Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited will continue as the broadcast partner for DP World International League T20 Season 5, reinforcing its long-term association with the Gulf region’s flagship T20 competition as the league prepares for its next edition starting November 22, 2026. The upcoming season will run through to December 20, culminating at Dubai International Stadium, with the six-team tournament featuring 34 matches.
The renewed partnership extends Zee’s role across both traditional television and digital streaming, with matches set to be available via its linear network as well as ZEE5. The broadcaster is also evaluating the possibility of carrying the tournament on its upcoming sports-focused channels, signalling a broader push to scale its presence in live sports distribution.
Sandeep Mehrotra, Chief Operating Officer – Advertisement Revenue at Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, said in an official statement, “We are excited to strengthen our association with DP World ILT20 as it enters its fifth season, building on the strong momentum of viewership growth and fan engagement witnessed in previous editions. Our focus is on delivering a high-impact and immersive experience for cricket fans through a seamless blend of platforms, and with Season 5, we aim to further expand the league’s reach, deepen audience connect, and reinforce its position as one of the most compelling T20 leagues globally.”
Season window shift and performance momentum
The league’s scheduling shift to a late-year window, introduced in Season 4 after earlier editions were held between January and February, has already delivered measurable gains. The most recent season recorded 397 million unique viewers across television and streaming platforms, representing a 7.49% increase compared to the previous edition.
Desert Vipers secured their maiden title during that campaign, defeating MI Emirates by 46 runs in the final played on January 4, 2026, at a packed Dubai International Stadium. The tournament has continued to attract leading T20 talent, strengthening its positioning among the most-watched competitions in the format globally.
David White, Chief Executive Officer of DP World ILT20, confirmed the upcoming season’s timeline and reflected on recent growth, stating in an official statement, “We are pleased to confirm the DP World International League T20 Season 5 window. The biggest cricketing spectacle in the Gulf region will be played from Sunday, 22 November to Sunday, 20 December 2026. We are delighted with Season 4’s success. Season 4 was a major success, accumulating 397 million unique viewers across TV and OTT, a 7.49% increase over Season 3, driven by strong broadcast numbers, high spectator interest and the participation of top T20 stars, which further elevated the league’s quality.”
Expanding footprint and player ecosystem
Beyond broadcast growth, the league is continuing to extend its regional footprint through strategic collaborations with Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation and Kuwait Cricket. These relationships are expected to support development tournaments in both markets ahead of Season 5, aligning with a broader expansion strategy.
White outlined the next phase of development in a further official statement, “The DP World ILT20 continues to make massive strides and our strategic partnerships with Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation and Kuwait Cricket are already making a big impact. This year, these partnerships will be consolidated further through our development tournaments which will be played in both countries prior to Season 5. The DP World ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction was a great success as well and we are already gearing up for this year’s auction. There are a number of exciting announcements and initiatives that will be revealed in the coming days.”
On the field, Season 4 featured standout individual performances, with Sam Curran earning both Player of the Tournament and Best Batter honours, while Waqar Salamkheil was recognised as the leading bowler and Muhammad Waseem was named the top UAE player. The league also showcased a wide pool of international talent, including Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, Moeen Ali and Sunil Narine, underlining its global appeal.
With Season 5 approaching, the combination of sustained broadcast backing, expanding regional partnerships, and continued player investment positions the league to build further on its recent growth trajectory.
