DUBAI: Season 5 of the biggest cricket league in the Gulf region — and second-most watched T20 league in the world — DP World International League T20 will begin on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2026.
The six-team, 34-match tournament, which has featured some of the biggest T20 stars over the years, will culminate in the Season 5 finale on Sunday, Dec. 20, at the Dubai International Stadium.
The league moved to a December window in Season 4; the first three seasons were played in the January-February window. Season 4 was a big success, with enhanced broadcast numbers and spectator attendance.
The tournament’s final on Jan. 4 was played in front of a packed Dubai International Stadium as the Desert Vipers collected their maiden trophy with a 46-run win over the MI Emirates.
CEO DP World ILT20 David White said: “We are pleased to confirm the DP World International League T20 Season 5 window. The biggest cricketing spectacle in the Gulf region will be played from Sunday, 22 November to Sunday, 20 December 2026. We are delighted with Season 4’s success. The broadcast numbers, spectators’ interest and the participation of the biggest T20 stars made the tournament a remarkable 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,” he added.
“The DP World ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction was a great success as well and we are already gearing up for this year’s auction. There are a number of exciting announcements and initiatives that will be revealed in the coming days.”
