The UAE’s International League T20 is back for a fifth season, and it starts earlier than before. Here are the dates, the six teams, the match timings in India and what to expect.
ILT20 Season 5 dates
The tournament runs from late November to 20 December 2026. Most sources list the start as 22 November, although one fixture list begins a day earlier, so check the official schedule. There are 34 matches, made up of 30 league games and four playoff matches, and the final is at Dubai International Stadium.
Why the season has moved
The league was played in December and January last time, and it has been advanced again this year. The change avoids a clash with the SA20, which starts after 10 January, and with other T20 leagues in the same window. Our guide to the SA20 2027 explains that league.
The six teams
Six franchises take part: Desert Vipers, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates, Dubai Capitals, Sharjah Warriorz and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. The Desert Vipers won the fourth edition and are the defending champions.
Venues
Matches are played across three venues in the UAE. Dubai hosts the final, while Sharjah and Abu Dhabi stage league games. For example, Desert Vipers meet Sharjah Warriorz in Sharjah on 4 December, and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders face Gulf Giants in Abu Dhabi on 5 December.
Match timings in India
Afternoon matches start at 2 pm local time, which is 3:30 pm IST. Evening matches begin at 6:30 pm local time, which is 8:00 pm IST. The UAE is one and a half hours behind India, so the evening games are easy to watch live in India.
Where to watch in India
A broadcaster for India was not confirmed in the sources we found. Check the ILT20’s official channels and your streaming apps closer to the start of the tournament.
Why the ILT20 matters
The league gives players a chance to compete in T20 cricket during the autumn window, and it is followed by the Big Bash League and the SA20. Several international players move between these competitions, so form in the UAE can carry over into the next event.
What to watch for
Watch whether the Desert Vipers can defend their title and how the franchises use their overseas players in the early games. The four playoff matches will decide who plays in the final.
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