Dubai’s ILT20 Development Tournament wrapped up last week with an exciting finale that had cricket fans on the edge of their seats. In a thrilling match, the Sharjah Warriorz Development team beat the Desert Vipers Development squad by just four runs, showcasing the rising talent among UAE’s young cricketers. This third edition of the tournament brought together the best upcoming players from the UAE, making it a big hit in the domestic cricket scene.
Andrew Russell, the Tournament Director for the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament, and David White, CEO of DP World ILT20, couldn’t stop praising how this event is boosting UAE cricket. They see it as a major platform for local players to shine and catch the eye of big franchise teams.
With all six DP World ILT20 franchises putting together their own development squads, the tournament has gained massive prestige. Russell shared his excitement, saying, “The full support from the franchises has made this the top event on the domestic circuit. It’s a fantastic chance for players to impress and earn spots in the main ILT20 teams.”
He also highlighted its role as a talent pipeline for UAE cricket. “Franchises get tons of insights here about homegrown players they might want. Stars like Khuzaima Tanveer and Saghir Khan broke through in this tournament, performed brilliantly, and now they’re playing in the main event. They’re not just on franchise radars—they’re eyeing spots in the UAE national team too. It’s proof that domestic cricket in the UAE is thriving.”
The tournament has really strengthened the UAE’s pool of homegrown talent. Russell added, “Over the past few seasons, we’ve seen a huge jump in local players rising through development programs like the schools’ cup. Compared to five or six years ago, the growth is amazing. These are our future stars, and it’s super encouraging for UAE cricket’s bright future.”
David White was equally impressed by the high-quality action. “The cricket was top-notch, with around seven matches going right down to the last ball—that’s incredible! This is a key stepping stone for players to make their mark and hopefully get picked at the DP World ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction. Our goal is to build deeper talent reserves for cricket in this region.”
White also talked about the tournament’s growing impact across the Gulf. “We’re not just focusing on UAE cricket—we’re sparking growth in the wider region. For instance, Kuwait started its own development competition this year, and their players are entering the auction. It’s exciting to see cricket expanding so fast in the Gulf.”
This ILT20 Development Tournament is clearly doing wonders for emerging cricketers and the sport’s future in the UAE and beyond.
