The International League T20 (ILT20) has exciting news for cricket fans and players alike. They have just unveiled plans for a thrilling development tournament set to take place in Dubai from September 30 to October 10. This tournament isn’t just any cricket event; it’s a golden opportunity for both domestic and international players from the UAE to showcase their exceptional talent. Their performances during this tournament could pave the way for them to be selected by the ILT20 franchises for the upcoming second season of the league.
This announcement comes on the heels of some interesting developments in the ILT20. As it stands, six franchises have already retained 11 UAE players for the league’s second season. However, what makes this tournament even more intriguing is that there are still 13 coveted spots waiting to be filled. It’s a chance for talented players to seize the spotlight and potentially secure their place in the league.
It’s worth noting that the cricketing world has been buzzing with discussions about the inclusion of overseas players in T20 leagues. In July, the International Cricket Council (ICC) made a significant decision to limit the number of overseas players to four in new T20 leagues. This move was aimed at preventing a player exodus from Full Member teams due to the proliferation of T20 franchise leagues. While this rule doesn’t currently apply to the ILT20, the league is expected to adhere to these limits in due course.
The ILT20 has set its own standards, allowing each playing XI to consist of a maximum of nine overseas players while mandating the inclusion of at least two UAE players and two Associate overseas players in each squad. This balance ensures a diverse and competitive playing field.
The development tournament will see six teams battling it out, with each team participating in five group stage matches. The top four teams from the group stage will then progress to the semi-finals, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown. All the group stage matches are scheduled to be held at the ICC Academy Grounds, culminating in the grand final on October 10.
Team selection for this thrilling tournament will be an intriguing process. Each team will comprise 14 players, and these squads will be formed through a player draft set to take place in the coming week. The excitement is palpable, as over 300 domestic players have already registered for the pre-tournament player draft.
Mubashshir Usmani, the general secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board, expressed his enthusiasm for this opportunity, stating,
“We are very happy to see UAE players being provided an opportunity to show their skills through the ILT20 Development Tournament. This initiative is truly a life-changing opportunity for these players.”
He further emphasized the tournament’s potential impact on the growth of the game and its role as a stepping stone for players to join the DP World ILT20, as well as contributing to the selection of players for UAE’s men’s teams in the future.
