Dubai,
As the DP World ILT20 gears up for its third edition, scheduled to commence from January 11th, 2025, cricketing icons Shoaib Akhtar and Virender Sehwag praised the league for its significant role in developing talent from the region and providing invaluable experience to players. The two legends spoke at the Season 3 launch event held last weekend on a yacht at Dubai Marina.
The explosive Indian batter and legend of Indian cricket, Virender Sehwag, reflected on the league’s impact over the past two seasons, stating, “When we look back at the past two seasons of the DP World ILT20, we can see that many players, whether they are from the UAE or other countries like Afghanistan, have significantly improved their performances in ICC tournaments.”
He further emphasised the unique learning opportunities the league offers to UAE players, “For the UAE team, when players play alongside nine international stars, they get the chance to learn from these experienced players. Not only during matches but also in how the international players practice, prepare, and handle pressure situations. They won’t find this kind of exposure anywhere else.”
The Rawalpindi Express, Shoaib Akhtar who has been associated with the competition from season 2, echoed his peer’s sentiments by discussing the league’s broader implications: “As I’ve always said, it’s a breeding ground of talent for GCC countries, not just the United Arab Emirates. It is only going to help cricket, and it is a great initiative. I am blessed to be part of it and help the game grow.”
He also noted what sets the ILT20 apart from other international leagues. “The effort being put in by DP World, the organisers, the broadcasters, and the Emirates Cricket Board is tremendous. They have made it easy to collaborate with them,” he opined.
Season 3 of the DP World International League T20 will begin from Saturday, 11 January 2025. The 34-match tournament will run for a month with the final to be played on Sunday, 9 February 2025.
