Ariana Television Network (ATN) will once again bring Afghan fans front-row access to one of the world’s fastest-growing cricket leagues — the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) — having secured exclusive broadcast rights for the upcoming season. All matches will air live on Ariana Television and its digital platforms, continuing ATN’s run as the country’s premier broadcaster of global sporting events.
The upcoming Season 4 of ILT20 kicks off on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, with defending champions Dubai Capitals taking on the Desert Vipers at the Dubai International Stadium, and will conclude with the final on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Star-studded line-ups and fresh international additions promise blockbuster cricket
ILT20 2025 is once again stacked with global T20 talent, as returning stars are joined by exciting new additions. From West Indies icons Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Nicholas Pooran to England’s Sam Curran, David Warner, and Chris Jordan, the six franchises have bolstered their rosters for a power-packed season.
Season 4 also brings in a wave of prominent Indian players, including Dinesh Karthik, Piyush Chawla, and Unmukt Chand, enhancing the league’s appeal in South Asia and underlining its international stature.
Top player highlights for ILT20 2025:
- Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Jason Holder, Roston Chase
- Dubai Capitals: David Warner, Rovman Powell, Shai Hope
- Desert Vipers: Alex Hales, Sherfane Rutherford, Fakhar Zaman, Lockie Ferguson
- Gulf Giants: Chris Jordan, Shimron Hetmyer, Ibrahim Zadran
- MI Emirates: Nicholas Pooran, Akeal Hossein, Romario Shepherd
- Sharjah Warriorz: Adil Rashid, Johnson Charles, Matthew Wade, Jason Roy, Tim Southee
ILT20 continues rise as world’s second-most watched T20 league
Despite being a relatively young league, the ILT20 has emerged as the second-most watched T20 tournament globally. The league recorded 220 million viewers during Season 2 and is expected to surpass that milestone in 2025 with enhanced production, bigger star power, and broader broadcast reach across both traditional and emerging cricket markets.
Full match schedule and venues revealed
The six-team competition will feature 34 matches, including a 30-game double round-robin league stage followed by the playoffs. The top four teams will advance to the knockout rounds, leading to the final in Dubai on January 4.
ILT20 2025 venue breakdown:
- Dubai International Stadium – 15 matches
- Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – 11 matches
- Sharjah Cricket Stadium – 8 matches
The second game of the season, on December 3, will feature Sharjah Warriorz vs. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders — a rematch between two playoff contenders from last season.
ATN caps blockbuster sports year with ILT20
The ILT20 adds to an impressive lineup of premium sports content brought to Afghan audiences by ATN throughout 2025. The network has already broadcast the Indian Premier League (IPL), The Hundred, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the ICC Champions Trophy, as well as multiple domestic Afghan competitions, including the Afghanistan Champions League, Futsal Premier League, and Kabul Premier League.
With ILT20 2025 set to deliver non-stop action and global stars, Ariana Television remains the go-to destination for sports fans in Afghanistan, further cementing its leadership in international cricket broadcasting.
Conclusion: ATN powers Afghanistan’s cricket craze with world-class ILT20 coverage
From Bollywood-hardened Indian pros to Caribbean legends and Afghan fan-favorites, ILT20 Season 4 promises electric matchups and unforgettable moments — all broadcast live on Ariana Television. With cricket fever soaring in Afghanistan, ATN continues to be the bridge between global sports and local passion.
