News The schedule for 2nd season of the ILT20 league announced

The second season of the United Arab Emirates domestic franchise-based T20 League will begin on January 13, 2024, according to the International League T20. The inaugural ILT20 season was a great success, culminating in an electrifying championship match between Gulf Giants and Desert Vipers that was played in front of a crowded Dubai International Stadium. Gulf Giants won by a score of 7 wickets. The Gulf Giants, who are owned by Adani Sportsline, took home the glittering ILT20 trophy and USD 700,000.

After the first season’s success, plans have already started for season 2, which will have the same 34-match structure with four playoffs, including the championship game. The precise tournament schedule has not yet been revealed. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance and Chairman of Emirates Cricket Board, expressed his gratitude to the fans for their overwhelming support, saying, “The league succeeded in showcasing to the world our local cricket talent as well as our exceptional hosting capabilities which make UAE a wonderful cricketing destination,” as quoted by The Print.

Read more: ‘Bazball’: What is the England Test team’s new weapon? 

Early announcement of dates because of plethora of leagues

The revelation of the date so early is rare for a T20 league circuit typically launch dates and fixture lists are announced closer to the commencement of the league. That also implies that the SA20, Big Bash League, and, most likely, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) would face the same scheduling challenges as this year. The ILT20, along with the SA20, was one of two new men’s franchise leagues added to the calendar this season. With a crossover of team owners in both leagues – and the IPL – there was a lot of jostling for players and calendar space this year, with players like England’s Moeen Ali signing deals with both leagues.

Both leagues eventually played concurrently practically to the day, a circumstance that is certain to be repeated next season: though SA20’s dates have not yet been revealed, it will begin after the New Year’s Test, so a conflict is almost unavoidable. In the run-up to the ILT20 this year, there had been speculation that they would collaborate with other boards to minimise clashes, including the possibility of holding the ILT20 before January. Moeen eventually became a good example of both the scheduling constraint and the ever-expanding chances for players, playing for Sharjah Warriors in the ILT20 in between international duty in South Africa, before travelling to Bangladesh for a handful of BPL games. The BBL and these leagues overlapped significantly, and the Pakistan Super League started immediately after that.