The DP World ILT20 Development Tournament returned for its third edition on Sunday, August 24, at the ICC Academy in Dubai, reaffirming its role as a key pathway for nurturing cricketing talent in the UAE.
David White, CEO of DP World ILT20, highlighted the growth of the competition and its contribution to raising standards of professionalism across UAE cricket.
“It’s a great opportunity for these young men to stake a claim to be selected in the full tournament [DP World International League Season 4], so it’s incredibly important,” White said.
“Last year, there was a big improvement in the standard, and I’m sure it’s going to be an even higher standard again this year.”
Building professionalism and success stories
White noted that the tournament has already produced players who have graduated to the main league. “Not only their skills, but also their attitude, their strength and conditioning, the whole level of professionalism has increased,” he said.
The fact that matches are streamed live, he explained, adds both pressure and incentive for players. “We’ve already had success stories. A lot of these players have played this tournament and then gone on to do well in the main event. The fact that they get to perform in front of cameras… adds both pressure and incentive at the same time.”
Big opportunity before the auction
With the DP World ILT20 Player Auction for Season 4 scheduled just days after the Asia Cup 2025, the development tournament has taken on even greater significance. Teams will be keeping a close watch as they look to secure the UAE’s brightest talent, with each franchise required to include a minimum of two UAE players in the playing XI.
“It’s a big opportunity to impress,” White said. “If they do get selected in one of the franchise teams, they’ll not only participate in the league but also train with world-class coaches.”
ILT20 among the world’s biggest leagues
The DP World ILT20 Season 4 will run from December 2 to January 4, firmly establishing itself among the world’s leading cricket leagues.
“The league last year really stepped up,” White said. “It is very pleasing now that we are talked about, in global cricket terms, as one of the big leagues. When everyone talks about the big leagues around the world, they talk about DP World ILT20 as well. We’re now mainstream, we’re a league that’s growing, getting bigger, and I’m really excited about Season 4.”
The festive timing, he added, is another advantage. “December and early January are a tremendous time for us. It is going to be really exciting. It allows us to market over the Christmas and New Year period, which will mean that the crowds will be big, and it will give a real focus for cricket in this region.”
Strengthening UAE cricket
White also stressed that the tournament is helping strengthen the UAE national team, which has already qualified for the Asia Cup. “The UAE team have increased their depth, they now qualify for the Asia Cup, and they can beat any team on the day,” he said.
“What’s exciting about the Asia Cup is that Afghanistan, Pakistan and UAE have had a lot of experience playing in the DP World ILT20 in these conditions, which will certainly help them.”
