ILT20 2025–26 Final Result: Desert Vipers Won Title by 46 Runs
Experience the next level of T20 cricket as ILT20 2025 unites global stars, local heroes, and unmatched UAE energy.
DV vs MIE
In just three seasons, ILT20 has delivered competitive cricket, global reach, and record-breaking performances, establishing itself as one of the fastest-growing franchise leagues in the sport.
What’s New in ILT20 2025?
- Player Auction Introduced: For the first time, ILT20 will follow a live auction format with over 800 players registered, including 24 from India.
- Ashwin’s League Debut: Ravichandran Ashwin joins the auction with a base price of $120,000, the highest in the pool.
- Youth & Associate Quotas Strengthened: Teams must now include two UAE players, one from an Associate nation, and a minimum of two U-23 players.
- Broader Broadcast Reach: More global platforms, including Zee, Willow, and Sky, will carry live coverage across multiple regions.
- Enhanced Fan Experience: Stadium upgrades, official merchandise, and expanded fan zones aim to boost on-ground engagement.
| Match No. | Date | Matchup | Time (IST) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dec 2, 2025 | Dubai Capitals vs Desert Vipers | 8:00 PM | Desert Vipers won by 4 wickets (6 balls remaining) |
| 2 | Dec 3, 2025 | Sharjah Warriorz vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | 8:00 PM | Knight Riders won by 39 runs |
| 3 | Dec 4, 2025 | Gulf Giants vs MI Emirates | 8:00 PM | Gulf Giants won by 6 wickets |
| 4 | Dec 5, 2025 | Desert Vipers vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | 8:00 PM | Desert Vipers Win By 2 Wickets |
| 5 | Dec 6, 2025 | Dubai Capitals vs Gulf Giants | 8:00 PM | Giants won by 4 wickets |
| 6 | Dec 7, 2025 | Sharjah Warriorz vs MI Emirates | 3:30 PM | MI Emirates won by 4 runs |
| 7 | Dec 7, 2025 | Dubai Capitals vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | 8:00 PM | DC won by 83 runs |
| 8 | Dec 8, 2025 | Desert Vipers vs Gulf Giants | 8:00 PM | Match Tied (Desert Vipers won the Super Over) |
| 9 | Dec 9, 2025 | MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers | 8:00 PM | Desert Vipers Win By 1 Run |
| 10 | Dec 10, 2025 | Gulf Giants vs Sharjah Warriorz | 8:00 PM | Gulf Giants Win By 6 Wickets |
| 11 | Dec 11, 2025 | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs MI Emirates | 8:00 PM | Mi Emirates Win By 7 Wickets |
| 12 | Dec 12, 2025 | Gulf Giants vs Desert Vipers | 8:00 PM | Desert Vipers won by 8 wkts |
| 13 | Dec 13, 2025 | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Dubai Capitals | 8:00 PM | Dubai Capitals won by 9 runs |
| 14 | Dec 14, 2025 | MI Emirates vs Sharjah Warriorz | 3:30 PM | Sharjah Warriorz won by 6 runs |
| 15 | Dec 14, 2025 | Desert Vipers vs Dubai Capitals | 8:00 PM | Desert Vipers won by 5 wkts |
| 16 | Dec 15, 2025 | Sharjah Warriorz vs Gulf Giants | 8:00 PM | Sharjah Warriorz won by 11 runs |
| 17 | Dec 16, 2025 | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Desert Vipers | 8:00 PM | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Won By 1 Run |
| 18 | Dec 17, 2025 | Dubai Capitals vs MI Emirates | 8:00 PM | Mi Emirates Won By 7 Runs |
| 19 | Dec 18, 2025 | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Gulf Giants | 8:00 PM | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Won By 4 Wickets |
| 20 | Dec 19, 2025 | Sharjah Warriorz vs Dubai Capitals | 8:00 PM | Dubai Capitals Won By 63 Runs |
| 21 | Dec 20, 2025 | MI Emirates vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | 3:30 PM | Mi Emirates Won By 35 Runs |
| 22 | Dec 20, 2025 | Desert Vipers vs Sharjah Warriorz | 8:00 PM | Desert Vipers Won By 4 Wickets |
| 23 | Dec 21, 2025 | Gulf Giants vs Dubai Capitals | 3:30 PM | Dubai Capitals Won By 6 Wickets |
| 24 | Dec 21, 2025 | Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates | 8:00 PM | Mi Emirates Won By 4 Wickets |
| 25 | Dec 22, 2025 | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders vs Sharjah Warriorz | 8:00 PM | Sharjah Warriorz Won By 4 Wickets |
| 26 | Dec 23, 2025 | MI Emirates vs Gulf Giants | 8:00 PM | Mi Emirates Won By 8 Wickets |
| 27 | Dec 24, 2025 | Dubai Capitals vs Sharjah Warriorz | 8:00 PM | Dubai Capitals Won By 6 Wickets |
| 28 | Dec 26, 2025 | Sharjah Warriorz vs Desert Vipers | 8:00 PM | Desert Vipers Won By 5 Wickets |
| 29 | Dec 27, 2025 | MI Emirates vs Dubai Capitals | 8:00 PM | Mi Emirates Won By 8 Wickets |
| 30 | Dec 28, 2025 | Gulf Giants vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | 8:00 PM | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Won By 32 Runs |
