The United Arab Emirates (UAE) based International League T20 (ILT20) added a huge feather in their cap as they became the first Associate-run franchise league to acquire an official List A status. This achievement comes ahead of their second season next year.
Following the newly awarded List-A status, the competition is now officially recognized as a T20 tournament by the ICC. Gulf Giants, led by James Vince, won the first edition.
In a statement, the ILT20 called the update "a major milestone" and a "major boost".
"Earning the List A status is a major milestone for the DP World International League T20. We would like to thank the ICC for the acknowledgment. The recognition is a clear indication of the strength and stature of our league,” said David White, chief executive of the league.
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“The DP World ILT20 has already made a big impact and the List A recognition is a real boost for all our stakeholders as we gear towards Season 2. The cricket fans are in for a real treat not only in the UAE but around the world once the action begins on Friday, 19 January," the chief executive added.
The franchises announced their list of retained and released players on July 10, 2023.
The ILT20 is currently a six-team league, with three of the teams - Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Dubai Capitals, and MI Emirates - owned by groups that own IPL teams.
Despite clashes with other leagues like the PSL, the SA20 league in South Africa, the Australian BBL, the Super Smash in New Zealand, and possibly the PSL, T20 stars like David Warner, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Alex Hales, Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Jordan, Trent Boult, Nicholas Pooran, Chris Woakes, Maheesh Theekshana, and others are going to be in action at the ILT20.
Occupying the window at the start of the year, the 2024 edition of ILT20 will take place from January 19 to February 17. The Dubai International Stadium is slated to hold the final for the second season running.
