Saudi Arabian players reflect on DP World ILT20 experience: “Taking valuable lessons back home”
Dubai: Season 4 of the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) offered emerging cricketers from Saudi Arabia a rare opportunity to train and compete alongside international stars across the six-franchise tournament. With participation extended to players from both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, this edition marked a major step in developing cricket in the Gulf region.
The tournament concluded on January 4, with Desert Vipers lifting the trophy at the Dubai International Stadium. Throughout the season, Saudi Arabian players gained first-hand experience of elite-level cricket and high-performance environments, with a focus on taking their learnings back to support domestic cricket development.
Desert Vipers’ Faisal Khan: “An experience at a very different level”
Top T20I run-scorer for Saudi Arabia, Faisal Khan (1,743 runs in 61 matches), shared his enthusiasm about being part of the Desert Vipers:
“It is a great opportunity to be part of a franchise like Desert Vipers, and I consider myself lucky to be here. I am learning a lot from the coaches and senior players, and the experience at this level is very different.”
“Playing alongside top players teaches you how to take the game to the next level and how to finish matches. I would also like to thank the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation for this opportunity, and I will continue to work hard and improve.”
Ishtiaq Ahmed on learning from Shane Bond at Gulf Giants
Ishtiaq Ahmed, Saudi Arabia’s leading T20I wicket-taker (69 wickets in 51 matches), represented the Gulf Giants and highlighted the coaching support:
“This has been a very good opportunity for me and for players from the region. We are learning a great deal from the coaches and senior players. Shane Bond</strong] is our bowling coach—he has been a fantastic bowler for New Zealand, and I am getting a chance to learn from him. I also get along very well with Rahmanullah Gurbaz. It has been a good step for us and for Saudi cricket, and a very good experience overall.”
Sharjah Warriorz’ Abdul Salman Khan: “We already see improvements in our game”
Abdul Salman Khan from Sharjah Warriorz praised the guidance of Head Coach JP Duminy and spinner Adil Rashid:
“I was very excited from the first day we joined the camp. Experienced figures like JP Duminy and Adil Rashid made us feel welcome and helped us learn, and we are already seeing positive changes in our game.”
“Training and competing with Sikandar Raza has been especially enjoyable and challenging. Battling with him pushes you to raise your level, and it’s an experience we hope to pass on to younger players in the future.”
Dubai Capitals’ Usman Najeeb: “Proud to represent Saudi Arabia”
Usman Najeeb, part of the Dubai Capitals, credited the experience and mentorship for his development:
“I have learnt a lot during my time here. I am proud to represent Saudi Arabia. Training with experienced players has helped me improve, and I am grateful to Munaf Patel for his guidance. I still have work to do, but I will keep pushing myself and implement everything I have learnt to take Saudi Arabian cricket forward.”
MI Emirates’ Zain Abidin: “Learning many things to help Saudi cricket grow”
Zain Abidin of MI Emirates valued the constant learning atmosphere:
“It has been a wonderful experience, and we are learning many new things that will help us when we return to Saudi Arabia and play our domestic cricket. The coaches and senior players are extremely hardworking and spend a lot of time with us in training.”
“Bowling to and interacting with the big players in the nets and in the dressing room has been very valuable. We constantly ask questions and take tips from them, and it is something we look forward to sharing with other players back home to help Saudi cricket grow.”
Abdul Manan on learning from DJ Bravo at Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
Abdul Manan, representing Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, spoke highly of working with Head Coach DJ Bravo:
“I am grateful to the franchise and DP World ILT20 for this opportunity, which has been an important step in my career. Training in different match situations has helped me gain valuable experience that will benefit me going forward.”
“Working closely with DJ Bravo has been special. Learning from someone I used to watch on television, and receiving guidance as a wicketkeeper-batter, has been both enjoyable and extremely valuable.”
The exposure and mentorship during DP World ILT20 Season 4 are expected to significantly contribute to cricket development in Saudi Arabia, as players return with new skills, higher standards, and a commitment to grow the game back home.
