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“Playing for Each Other”: Captain Sam Billings on Dubai Capitals’ maiden title at the DP World ILT20 

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1 year ago

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The Dubai Capitals secured their first-ever DP World ILT20 title with a thrilling four-wicket victory over the Desert Vipers in the final. After a rollercoaster season that saw them recover from a tough start, the Capitals’ resilience led to a dramatic finish. Sam Billings, the captain of the Dubai Capitals, reflected on the team’s journey and shared his thoughts on their redemption, as well as the importance of composure in such a tense contest. 

Reflecting on the summit clash in the final, Billings said, “We’ve had some brilliant matches against the Desert Vipers, and tonight was an outstanding contest. The composure shown by some of the players at the end was remarkable. In T20 cricket, especially when chasing in this part of the world, you’re never out of the game if two players get going.” 

Last season, the Dubai Capitals finished as runners-up, and this year, they staged a remarkable turnaround. After three consecutive losses, they bounced back with six wins in seven matches, climbing from the bottom of the table to claim the title. On the team’s redemption, Billings said, “Similar to last year, we were at the bottom of the table before winning several in a row to reach the final. We’ve played some good cricket in different ways, and thankfully, we got across the line today.” 

He further added, “I was gutted when we couldn’t get the job done last year. Winning this trophy is very special, and the manner in which we did it makes it even more meaningful. I think we’ve done it the hard way over the last couple of years, so I’m incredibly proud of everyone associated with the franchise.” 

After Rovman Powell and Shai Hope set up the run chase, Sikandar Raza sizzled with 34 runs in 12 balls, along with Dasun Shanaka’s quick-fire 21, to bring the Capitals home. Speaking on his knock, Billings added, “I’ve told him over the last couple of games that he’d be the one to hit the winning runs, and he’s done it many times. What’s brilliant is that Rovman, Shai, and Dasun have also made a huge impact, but they each bring something different, complementing each other perfectly. Experience in those key moments is priceless, Raza’s been in that position countless times around the world, and that makes a big difference. You can see why he’s such a valuable asset globally.” 

Looking back at the season and what set the Capitals’ campaign apart, Billings opined, “I’ve been part of a lot of winning teams, so you learn along the way about different behaviours and ways of bringing the group together. A team is always stronger when it’s moving in the same direction, and I think that’s what we’ve done brilliantly this year. You can see those close wins; they’re the difference when a team plays for each other and together.” 

The victory marks the GMR Group’s first franchise tournament championship. While Billings attributed the success to comprehensive team efforts, the Capitals were buoyed by various outstanding individual performers as well.  

Opener Shai Hope claimed the Green Belt, awarded to the best batter of the season. Hope amassed 527 runs at an average of 58.55 in 12 innings, including three half-centuries and a century. Meanwhile, Gulbadin Naib was amongst the top all-rounders of the season with 381 runs, four half-centuries, and 11 wickets across the campaign. Though Dushmantha Chameera missed out on the final, he and Obed McCoy excelled through the competition with 13 wickets each.

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DP World ILT20 Season 4 shatters records with 397 million viewers and 2.5 billion video views

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2 days ago

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April 10, 2026

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The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) has officially cemented its status as a global cricket powerhouse. Following the conclusion of Season 4, new data reveals the league has tightened its grip as the second-most watched cricket league in the world, reaching a staggering 397 million unique viewers across TV and OTT platforms.

This represents a 7.49% increase over Season 3, fuelled by expansive broadcast syndication and the maiden title victory of the Desert Vipers on January 4, 2026.

Digital dominance: 2.5 billion views

While the TV numbers are impressive, the league’s digital footprint saw an even more explosive surge. DP World ILT20 platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, amassed over 2.5 billion video views during the season.

“This season we have further strengthened our position… with significant gains across all platforms,” said David White, CEO of DP World ILT20.

“Our digital content, focusing on both high-stakes action and off-field fan engagement, has truly resonated with a global audience.”

Season 4 statistical highlights

  • Global Reach: 397 million unique viewers (7.49% YoY growth).
  • Viral Content: Over 350 social media posts surpassed the 1 million views mark.
  • Star Power: Features elite talent including Sam Curran (Player of the Tournament), Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, and Shakib Al Hasan.

Joseph Eapen, Managing Partner at GSIQ, noted that for such a young tournament, achieving this level of international relevance is a “highly credible and noteworthy achievement.”

With Season 4 in the books, the league is already looking toward the future. Officials have confirmed that dates for Season 5 will be unveiled in the coming days, promising an even larger spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.

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Dubai airport welcomes travellers with special Dubai World Cup passport stamp

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2 weeks ago

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March 27, 2026

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Travellers arriving at Dubai International Airport are being greeted with a unique souvenir, a special stamp on their passports celebrating the Dubai World Cup 2026.

The initiative, launched by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), marks the 30th edition (Pearl Jubilee) of one of the world’s most prestigious horse racing events.

A grand sporting celebration

The iconic Dubai World Cup will take place on Saturday, March 28 at Meydan Racecourse, drawing global attention from racing fans and elite stables.

This year’s event promises high-stakes action:

  • 100 horses from top international stables
  • Nine races across the evening
  • Total prize pool of $30.5 million

Spotlight on the main race

The highlight of the night is the $12 million Dubai World Cup race, sponsored by Emirates Airline.

Run over 2,000 metres on dirt, the Group 1 race will feature some of the world’s top thoroughbreds, including:

  • “Hit Show” – last year’s winner
  • “Forever Young” – UAE Derby and Saudi Cup champion
  • “Imperial Emperor”
  • “Meidan” – Super Saturday winner

A memorable arrival experience

The commemorative passport stamp adds a celebratory touch for visitors landing in Dubai, tying their arrival to one of the city’s biggest sporting spectacles.

With excitement building ahead of race day, Dubai is once again showcasing its ability to blend world-class sport with unique visitor experiences.

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Football superstar Erling Haaland invests in Norway Chess to launch global ‘Total Chess’ Championship Tour

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3 weeks ago

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March 23, 2026

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Soccer superstar Erling Haaland has announced a major investment in Norway Chess, backing the launch of a new global competition format, the Total Chess World Championship Tour.

The initiative, unveiled in Oslo, aims to transform chess into a more spectator-friendly and widely accessible sport. Haaland has partnered with Norwegian business leader Morten Borge to establish a new company, Chess Mates, which will become a significant stakeholder in Norway Chess.

Haaland said his investment reflects a strong belief in chess as both a mental discipline and a global spectator sport.

“Chess is an incredible game. It sharpens your mind, and there are clear similarities to football. You have to think quickly, trust your instincts, and think several moves ahead,” he said.

The newly announced Total Chess World Championship Tour is set to feature four tournaments annually across different cities, bringing together the world’s top players. The competition will crown an overall world champion based on combined performance in three formats: Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz.

The tour has been approved by the International Chess Federation for a minimum of 16 years, underscoring its long-term ambition and significance within the global chess calendar.

A pilot tournament is scheduled for autumn 2026, with the first full season expected in 2027. Each season will include four events and offer a minimum prize pool of $2.7 million.

Kjell Madland, CEO of Norway Chess and Total Chess, welcomed Haaland’s involvement, describing it as a major step forward for the sport.

He said Haaland’s global influence and appeal would help attract new audiences and elevate the profile of chess worldwide, adding that preparations are now in the final stages to secure host cities for the inaugural tour.

With millions of fans worldwide, Haaland’s move into chess investment signals a growing crossover between elite sport and strategic mind games, potentially reshaping how chess is consumed and followed globally.

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