson Charles, Kusal Mendis, Tim Southee, Tom Kohler-Cadmore
New signings by team:
- 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
Auction next step in squad-building
With eight players each already locked in, teams will complete their squads at the forthcoming Season 4 Player Auction. The league has promised further details in the coming days.
The DP World ILT20 is the Gulf’s premier T20 tournament, featuring world-class players and providing a platform for local and regional talent.
Season 4 adds another high-quality chapter to the UAE’s cricket calendar, starting on National Day.
