The third season of ILT20 is complete and dusting takes place. The Dubai Capitals won the tournament after beating the Desert Vipers with four wickets in the final at Dubai International Stadium. The league has shown significant improvements in its third season. However, the ILT20’s clash with the SA20 is a major fixture, forcing players to come and go in and out of the tournament.
However, ILT20 CEO David White believes conflicts are inevitable as cricket geography does not allow all T20 leagues to have a separate window. By the time the third season of ILT20 begins, it must be mentioned that three leagues were taking place simultaneously in various parts of the world: Big Bash, SA20 and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
“I think you know something really interesting about league cricket. If you look at global cricket, you probably only have a little bit of the West Indies in England and the Northern Hemisphere. So the rest of the cricket around the world. “The international cricket and leagues are played in the Southern Hemisphere, so all of these countries have to play cricket at the same time,” White said.
“At this time of the year, I’m playing New Zealand, playing Australia, playing Bangladesh. I’m playing South Africa. It’s cricket geography and the reality of the United Arab Emirates, as it’s too hot in the summer. I think it’s forgetting a similar Southern Hemisphere team, you’re always going to get some overlap,” he added.
“When you play XI for every team, you’ll see more players in the UAE.”
In the third edition of ILT20, certain UAE players have come to the forefront of the franchise. Currently, only two UAE players appear in Play XI for all teams, while the other nine are international players from different countries. However, White believes that the league’s management is aiming to secure more players in the UAE in Play XI in the future.
“Well, it’s a very good thing. What we want to think will come for years is that there will be more and more UAE players and associate players. They are pleased with the performance of UAE players and they really drive that change. Let’s say we’re doing it,” he said.
“Nine overseas players will make the ILT20 extremely strong.”
ILT20 Supremo says that by having nine international players in Play XI for all teams, the competition remains strong and ensures that a consistently good game is offered.
“What makes us very unique is that we can first have nine overseas players, so we’re making it very strong. So we’re clearly UAE players and associate players. I know that you have, but what’s very unique about this league is that you’re playing here at a great time this year, the United Arab Emirates has good weather and three world class stadiums And I love it because it’s safe and doesn’t have to fly from destination to destination,” he said.
“They can go by bus and they really enjoy it. It’s an opportunity to play in a great stadium, but they can bring their families along and enjoy the best the UAE can offer. This way We were able to acquire such a wonderful world-class player.”
