Emirates Cricket Board on Monday (June 6) confirmed that the inaugural ILT20 League will be held between the window of 6th January to 12th February next year.

The new League will be known as “International League T20” or “ILT20”.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board, said that India's Reliance Industries, Kolkata Knight Riders, Capri Global, GMR, Lancer Capital, Adani Sportsline have bought franchises in the new league.

“Emirates Cricket Board is delighted to welcome Reliance Industries, Kolkata Knight Riders, Capri Global, GMR, Lancer Capital, Adani Sportsline, broadcaster ZEE and all other stakeholders to the newly established T20 League of UAE.  Such illustrious, experienced names and entities as partners bodes well for the UAE T20 League. Through the commitment of these partners they have demonstrated confidence in the Emirates Cricket Board as we take the game into the future,” he was quoted as saying by Khaleej Times.

“As we begin this long journey I am confident that together we will achieve new heights and in the process provide entertainment and excitement to the millions of fans around the globe who are waiting for the first ball of the  UAE T20 League to be bowled.”

“On behalf of ECB  let me assure everyone that whilst being entertained on field with cricket, you will also be entertained by our traditional UAE hospitality off the field,” he further added.

The league featuring six teams will be played over a 34-match schedule at the renowned venues of UAE.

The tournament will also provide an ideal platform for Emirates Cricket to take developing their local talent to a higher level.

Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman, ILT20 said, “Emirates Cricket, and the UAE, has a proven history of identifying and embracing initiatives that underpin the success of the game. It is vitally important, that through this tournament UAE-based players continue to flourish which is one of the objective of this League.”

“The ILT20 wishes to thank His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Chairman of ECB for his unstinting support to UAE cricket which, under his guidance, has been growing from strength to strength. We look forward to introducing to the world a T20 event that will provide unmatched competition and entertainment to the ardent followers of this game.”

Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Chairman, Selection Committee - Emirates Cricket Board said: “The annual ILT20 event presents an excellent exposure for our players given the highly intense and competitive nature of the league. Each of the six teams in the 34-match tournament provide a wonderful opportunity for our young cricketers to play competitive cricket with world-class players.”

“Further, such a unique international league would play a big role in attracting and nurturing a larger pool of players who will go on to represent the UAE in the years to come. We look forward to the inaugural  event  and our players taking full advantage of the opportunity.”

(Inputs from by Khaleej Times)