The UAE’s International League Twenty20 (ILT20) is all set to kick off on January 13 with an opening clash between Dubai Capitals and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Dubai International Stadium.
A star-studded ILT20’s inaugural ceremony, headlined RnB star Jason Deruloby, will also be held at the same venue ahead of the opening fixture.
Making its debut on Friday January 13 (2023), the inaugural ILT20, which has received multi-year ICC approval, will be played in a 34-match format across the UAE’s cricket facilities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Cricket fans across the world can catch the LIVE telecast of ILT20 on ZEE’s linear channels, digital platform, Zee5 as well as Zee Cinema SD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema, &Pictures HD, &Flix SD, &Flix HD, Zee Zest SD, Zee Zest HD, Zee Bangla Cinema and Zee Thirai.
Franchise teams, comprising 84 International and 24 UAE-based players, include Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Kolkata Knight Riders), Desert Vipers (Lancer Capital), Dubai Capitals (GMR), Gulf Giants (Adani Sportsline), MI Emirates (Reliance Industries), and Sharjah Warriors (Capri Global).
Deruloby, an award-winning singer-songwriter, known for hits like Sliding, Savage Love, Don’t Wanna Go Home, and Whatcha Say, is expected to have the crowd on their feet at the Dubai International Stadium’s ‘Ring of Fire’.
Mubashshir Usmani, general secretary, Emirates Cricket Board, said, “Jason is an incredibly dynamic and creative artist, he has a very strong affinity with the UAE and Dubai, and league management is thrilled to bring his energy and influential style to the ILT20 Opening Ceremony. We anticipate his performance, alongside that of the dynamic Badshah, to bring a distinctive verve to the ‘Ring of Fire’. This duo is going to launch the inaugural edition of the league with performances that resonate with this truly unique and world-class tournament.”
