The 2025 International League T20 (ILT20) is shaping up to be an exciting season with several high-profile players making their debuts. Stars like Lockie Ferguson, Fakhar Zaman, Shai Hope, and Romario Shepherd have all been signed by various franchises for the third season of the tournament, which is set to take place in the UAE.
Big Names Join the ILT20
New Zealand‘s Lockie Ferguson, who made headlines earlier this year after turning down his central contract to pursue a career as a freelance cricketer, has been signed by Desert Vipers. Ferguson has had a stellar T20 season, including standout performances at the Major League Cricket (MLC) and T20 World Cup, making him a valuable addition to the Vipers’ squad.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman will also join the Vipers, adding significant firepower to their top order. Fakhar’s aggressive style is well-suited to the high-octane nature of T20 cricket, and his signing could be a game-changer for the team.
Shai Hope, who captained Guyana Amazon Warriors in the ongoing CPL, will feature for Dubai Capitals, further strengthening their squad. West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd will represent MI Emirates, where he will reunite with his former Mumbai Indians teammates Kieron Pollard and Dwayne Bravo.
ILT20 Clash with Global T20 Leagues
The 2025 ILT20 is set to run from January 11 to February 9, 2025. However, this schedule clashes with several other major T20 leagues around the world, including Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), South Africa’s SA20, and New Zealand’s Super Smash. This overlap will make it difficult for some players to fully participate in multiple competitions, leading to challenging scheduling decisions for teams and players alike.
Lockie Ferguson, for instance, has signed with Sydney Thunder in the BBL and will represent them until early January before heading to the UAE for the ILT20. Similarly, other players will need to balance commitments across these tournaments.
New Zealand Players Seek Opportunities Abroad
Several New Zealand players, including Adam Milne and Tim Seifert, have also joined ILT20 teams after rejecting their domestic contracts. Milne will play for Sharjah Warriors, where he will be joined by Seifert. This duo’s decision to prioritize franchise cricket mirrors the trend among other top New Zealand players looking for opportunities beyond their home country.
Another New Zealand bowler, Scott Kuggeleijn, has also been retained by Dubai Capitals, continuing his participation in the ILT20 for a second season.
Rising Talents to Watch
The ILT20 has also attracted young and emerging talent. Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran, who was the highest run-scorer at the 2024 T20 World Cup, will be making his debut for Gulf Giants. Another exciting prospect is Wahidullah Zadran, a 16-year-old mystery spinner from Afghanistan who has drawn comparisons to Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Wahidullah will also play for the Gulf Giants, making him one of the youngest players in the competition.
Sri Lanka’s Garuka Sanketh, a 19-year-old fast bowler who was a net bowler for Delhi Capitals in the IPL, has been signed by Dubai Capitals. While he remains relatively untested in T20 cricket, his unique bowling style has garnered attention, and he will be one to watch in the upcoming season.
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Franchise Strategies and Retentions
As the tournament draws nearer, franchises have also finalized their retentions for the 2025 season. Notable names retained by their respective teams include:
- Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Laurie Evans
- Desert Vipers: Mohammad Amir, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Alex Hales
- Dubai Capitals: David Warner, Rovman Powell, and Sikandar Raza
- Gulf Giants: Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Jordan, and James Vince
- MI Emirates: Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, and Akeal Hosein
- Sharjah Warriors: Kusal Mendis, Junaid Siddique, and Johnson Charles
ILT20 2025: What to Expect
The ILT20 continues to grow in stature, attracting top talent from across the globe. With its unique position in the global T20 calendar, the league offers players a chance to showcase their skills on one of the most competitive T20 platforms.
Fans can look forward to some thrilling match-ups and high-quality cricket when the tournament kicks off in January 2025. With an influx of both seasoned professionals and emerging stars, the ILT20 promises to deliver another exciting season of T20 action.
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