The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Monday that the debut edition of their T20 competition, dubbed International League T20 (ILT20), will take place in 2023 from January 6 to February 12. The six-team franchise-style league will be played at sites in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah over a 34-match calendar.
"The Emirates Cricket Board is thrilled to welcome Reliance Industries, Kolkata Knight Riders, Capri Global, GMR, Lancer Capital, Adani Sportsline, broadcaster ZEE, and all other stakeholders to the newly founded T20 League of the UAE," said the statement. The UAE T20 League would benefit from having such prestigious and experienced names and companies as partners. These partners' contribution demonstrates their belief in the Emirates Cricket Board as we move the game forward.
"As we embark on this long road, I am optimistic that we will reach new heights together, providing entertainment and excitement to the millions cricket fans who are eagerly awaiting the first ball of the UAE T20 League to be bowled. Let me assure everyone on behalf of the ECB that, in addition to being entertained on the field by cricket, you will also be entertained off the field by our traditional UAE hospitality "In a statement, Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Chairman of the ECB and Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, said:
The tournament will also provide a platform for Emirates Cricket to take their local talent development to the next level, with UAE-based players currently enrolled in the Board's programme, as well as those identified by the High Performance Coaching and Selection Committee teams, getting the chance to train and play alongside some of the best minds in the world.
"Emirates Cricket, and the UAE as a whole, has a track record of finding and embracing measures that support the game's progress." It is critical that UAE-based players continue to thrive via this event, as this is one of the League's goals.
"The ILT20 would like to express its gratitude to Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Chairman of the ECB, for his continued support of UAE cricket, which has flourished under his leadership. We are excited to bring a T20 event to the world that will deliver unrivalled competitiveness and entertainment to the game's die-hard fans "Chairman of ILT20, Khalid Al Zarooni, stated.
The Abu Dhabi team will be owned by the Knight Riders' Group (owners of the Kolkata Knight Riders), followed by Adani Group, Capri Global, Lancer Capital, Reliance Industries Limited, through its subsidiary Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Limited (owners of the Mumbai Indians), and GMR Group (co-owners of Delhi Capitals).
"Given the intense and competitive nature of the league, the annual ILT20 event provides fantastic exposure for our players." Each of the six teams in the 34-match tournament offers our young cricketers a fantastic opportunity to play competitive cricket with world-class players.
"Furthermore, such a one-of-a-kind international league would go a long way toward attracting and nurturing a larger pool of players who will go on to represent the UAE in the future." We're looking forward to the inaugural event and our players making the most of it," stated Tayeb Kamali, Chairman of the ECB Selection Committee.