DUBAI: The DP World International League T20 has confirmed the fixture schedule for Season 5, with Dubai International Stadium set to host both the tournament opener and the final as six teams compete across the UAE from November 21 to December 20.
Defending champions Desert Vipers will begin their title defence against MI Emirates on November 21 in Dubai. The match is scheduled for 6.30pm, setting up an early rematch of last season’s final.
The tournament will then move between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, with 34 matches on the schedule, including the league stage and four playoff fixtures. Dubai will stage 15 matches, while Abu Dhabi will host 11 and Sharjah eight.
Desert Vipers begin title defence against MI Emirates
The opening fixture carries an immediate storyline, with Desert Vipers meeting MI Emirates in a repeat of the previous season’s championship matchup.
Desert Vipers won their maiden ILT20 title in the previous season after defeating MI Emirates in the final. The new campaign therefore starts with the two sides meeting before either has had the chance to establish its position in the league table.
The opening weekend will continue on November 22, when Sharjah Warriorz take on Gulf Giants at Sharjah Cricket Stadium before Dubai Capitals face Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Dubai in the evening.
Abu Dhabi’s first fixture is scheduled for November 26, when Abu Dhabi Knight Riders meet MI Emirates at Zayed Cricket Stadium.
National Day double-header planned for December 2
One of the notable dates on the schedule is December 2, when the ILT20 will stage two matches to coincide with UAE National Day.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders will play Desert Vipers in the afternoon at Zayed Cricket Stadium, followed by Dubai Capitals against MI Emirates in Dubai in the evening.
The arrangement gives the tournament a prominent presence across two UAE cities on a major national occasion.
The league stage will consist of 30 matches. Each of the six franchises will play 10 matches before the top four advance to the knockout phase.
The six participating teams are:
- Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
- Desert Vipers
- Dubai Capitals
- Gulf Giants
- MI Emirates
- Sharjah Warriorz
Playoffs will move across three Emirates
The knockout phase has also been allocated across the UAE’s three main ILT20 venues.
Qualifier 1 will take place in Abu Dhabi on December 16, followed by the Eliminator in Dubai on December 17. Qualifier 2 will be played in Sharjah on December 18.
The championship match will then return to Dubai International Stadium on December 20, with the final scheduled for 6.30pm.
That means Dubai will host both ends of the competition, while Abu Dhabi and Sharjah will each have a role in deciding which teams reach the final.
Star names add interest to Season 5
The schedule arrives after a major player auction that significantly strengthened several squads.
Pakistan batter Babar Azam joined defending champions Desert Vipers for his base price of $80,000 (Dh293,800), marking his first appearance in the ILT20. Desert Vipers also added players including Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan.
MI Emirates secured Afghanistan fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi for $380,000 at the auction, while Gulf Giants signed England all-rounder Liam Livingstone for $350,000 and Rahmanullah Gurbaz for $310,000. Dubai Capitals added former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis for $300,000.
Those additions give the competition a strong international line-up before the first ball is bowled in Dubai.
For UAE cricket followers, the schedule also provides a month of top-level franchise cricket across three established international venues, with the final returning to Dubai after the league and playoffs have determined the two contenders.
Schedule note: Earlier communications had referred to a November 22 start, but the fixture release published on October 7 lists the opening match for November 21. Current reporting from Khaleej Times and Times of India also gives November 21 as the start date.
When does ILT20 Season 5 start?
ILT20 Season 5 is scheduled to begin on November 21, 2026, with Desert Vipers facing MI Emirates at Dubai International Stadium.
When is the ILT20 Season 5 final?
The final is scheduled for December 20, 2026, at Dubai International Stadium, starting at 6.30pm.
Where will ILT20 Season 5 matches be played?
Matches will be staged at Dubai International Stadium, Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
How many teams are playing in ILT20 Season 5?
Six franchises will compete: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz.
How many matches are in ILT20 Season 5?
The season has 34 matches, including the league stage and playoffs. Each team plays 10 league matches, with the top four progressing to the knockout stage.
Who are the defending ILT20 champions?
Desert Vipers are the defending champions after winning their maiden ILT20 title against MI Emirates in the previous season.
Will Dubai host the ILT20 final?
Yes. Dubai International Stadium is scheduled to host the Season 5 final on December 20. It will also host the opening match.
Which major players are involved in Season 5?
The squads include international names such as Babar Azam, Faf du Plessis, Liam Livingstone, Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan and Jonny Bairstow.
