The second season of the United Arab Emirates domestic franchise-based T20 League will begin on January 13, 2024, according to the International League T20. The inaugural ILT20 season was a great success, culminating in an electrifying championship match between Gulf Giants and Desert Vipers that was played in front of a crowded Dubai International Stadium. Gulf Giants won by a score of 7 wickets.
The Gulf Giants, who are owned by Adani Sportsline, took home the glittering ILT20 trophy and USD 700,000.
After the first season’s success, plans have already started for season 2, which will have the same 34-match structure with four playoffs, including the championship game. The precise tournament schedule has not yet been revealed.
The Print quotes Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance and Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, as saying, “The league succeeded in showcasing to the world our local cricket talent as well as our exceptional hosting capabilities, which make UAE a wonderful cricketing destination.”
Khalid Al Zarooni, vice chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board and chairman of the ILT20, expressed his enthusiasm for the league’s upcoming second season, saying, “The first season has been an enormous success, exceeding expectations, and the league will only grow further and build on this incredible beginning.”
A big success in the first season.
The league has won accolades for its initiatives to showcase local cricket talent and the UAE’s hosting prowess. The UAE’s standing as a premier cricket destination is anticipated to grow after the second season.
Al Zarooni added, “We look forward to hosting and amusing you all in Season 2).
The ILT20 has provided local players with a distinctive platform to display their talent and get recognition, which has been a breath of fresh air in the domestic T20 circuit. The league has gotten backing from cricket enthusiasts all around the world, and its success is encouraging for the sport’s future in the area.
Fans can anticipate another thrilling season of domestic T20 cricket, where local players get to mix with international stars and showcase their skills in a competitive setting, just a year away from the second season.
