DP World ILT20 Development Tournament 2025 kicks off August 24 with six-team, 18-match format in Dubai
Dubai, UAE — The third edition of the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament will commence on Sunday, 24 August 2025, at the ICC Academy Oval 1 in Dubai. The 18-match tournament will feature six development teams, competing in a single-league, round-robin format.
Defending champions Gulf Giants Development will be joined by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) Development, Desert Vipers Development, Dubai Capitals Development, MI Emirates Development, and Sharjah Warriorz Development.
Draft to be held August 18 for all-UAE player squads
The tournament will showcase UAE-based talent, with each squad consisting of 15 players selected through a Player Selection Draft scheduled for 18 August at the Dubai International Stadium. All participants will be domestic UAE cricketers aiming to earn spots in ILT20 Season 4, set for December 2025 – January 2026.
Key pathway to ILT20 Season 4 selection
With the UAE national team engaged in the Sharjah Tri-Series and the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, the Development Tournament becomes a crucial opportunity for emerging players to impress selectors. Each franchise must include a minimum of four UAE players in their squads for Season 4, increasing competition for domestic spots.
Andrew Russell, Tournament Director, emphasized the significance of the event:
“The DP World ILT20 Development Tournament is one of the most sought-after events in the Emirates Cricket Board’s domestic calendar. It’s the ideal platform for young and emerging players to showcase their talent and stake a claim for a place in the DP World ILT20.”
Russell also noted past success stories like Farhan Ahmed (Dubai Capitals) and Saghir Khan (Gulf Giants), who progressed from the development tournament to starring in Season 3 of ILT20.
ILT20 Player Auction and registration details
The DP World ILT20 Player Auction for Season 4 will be held shortly after the Asia Cup. Each of the six franchises will be able to select 13 players to complete their squads. Players interested in participating must register before Wednesday, 10 September.
DP World ILT20 Development Tournament 2025 – Full Schedule
All matches at ICC Academy, Dubai:
Sunday, 24 August – 5pm – Dubai Capitals Dev vs Desert Vipers Dev
Sunday, 24 August – 9pm – MI Emirates Dev vs Gulf Giants Dev
Monday, 25 August – 5pm – Sharjah Warriorz Dev vs ADKR Dev
Monday, 25 August – 9pm – Gulf Giants Dev vs Dubai Capitals Dev
Tuesday, 26 August – 5pm – ADKR Dev vs MI Emirates Dev
Tuesday, 26 August – 9pm – Desert Vipers Dev vs Sharjah Warriorz Dev
Wednesday, 27 August – 5pm – MI Emirates Dev vs Dubai Capitals Dev
Wednesday, 27 August – 9pm – Gulf Giants Dev vs Desert Vipers Dev
Thursday, 28 August – Rest / Training Day
Friday, 29 August – 5pm – Sharjah Warriorz Dev vs Gulf Giants Dev
Friday, 29 August – 9pm – ADKR Dev vs Dubai Capitals Dev
Saturday, 30 August – 5pm – Desert Vipers Dev vs MI Emirates Dev
Saturday, 30 August – 9pm – Dubai Capitals Dev vs Sharjah Warriorz Dev
Sunday, 31 August – 7pm – Desert Vipers Dev vs ADKR Dev
Monday, 1 September – 5pm – Sharjah Warriorz Dev vs MI Emirates Dev
Monday, 1 September – 9pm – ADKR Dev vs Gulf Giants Dev
Tuesday, 2 September – 5pm – Semi-Final 1
Tuesday, 2 September – 9pm – Semi-Final 2
Wednesday, 3 September – 7pm – Final
ILT20 Season 4 to begin on UAE National Day
DP World ILT20 Season 4 will kick off on Tuesday, 2 December 2025 — UAE National Day — with a blockbuster opener. The six-team tournament will include 34 matches and conclude on Sunday, 4 January 2026.
