In a major boost for regional cricket, the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) has signed a strategic partnership with the Kuwait Cricket Board to develop the sport in Kuwait and beyond.

The collaboration, formalised at a high-profile ceremony at Dubai International Stadium, will see Kuwait host ILT20 development tournaments, offer exposure to local players, and eventually aim to stage official ILT20 matches on Kuwaiti soil.

This marks the first official partnership of its kind between the Emirates Cricket Board and any other national board under the ILT20 framework, placing Kuwait on the global cricket map.

What This Means for Cricket in the Gulf

• Annual ILT20 Development Tournaments in Kuwait to identify and nurture local talent
• Opportunity for Kuwaiti players to be scouted by ILT20 franchises
• Future possibility of ILT20 matches hosted in Kuwait, expanding the league’s GCC footprint
• Greater involvement of local sponsors and Kuwaiti brands in regional cricket
• Enhanced pathway for Kuwaiti nationals to pursue full-time cricket careers

Voices from the Partnership

Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of ILT20 and Vice-Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, said: “We are proud to announce this strategic collaboration with the Kuwait Cricket Board as they officially join the DP World ILT20 family. This partnership underscores our commitment to expanding the game’s footprint across the Gulf region. Kuwait is a valued partner, an ambitious country with a clear vision for promoting and developing cricket.

“With strong cricket-playing communities across the region, the DP World ILT20 aims to create opportunities for players and fans alike. Our goal is to elevate the sport and make the league a truly regional platform for cricket excellence.”

Haider Farman, President of Kuwait Cricket, stated: “It is an honour to formalise this landmark agreement between Kuwait Cricket and the Emirates Cricket Board to promote the DP World ILT20, both in our two countries and across the wider region. This partnership is a cornerstone in our shared vision to grow and globalise the sport of cricket.

“We take great pride in Kuwait being recognised as the first strategic partner of the DP World ILT20. Cricket is rapidly gaining momentum in Kuwait, and this collaboration will play a pivotal role in integrating more Kuwaiti nationals into the sport as players, officials, and professionals.

“With the upcoming Asian Games in Qatar (2030) and Saudi Arabia (2034), the timing is ideal. We believe this partnership will inspire the next generation across the GCC and lay the foundation for long-term cricketing success.”

David White, CEO of DP World ILT20, commented: “We congratulate Kuwait Cricket for their strategic foresight and leadership, which have made this exciting partnership possible. The DP World ILT20’s long-term vision extends beyond the UAE; it is to serve as a catalyst for cricket development across the Gulf.

“This agreement opens up incredible opportunities for young talent in Kuwait to grow, compete, and ultimately be scouted for the main league. We’ve already seen how UAE players have benefitted from exposure to high-level competition and coaching, with recent wins like the T20I series against Bangladesh highlighting that impact. We are confident Kuwait will see similar progress.”

Sajid Ashraf, Director General of Kuwait Cricket, added: “This collaboration marks a historic moment for Kuwait Cricket and the broader sporting community. Partnering with the Emirates Cricket Board and the world-class DP World ILT20 opens new doors for our players to pursue full-time careers in professional cricket.

“Beyond the field, this alliance provides a powerful platform for Kuwaiti corporations to connect with the region’s vibrant cricket-loving population. With more than two million expatriates in Kuwait and a population of five million, the potential for commercial engagement is significant.

“We look forward to the launch of the ILT20 Development Tournament in Kuwait and the many opportunities it will bring for players, fans, and businesses. This is a defining step towards building a stronger cricket ecosystem and ensuring lasting impact for generations to come.”

What’s Next?

The first DP World ILT20 Development Tournament in Kuwait is set to be announced soon. Meanwhile, ILT20 Season 4 kicks off in the UAE on December 2, 2025 (UAE National Day), with six teams competing across 34 matches, culminating in the final on January 4, 2026.

As cricket cements its popularity across the GCC, this collaboration signals a shared ambition: to create an inclusive cricket ecosystem, from Dubai to Kuwait and beyond.

