DUBAI: The DP World ILT20 Development Tournament returned for its third edition on Sunday at the ICC Academy in Dubai with CEO David White highlighting the competition鈥檚 growth, role in developing young talent, and contribution to the UAE鈥檚 cricket depth and professionalism.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a great opportunity for these young men to stake a claim to be selected in the full tournament (DP World International League season four), so it鈥檚 incredibly important,鈥 he said in a statement recently.
鈥淟ast year, there was a big improvement in the standard, and I鈥檓 sure it鈥檚 going to be an even higher standard again this year.鈥
鈥淣ot only their skills, but also their attitude, their strength and conditioning, the whole level of professionalism has increased,鈥 White added.
鈥淲e鈥檝e already had success stories. A lot of these players have played this tournament and then gone on to do well in the main event. The fact that they get to perform in front of cameras, with matches streamed live, adds both pressure and incentive at the same time.鈥
With the DP World ILT20 Player Auction for season four set just days after the Asia Cup 2025, all eyes will be on the development tournament as teams aim to secure the UAE鈥檚 most exciting talent for the minimum of two spots in the playing XI.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a big opportunity to impress. If they do get selected in one of the franchise teams, they鈥檒l not only participate in the league but also train with world-class coaches,鈥 White said.
The DP World ILT20 season four runs from Dec. 2 to Jan. 4, having established itself as a global competition.
White said: 鈥淭he league last year really stepped up. It is very pleasing now that we are talked about, in global cricket terms, as one of the big leagues.
鈥淲hen everyone talks about the big leagues around the world, they talk about DP World ILT20 as well. We鈥檙e now mainstream, we鈥檙e a league that鈥檚 growing, getting bigger, and I鈥檓 really excited about Season 4.鈥
Looking ahead, the tournament鈥檚 festive schedule adds further appeal, said White. 鈥淒ecember and early January is a tremendous time for us. It is going to be really exciting.
鈥淚t gives us an opportunity to market over the Christmas period and the New Year period, the holiday season, which will mean that the crowds will be big, and it will give a real focus for cricket in this region.鈥
White also highlighted that the DP World ILT20 is strengthening the UAE national team.
鈥淭he UAE team have increased their depth, they now qualify for the Asia Cup, and they have the ability to beat any team on the day,鈥 he said.
鈥淲hat鈥檚 exciting about the Asia Cup is that Afghanistan, Pakistan and UAE have had a lot of experience playing in the DP World ILT20, in these conditions, which will certainly help them.鈥