ILT20 Eyes Expansion into Saudi Arabia

The fourth season of the ILT20 is scheduled to take place from December 2, 2026, to January 4, 2026.

The ILT20 in the UAE is planning to broaden its presence in the Gulf region by potentially hosting matches in Saudi Arabia. This follows a newly established partnership with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF).

The league has now gained official recognition within the Kingdom, representing a substantial stride forward in its regional growth strategy.

While specific dates for the inaugural matches in Saudi Arabia have not yet been determined, the SACF has officially sanctioned the ILT20 as a recognized competition for both men and women. This endorsement paves the way for the inclusion of games within the Kingdom in future seasons.

The collaboration will also create opportunities for Saudi players to participate in the tournament. Beginning with the auction on October 1 of this year, each franchise will be required to sign a minimum of one Saudi player.

The chairman of ILT20, Khalid Al Zarooni, stated, “We are delighted to share our new partnership with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation.”

“Saudi Arabia is an important nation in the Gulf region, and its dedication to the advancement of cricket is truly inspiring. This partnership is based on our mutual goal to expand the sport beyond geographical limitations. The DP World ILT20 will offer prospects for players and, hopefully, bring top-tier cricket to a wider audience.”

As part of the arrangement, ILT20 and SACF will work together on talent identification and grassroots development programs, which includes a development tournament planned to be held in Saudi Arabia in the coming year.

HRH Prince Saud Bin Mishal Al-Saud, the chairman of SACF, commented: “This partnership demonstrates our dedication to the growth of cricket in the nation and to providing our players with chances to develop and achieve success on a global scale. With Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizing sports and community involvement, we are confident that this alliance will encourage more young individuals to engage in cricket.”

The fourth ILT20 season, which will be held in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, is scheduled for December 2 to January 4, 2026. It will feature six teams participating in a total of 34 matches.