Dubai, 08 September 2025: The DP World ILT20 Development Tournament concluded last week with Sharjah Warriorz Development defeating Desert Vipers Development by four runs in a hard-fought final, capping a third edition that showcased UAE’s finest upcoming cricketers.
Andrew Russell, DP World ILT20 Development Tournament Director, and David White, CEO of DP World ILT20, hailed the tournament’s growing impact on UAE cricket and its emergence as a crucial platform for domestic players aiming to break into franchise and international cricket.
Franchise-backed format lifting tournament profile
With each of the six DP World ILT20 franchises fielding a development team, Russell emphasized the tournament’s importance in the domestic cricket calendar.
“Having the franchises fully on board has lifted the prestige of the tournament. It has become the premier event in the domestic circuit and a great opportunity for players to show what they’ve got to the franchise teams for possible selection,” said Russell.
Creating a pathway to professional and international cricket
Russell highlighted the competition’s growing role as a talent identification platform for both franchises and the UAE national team.
“The franchises are getting a lot of information from the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament in terms of knowing who the UAE players are and who they want in their teams,” he said.
“Players like Khuzaima Tanveer and Saghir Khan came through this platform, did well here, and earned the chance to play in the main event and show their abilities internationally.”
Russell added that the tournament reflects the overall health of UAE domestic cricket, with more homegrown players entering the system each year.
“Compared to five or six years ago, the percentage is phenomenal. These are our players, the ones coming through initiatives like the schools’ cup and other development endeavours, and it’s very encouraging for the UAE’s future,” he remarked.
High-intensity matches catching attention of selectors
CEO David White praised the standard and competitiveness of the matches, noting that many games were tightly contested.
“The quality of cricket has been excellent. Around seven of the games went down to the very last ball, which is quite incredible,” said White. “This tournament is a stepping stone for players to put their name forward and, after strong performances here, hopefully be picked at the DP World ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction.”
Regional influence expanding beyond UAE
White also pointed to the tournament’s growing regional influence, citing the launch of similar initiatives across the Gulf.
“Our role is not only to develop cricket in the UAE but to act as a catalyst for the wider Gulf. Kuwait has launched its own development competition this year, with their players also entering the auction,” he added. “It’s a sign of how quickly the game is expanding in this part of the world.”
