The fifth season of the UAE's ILT20 league will begin on November 22 this year and run till December 20, featuring the usual 34 matches - 30 matches in the league stage and the four playoffs - at the three primary cricket centres in the region: Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. The final will be played in Dubai, as has been the case in the four previous seasons.
The window for the ILT20 had been switched prior to the last season, when it was played in December-January instead of January-February - it's even earlier this season - to avoid overlaps with the many other leagues that take place around the same time, including the SA20, which is scheduled to begin after January 10 next year.
"We are delighted with Season 4's success," David White, the ILT20 chief executive said in a statement on Monday. "The broadcast numbers, spectators' interest and participation of the biggest T20 stars made the tournament a massive success as the quality of the league grew further.
"The DP World ILT20 continues to make massive strides and our strategic partnerships with Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation and Kuwait Cricket are already making a big impact. This year, these partnerships will be consolidated further through our development tournaments, which will be played in both countries prior to Season 5."
Like ahead of the fourth season, there will be an auction for the six teams - defending champions Desert Vipers, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates, Dubai Capitals, Sharjah Warriorz and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders - to finalise their squads ahead of the upcoming season. "We are already gearing up for this year's auction," White said.
Apart from Desert Vipers, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals are past winners of the tournament.
