The DP World ILT20 Development Tournament wrapped up last week with Sharjah Warriorz Development edging Desert Vipers Development by just four runs in a thrilling final. The competition, now in its third edition, once again put the spotlight on the UAE’s brightest emerging cricketers.
Andrew Russell, Tournament Director, praised the event’s growing stature, calling it “the premier event in the domestic circuit.” He added:
“It’s a great opportunity for players to show what they’ve got to the franchise teams for possible selection. Players like Khuzaima Tanveer and Saghir Khan came through this platform, made their mark, and earned the chance to shine in the main event.”
The tournament, which sees all six ILT20 franchises fielding teams, has become a vital pipeline for UAE talent. “Compared to five or six years ago, the percentage of homegrown players coming through is phenomenal. It shows the domestic game is very healthy,” Russell said.
David White, CEO of DP World ILT20, echoed the sentiment, noting the high standards across the matches:
“Around seven of the games went down to the very last ball, which tells you the level of competition. This tournament is about building depth for UAE cricket and giving players a chance to push for the DP World ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction.”
White also pointed to the tournament’s wider influence, highlighting Kuwait’s launch of a similar competition this year. “It shows how quickly the game is expanding across the Gulf,” he said.
Cricket fans now turn their eyes to the main event, DP World ILT20 Season 4, which kicks off on Tuesday, 2 December 2025 (UAE National Day) with a blockbuster opener. The six-team, 34-match tournament will run until Sunday, 4 January 2026, promising more fireworks on and off the field.