| 31 | Dec 30, 2025 | Desert Vipers Vs MI Emirates (Qualifier 1) | 8:00 PM | Desert Vipers won by 45 runs |
| 32 | Jan 1, 2026 | Dubai Capitals Vs Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Eliminator) | 8:00 PM | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Won By 50 Runs |
| 33 | Jan 2, 2026 | Qualifier 2 | 8:00 PM | Mi Emirates Won By 7 Wickets |
| 34 | Jan 4, 2026 | Final | 8:00 PM | Desert Vipers Won By 46 Runs |
| Rank | Team | Match | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Desert Vipers | 10 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 0.438 |
| 2 | MI Emirates | 10 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 0.676 |
| 3 | Dubai Capitals | 10 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0.578 |
| 4 | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | 10 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 8 | -0.559 |
| 5 | Gulf Giants | 10 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 6 | -0.310 |
| 6 | Sharjah Warriorz | 10 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 6 | -0.815 |
Free streaming is also expected on select regional platforms, with commentary available in multiple languages for a wider reach.
| Team | Captain | Head Coach | Franchise Owner | Home Base |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) | Sunil Narine | Dwayne Bravo | Knight Riders Group (KKR) | Abu Dhabi |
| Dubai Capitals (DC) | David Warner | Hemang Badani | GMR Group (Delhi Capitals) | Dubai |
| Desert Vipers (DV) | Colin Munro | James Foster | Lancer Capital | Sharjah |
| Gulf Giants (GG) | James Vince | Jonathan Trott | Adani Sportsline | Dubai |
| MI Emirates (MIE) | Nicholas Pooran | Robin Singh | Reliance Industries (MI) | Abu Dhabi |
| Sharjah Warriorz (SW) | Tom Kohler-Cadmore | JP Duminy | Capri Global | Sharjah |
Each team will field up to 9 overseas players in their playing XI, along with mandatory UAE and Associate nation representation. The balance of international firepower and local talent makes every lineup in ILT20 both competitive and diverse.
ILT20 2025 Player Auction: Key Highlights & Top Picks
For the first time in league history, the International League T20 is hosting a live player auction, a major shift from the previous draft-based system. Scheduled in Dubai on October 1, 2025, the ILT20 2025 player auction has attracted global attention with over 800 players registered across various categories.
Key Details:
- Auction Date: October 1, 2025
- Location: Dubai, UAE
- Total Players Registered: 800+
- Indian Players in Pool: 24 (retired or BCCI-cleared)
Among the headline names, former India international Ravichandran Ashwin enters the auction with a base price of USD 120,000, the highest in the pool. This will be his first appearance in an overseas T20 league after retiring from both international cricket and the IPL.
Franchises are expected to spend strategically, with a focus on all-rounders, explosive batters, and U-23 prospects. Teams also have to fulfill squad regulations that require a minimum of two UAE players, one from an Associate Member nation, and at least two players under the age of 23.
ILT20 Awards, Belts & Records:
| Belt Type | Awarded For | Latest Winner (2025) | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Belt | Most Valuable Player | Sam Curran (Desert Vipers) | England |
| Green Belt | Best Batter (Most Runs) | Shai Hope (MI Emirates) | West Indies |
| White Belt | Best Bowler (Most Wickets) | Fazalhaq Farooqi (MIE) | Afghanistan |
| Blue Belt | Best UAE Player | Muhammad Waseem (MIE) | UAE |
All-Time ILT20 Records (as of 2025)
These individual and team achievements reflect the growing competitiveness of the league and its ability to attract elite global talent. The belt awards in particular have become one of ILT20’s signature elements, blending tradition with modern branding.
| Record Category | Record Holder | Statistic |
|---|---|---|
| Most Runs (All Seasons) | Alex Hales (Desert Vipers) | 1,156 runs |
| Most Wickets | Fazalhaq Farooqi (MIE) | 50 wickets |
| Highest Individual Score | Ayush Badoni (South Delhi)* | 165* (Note: Cross-league stat, disregard if not ILT20) |
| Highest Team Total | MI Emirates | 241/3 vs Desert Vipers |
| Lowest Team Total | Sharjah Warriorz | 74 all out vs MI Emirates |
| Best Bowling Figures | Chris Jordan (Gulf Giants) | 5/17 in 4 overs |
| Most Catches (Fielder) | Muhammad Waseem (MIE) | 20 |
| Most Dismissals (Keeper) | Nicholas Pooran (MIE) | 25 |
Top Players to Watch in ILT20 2025:
- Ravichandran Ashwin (India): Making his overseas league debut after retiring from international and IPL cricket.