As regional airspace disruptions affect flight paths across the Middle East, the UAE has swiftly activated an emergency operations plan to keep airport services running smoothly and ensure traveller safety.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) confirmed it has increased staffing across all UAE airports, deploying qualified teams around the clock. These efforts are part of a coordinated response to recent airspace closures in neighbouring countries that have forced airlines to reroute flights.

To minimise disruption, the ICP is working closely with strategic partners and airport operators to fast-track procedures, provide real-time updates to passengers, and ensure immigration and customs processes continue seamlessly.

Authorities have also rolled out support services for delayed travellers, including logistics assistance and access to information desks.

“The safety and service experience of passengers remain our top priority,” the ICP said in a statement, urging travellers to stay updated through official channels.

The UAE’s swift action underlines its commitment to operational readiness and reinforces its reputation as a global travel and logistics hub, even in the face of unexpected regional challenges.

UAE airlines continue to face major disruptions to flights across the Middle East as airspace closures in Iran, Israel, Iraq, and Syria cause widespread delays and cancellations.

Etihad, Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia have all announced flight suspensions and rerouting measures in response to the ongoing regional security situation, with passengers urged to check flight status and rebooking options before travelling.

Etihad Airways: Tel Aviv route suspended until June 22

Etihad Airways has confirmed that its Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv flights remain suspended until June 22, with several other services rerouted due to restricted airspace.

Etihad will re-route several flights due to restricted airspace in parts of the Middle East,” the airline told the media.

Passengers have been advised to check real-time updates via their app or website and ensure contact details are up to date.

flydubai: Flights halted to six countries, including Iran and Iraq

flydubai has suspended flights to Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Syria until June 20, while services to Jordan and Lebanon are set to resume from June 17, subject to review. Routes to Minsk and St. Petersburg are also paused until June 17.

Some routes have been reinstated where possible, with affected services rerouted to avoid closed airspace.

Transit passengers connecting through Dubai to suspended destinations will not be allowed to board at their point of origin, the airline said, and it continues to assist affected travellers with rebooking and support.

Emirates: Flights to Tehran, Baghdad, Amman, and Beirut suspended

Emirates has suspended flights to Amman and Beirut until June 22, and Tehran, Baghdad and Basra until June 30. All flights to and from Tel Aviv remain suspended.

The airline advised customers not to proceed to the airport if connecting to a suspended destination and to check rebooking or refund options through its contact centre or travel agents.

Air Arabia: Cuts services to five countries, shuts sales offices in Iran

Air Arabia has also suspended flights to Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Russia. Passengers connecting via Sharjah or Abu Dhabi to these destinations will not be accepted for travel.

The airline has temporarily closed its sales offices in Iran, including in Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz and Lar.

Airport advisories across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah

Airports across the UAE have also issued warnings and updates:

• Dubai Airports (DXB & DWC): Confirmed delays and cancellations due to airspace closures over Iran, Iraq and Syria.
• Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH): Disruptions are expected to continue through Sunday and Monday (June 15–16).
• Sharjah Airport: Issued a passenger advisory amid widespread route changes and delays.

Travellers are advised to stay in touch with their airlines and allow for extra time when heading to the airport.

UAE government issues travel advisory

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has urged Emirati nationals, residents, and travellers to stay connected with airlines and monitor updates closely as the regional situation unfolds.

What’s happening: Israel, Iran airspace closures continue

The disruptions follow a sharp escalation in regional tensions marked by reciprocal strikes between Israel and Iran:

• Israel: Ben Gurion International Airport remains closed for the third consecutive day, with all flights suspended.
• Iran: Airspace closed since Friday, with restrictions now extended until 3pm Sunday (local time).
• Jordan: Briefly shut its airspace as a precaution but has since reopened after a security reassessment.

Israel is reportedly working with its national carriers to repatriate stranded citizens abroad.

Check before you fly

Passengers flying through Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah to regional destinations are strongly advised to:

• Check flight status via airline apps or websites
• Rebook if travelling to a suspended destination
• Ensure contact details are updated to receive real-time notifications

Travellers are encouraged to monitor official updates regularly.