The International League T20 (ILT20) was proposed in 2021 before it finally got signed in 2022 with the motive to bring the UAE into the global cricket territory.
The first match of the league was played in late January 2023 between Dubai Capitals and the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. For the last four seasons, the UAE's core stadiums—Dubai International Stadium (Dubai), Sheikh Zayed Stadium (Abu Dhabi) and Sharjah Cricket Stadium (Sharjah)—have hosted the matches.
Well, the 2025-26 season has concluded too, with the last season's runners up Desert Vipers winning the title by 46 runs, defeating Mi Emirates. Desert Vipers had posted 182/4 in 20 overs after being asked to bat at Dubai International Stadium. Sam Curran remained unbeaten on 74 off 51 balls, hitting 8 fours and 2 sixes, while Max Holden scored 41 off 32. Fakhar Zaman made 20 off 15 and Dan Lawrence added 23 off 15. Fazalhaq Farooqi picked up 2 wickets for 33 runs, while Arab Gul claimed 1 for 14.
In reply, MI Emirates were bowled out for 136 in 18.3 overs while chasing 183. Shakib Al Hasan top-scored with 36 off 27, followed by Muhammad Waseem’s 26 off 13 and Kieron Pollard’s 28 off 28. Naseem Shah led the bowling with 3 wickets for 18 runs, while David Payne took 3 for 42. Khuzaima Tanveer and Usman Tariq claimed two wickets each. Desert Vipers won by 46 runs.
Previous winners
In the 2025 season, the Delhi Capitals franchise won their maiden league title around the World after the Dubai Capitals won the season, defeating the Desert Vipers by 4 wickets. In 2024, Capitals ended as the first runners up with MI Emirates winning by 45 runs.
Gulf Giants won the title in maiden season, defeating Desert Viper in 2023, winning by 7 wickets. Here is a list of winners in the ILT2023 so far.
| Season | Year | Champion | Runners Up | Margin |
| 1st Edition | 2023 | Gulf Giants | Desert Vipers | Won by 7 wickets in final in Dubai. |
| 2nd Edition | 2024 | MI Emirates | Dubai Capitals | MI Emirates defeated Capitals by 45 runs. |
| 3rd Edition | 2025 | Dubai Capitals | Desert Vipers | Capitals won by 4 wickets. |
| 4th Edition | 2025–26 | Desert Vipers | MI Emirates | Vipers won by 46 runs in final. |
The Unique belt system of ILT20
The belt is not a cricket-like substance but something highly present in American Sports. Belts denote power. And the UAE based league- did something very unique to introduce the belt systems in the cricket periphery—it gained quick attention and definitely marked it as different from other Leagues too.
Apart from giving one belt, the league introduced several belts of different colors to acknowledge different merits. The red, green, white, blue, and black colors often indicate something like Karate or Judo, but they do not necessarily indicate that.
Notably, there are five types of belts, mostly lie the cap systems of IPL, but in an extensive way. They are:
| Belt | What it acknowledges |
| Red Belt | Most Valuable Player (MVP) |
| Green Belt | Best Batter (Most Runs) |
| White Belt | Best Bowler (Most Wickets) |
| Blue Belt | Best UAE Player |
| Black Belt | Awarded to winning team captain or most outstanding final-match performer. For instance, Desert Vipers received a Black Belt as champions in the 2025–26 season |
Notably, the Black belt is a recent introduction to the league. Apart from that, there are other rewards like player of the match (Final), best catch of the season, or most sixes of the season, which are mostly rewarded with heavy cash.
The 2025-26 season belt winners
Muhammed Waseem seemed to have personally patronized the blue belt. This has been the fourth time in a row as he gotthat for being Best UAE player, representing MI Emirates.
Apart from that, Desert Viper's Sam Curran has got the red belt fpr being the Most Valuable Player with his all-round capabilities. Sam grabbed the green belt for topping the batting list. Dubai Capitals' Waqar Salamkheil won the white belt for being the best bowler of the season.
The Black Belt is awarded to the champion team — the Desert Vipers — along with the title.