ILT20 Season 3: Check out the new retentions

In a significant development ahead of the third season of the International League T20 (ILT20), 69 players have been retained by their respective franchises. This includes several big names such as Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, David Warner, and Mohammad Amir.

Defending Champions MI Emirates

MI Emirates, the defending champions, have made strategic choices by retaining key players. Captain Nicholas Pooran, Dwayne Bravo, Akeal Hosein, Kieron Pollard, and Fazalhaq Farooqi are all set to return. Surprisingly, Trent Boult, who was instrumental in their previous season, has not been retained.

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have also held onto significant players, with Captain Sunil Narine and Andre Russell leading the list. Other retained players include David Willey, Charith Asalanka, and USA’s Ali Khan and Andries Gous.

Desert Vipers

Desert Vipers have retained a strong lineup featuring Mohammad Amir, Wanindu Hasaranga, Alex Hales, and Azam Khan. However, notable absentees include fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Matheesha Pathirana.

Dubai Capitals

Dubai Capitals have retained Captain David Warner along with prominent players such as Rovman Powell, Sam Billings, and Jake Fraser-McGurk. England‘s Joe Root and Mark Wood have been left out this time.

Gulf Giants

Gulf Giants have Shimron Hetmyer at the forefront of their retention list, along with Captain James Vince. Other key retentions include Blessing Muzarabani, Chris Jordan, and Jamie Overton.

Sharjah Warriors

Sharjah Warriors have chosen to retain players like Kusal Mendis, Captain Tom Kohler-Cadmore, and Johnson Charles, making a total of eight players retained.

Retention and Player Acquisition

Each franchise has also retained two UAE players each, with no limit on the retention of international players. The ongoing player acquisition window will remain open until September 15, allowing teams to sign new players. Additionally, franchises must complete their quota of four UAE signings post the ILT20 development tournament scheduled for October.

Season Schedule

The third season of the ILT20 is set to be played from January 11 to February 9, 2025, across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.

Complete ILT20 Retention List

• Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Aditya Shetty, Ali Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Andre Russell, Andries Gous, Charith Asalanka, David Willey, Joe Clarke, Laurie Evans, Micheal Pepper, Sunil Narine.
• Desert Vipers: Adam Hose, Alex Hales, Ali Naseer, Azam Khan, Bas de Leede, Luke Wood, Micheal Jones, Mohammad Amir, Nathan Sowter, Sherfane Rutherford, Tanish Suri, Wanindu Hasaranga.
• Dubai Capitals: Dasun Shanaka, David Warner, Dushmantha Chameera, Haider Ali, Raja Akif, Rovman Powell, Sam Billings, Sikandar Raza, Zahir Khan, Jake Fraser McGurk, Oliver Stone.
• Gulf Giants: Aayan Afzal Khan, Blessing Muzarabani, Chris Jordan, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gerhard Erasmus, Jamie Overton, James Vince, Jamie Smith, Jordan Cox, Mohammad Zohaib Zubair, Rehan Ahmed, Richard Gleeson, Shimron Hetmyer.
• MI Emirates: Akeal Hosein, Andre Fletcher, Daniel Mousley, Dwayne Bravo, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Jordan Thompson, Kieron Pollard, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Muhammad Waseem, Nicholas Pooran, Nosthush Kenjige, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Waqar Salamkheil.
• Sharjah Warriors: Dilshan Madushanka, Johnson Charles, Junaid Siddique, Muhamad Jawadullah, Kusal Mendis, Luke Wells, Peter Hatzoglou, Tom Kohler-Cadmore.

This comprehensive list of retentions sets the stage for an exciting third season of the ILT20, promising high-stakes cricket and intense competition among some of the best players in the world.

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