The schedule and format of the UAE International T20 League (ILT20) are almost fixed. This league can start on January 13. A total of 34 games are expected to be played in this 6-team league. All teams will play two matches against each other. After this playoff the games will be played. The final match of this league is likely to be held on February 12. This information has been revealed in a Cricinfo report.
The dates for this league also clash with four other franchise leagues. Actually, the T20 leagues will be played in South Africa, Australia, Pakistan and Bangladesh between January and February. The South African SAT20 League will be played from January 10 to February 11. Australia’s Big Bash League will kick off in December and run until February 4. Meanwhile, the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season will kick off on February 9. The Bangladesh Premier League will also be played in this window.
Most of the teams in this UAE T20 league are owned by Indian companies. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates have connections with IPL teams. Apart from this, Sharjah Warriors, Desert Vipers and Gulf Giants are three other teams in this league. A total of 84 international players and 24 players from the United Arab Emirates are included in these 6 teams.
Many big faces will be seen in the UAE International T20 League. This includes the likes of Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Trent Boult, Alex Hales, Moeen Ali, Vanindu Hasaranga, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Sikandar Raza. Big players will get US$4.50 lakh for a season from this league which means it will become the highest paid league after the IPL.