ILT20 Season 5 turns up the pace
Fast-bowling legends Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar have been named tournament ambassadors for ILT20 Season 5, bringing together two of the quickest and most feared bowlers in cricket history as the league gears up for another exciting season. I’m looking forward to being part of Season 5, meeting the fans and helping build the excitement around another great season of T20 cricket,” said Lee. Season 5 will feature plenty of international firepower, with Finn Allen set to make his debut for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, while David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen will make their maiden appearances for Gulf Giants. The six-team, 34-match Season 5 of the ILT20 will be played across November and December 2026, with defending champions Desert Vipers looking to retain their title.
Akhtar, who has previously served as an ILT20 ambassador, said he was pleased to return to the league and highlighted the progress of UAE cricketers, particularly its fast bowlers. I’m looking forward to making more memories with him and inspiring the current and upcoming generation of UAE and Gulf cricketers,” he said. “I’m delighted to be joining the ILT20 as a tournament ambassador. I have been following the league for a while, and it has created a fantastic platform for international stars and emerging talent to come together in the UAE. “Brett and I have shared many battles on the field, so it’s great to be associated with the league together. Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis will return to the tournament with Dubai Capitals after a three-year gap.