The cricketing world is set to converge on the UAE for ILT20 Season 3, promising an exhilarating season from January 11 to February 9, 2024. Among the star-studded lineup, cricket giants Andre Russell, David Warner, and Nicholas Pooran are poised to make a significant impact in this highly anticipated tournament.|
ILT20 Season 3 A Power-Packed Lineup
The ILT20 Season 3 features illustrious names in Twenty20 cricket, blending international superstars with top UAE talents. Alongside Russell, Warner, and Pooran, fans will see Rovman Powell, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and other world-class players. This season will elevate excitement with UAE stars like skipper Muhammad Waseem, Alishan Sharafu, Aayan Afzal Khan, and Muhammad Jawadullah.
Read more:
Retention Highlights and Tournament Format
The six ILT20 franchises have retained a total of 69 players, reflecting a mix of global and local talents. The retention window, which opened on June 1, allowed teams two weeks to finalize their squads. Notably, 26 of the retained players are currently competing in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA, showcasing the league’s high caliber.
Key Retentions
Among the retained are T20 heavyweights like Andre Russell, David Willey, and Sunil Narine from Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Alex Hales, Azam Khan, Muhammad Amir, Sherfane Rutherford, and Wanindu Hasaranga are retained by Desert Vipers. Dasun Shanaka, David Warner, Rovman Powell, Sam Billings, and Sikandar Raza remain with Dubai Capitals. Gulf Giants retain Chris Jordan, James Vince, and Shimron Hetmyer. MI Emirates retain Akeal Hosein, Dwayne Bravo, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kieron Pollard, and Nicholas Pooran. Johnson Charles and Tom Kohler-Cadmore stay with Sharjah Warriors.
Local Talent Retention
Each franchise prioritizes nurturing local talent by retaining two UAE players each. Retained UAE players for Season 3 include Aditya Shetty and Alishan Sharafu (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders). Ali Naseer and Tanish Suri (Desert Vipers); Haider Ali and Raja Akif (Dubai Capitals). Aayan Afzal Khan and Mohammad Zohaib Zubair (Gulf Giants); Muhammad Rohid Khan and Muhammad Waseem (MI Emirates). Junaid Siddique and Muhammad Jawadullah (Sharjah Warriors).
Player Acquisition Window
Following the retention period, the Player Acquisition Window remains open until September 15. During this time, franchises can sign new players, ensuring their rosters are complete and competitive. Each team can sign at least two more UAE players after the ILT20 Development Tournament, slated for October.
Team Lineups
- Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Aditya Shetty, Ali Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Andre Russell, Andries Ghous, Charith Asalanka, David Willey, Joe Clarke, Laurie Evans, Michael Pepper, and Sunil Narine.
- Desert Vipers: Adam Hose, Alex Hales, Ali Naseer, Azam Khan, Bas de Leede, Luke Wood, Michael Jones, Muhammad Amir, Nathan Sowter, Sherfane Rutherford, Tanish Suri, and Wanindu Hasaranga.
- Dubai Capitals: Dasun Shanaka, David Warner, Dushmantha Chameera, Haider Ali, Raja Akif, Rovman Powell, Sam Billings, Sikandar Raza, Zahir Khan, Jake Fraser McGurk, and Oliver Stone.
- Gulf Giants: Aayan Afzal Khan, Blessing Muzarabani, Chris Jordan, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gerhard Erasmus, Jamie Overton, James Vince, Jamie Smith, Jordan Cox, Mohammad Zohaib Zubair, Rehan Ahmed, Richard Gleeson, and Shimron Hetmyer.
- MI Emirates: Akeal Hosein, Andre Fletcher, Daniel Mousley, Dwayne Bravo, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Jordan Thompson, Kieron Pollard, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Muhammad Waseem, Nicholas Pooran, Nosthush Kenjige, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, and Waqar Salamkheil.
- Sharjah Warriors: Dilshan Madushanka, Johnson Charles, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Jawadullah, Kusal Mendis, Luke Wells, Peter Hatzoglou, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore.
ILT20 Season 3 promises an unmatched cricketing experience, blending international superstars with emerging local talents. Fans worldwide can expect a thrilling tournament showcasing the best of T20 cricket.