- Shai Hope (West Indies): Reigning Green Belt winner and a consistent top-order performer.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan): Leading wicket-taker in ILT20 history, spearheading MI Emirates’ attack.
- Muhammad Waseem (UAE): ILT20’s standout local talent and a key figure in the UAE’s cricket future.
- James Vince (England): Proven leader and run-scorer, captaining the Gulf Giants with precision.
Venues & Stadium Experience:
ILT20 2025 matches will be played across three world-class stadiums in the UAE, each offering a unique fan experience with upgraded seating, food zones, merchandise stalls, and live entertainment.
- Dubai International Stadium (Dubai) – Capacity: 25,000
- Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium (Abu Dhabi) – Capacity: 20,000
- Sharjah Cricket Stadium (Sharjah) – Capacity: 16,000
All venues feature LED lighting, VIP enclosures, family zones, and easy access to metro and parking facilities. Fans can expect high-energy matchdays with live DJs, fan zones, and team activations.
Franchise Ownership & Commercial Partners:
ILT20 follows a privately-owned franchise model, similar to top global leagues. Each of the six teams is backed by established sports investors, many with direct ties to IPL and WPL franchises, bringing both financial strength and experienced management into the tournament.
Team Ownership Overview:
| Team | Franchise Owner | Linked IPL/WPL Franchise |
|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | Knight Riders Group | Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL) |
| Dubai Capitals | GMR Group | Delhi Capitals (IPL) |
| MI Emirates | Reliance Industries | Mumbai Indians (IPL), MI Cape Town (SA20) |
| Gulf Giants | Adani Sportsline | Gujarat Giants (WPL) |
| Desert Vipers | Lancer Capital (Avram Glazer) | — |
| Sharjah Warriorz | Capri Global Holdings | UP Warriorz (WPL) |
- Title Sponsor: DP World
- Global Broadcast Partner: Zee Entertainment (10-year rights deal)
- Official Trophy Designer: Thomas Lyte (UK)
- Other Partners: Myco (digital), A23 Games, Emirates NBD, and more
The mix of Indian, global, and local brands contributes to ILT20’s rapid commercial growth, helping it expand its reach far beyond the UAE.
Franchise Ownership & Commercial Partners:
A core pillar of ILT20’s structure is its commitment to nurturing young talent and creating opportunities for players from Associate Member nations, a rare focus in top-tier franchise leagues.
Key Development Mandates in ILT20 2025:
- Each team must include at least 2 UAE players in their final squad.
- 1 player from an Associate Member country (outside the UAE) is mandatory per team.
- Teams must also select a minimum of 2 under-23 players, encouraging youth involvement.
The league also runs a dedicated ILT20 Development Tournament, which acts as a scouting ground for emerging players. In 2025, Sharjah Warriorz were crowned champions of the tournament, showcasing the depth of upcoming talent in the region.
By giving young and Associate players a direct platform alongside global stars, ILT20 plays a vital role in expanding cricket’s reach beyond traditional powerhouses, especially across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Conclusion:
The International League T20 has quickly evolved into one of the most exciting and globally inclusive T20 tournaments in the cricketing world. With its unique mix of international stars, local heroes, and emerging talent from Associate nations, ILT20 2025 promises a season packed with high-quality action, innovation, and opportunity.
From the first-ever player auction to expanded youth participation and record global viewership, the league continues to push boundaries on and off the field. Whether you’re tuning in for the big names, supporting your home franchise, or discovering new talent, ILT20 2025 offers something for every cricket fan, no matter where you’re watching from.
FAQs
As of now, there is no official women’s ILT20 league. However, the Emirates Cricket Board has expressed interest in expanding into women’s franchise cricket in the future.
Players from Associate Member countries must be nominated by their national boards or register independently through the ILT20’s official player registration portal before the auction deadline.
Yes. Since 2023, ILT20 matches carry ICC-approved List A T20 status, meaning all player performances are officially recorded in global cricket statistics.
While public access to training sessions is limited, franchises occasionally host open nets, fan meets, and autograph signings, especially on rest days and in fan zones.
Yes. Multiple platforms, including official ILT20 partners and third-party fantasy apps, offer ILT20 fantasy contests with real-time stats and prizes.
Yes. The official ILT20 app offers live scores, match schedules, ticket booking, player stats, news alerts, and fantasy league integration.
ILT20 allows more overseas players in each playing XI (up to 9), emphasizes Associate nation inclusion, and follows a unique belt-based award system, setting it apart from most major leagues.
