Dubai: The DP World ILT20 Development Tournament returned for its third edition on Sunday at the ICC Academy in Dubai. David White, CEO of DP World ILT20, highlighted the tournament’s growth, its role in developing young talent, and its contribution to UAE cricket’s depth and professionalism.
White described the tournament as a crucial platform for emerging players. “It’s a great opportunity for these young men to stake a claim to be selected in the full tournament [DP World International League Season 4], so it’s incredibly important. Last year, there was a big improvement in the standard, and I’m sure it’s going to be an even higher standard again this year.”
“Not only their skills, but also their attitude, their strength and conditioning, the whole level of professionalism has increased. We’ve already had success stories. A lot of these players have played this tournament and then gone on to do well in the main event. The fact that they get to perform in front of cameras, with matches streamed live, adds both pressure and incentive at the same time,” White further explained.
With the DP World ILT20 Player Auction for Season 4 set just days after the Asia Cup 2025, all eyes will be on the development tournament as teams aim to secure UAE’s most exciting talent that will fill a minimum of two spots in the playing XI. “It’s a big opportunity to impress. If they do get selected in one of the franchise teams, they’ll not only participate in the league but also train with world-class coaches,” White added.
The DP World ILT20 Season 4 returns for its fourth edition from 2 December to 4 January, having firmly established itself among the leading global competitions.
White stressed on the tournament’s growth, “The league last year really stepped up. It is very pleasing now that we are talked about, in global cricket terms, as one of the big leagues. When everyone talks about the big leagues around the world, they talk about DP World ILT20 as well. We’re now mainstream, we’re a league that’s growing, getting bigger, and I’m really excited about Season 4.”
Looking ahead, the tournament’s festive schedule adds further appeal. “December and early January is a tremendous time for us. It is going to be really exciting. It gives us an opportunity to market over the Christmas period and the New Year period, the holiday season, which will mean that the crowds will be big, and it will give a real focus for cricket in this region,” White said.
White also opined that the DP World ILT20, is already strengthening the UAE national team. “The UAE team have increased their depth, they now qualify for the Asia Cup, and they have the ability to beat any team on the day. What’s exciting about the Asia Cup is that Afghanistan, Pakistan and UAE have had a lot of experience playing in the DP World ILT20 in these conditions, which will certainly help them.”
