The fifth edition of the UAE’s ILT20 tournament is set to get underway on November 22. The tournament will run through to December 20, having 34 matches. This includes 30 league-stage games followed by four playoff matches. The matches will be staged across the UAE's Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
The final will be hosted in Dubai, continuing a tradition that has remained unchanged since the tournament’s inception. Desert Vipers will head into the tournament as defending champions, having lifted their maiden trophy with a 46-run win over MI Emirates last year.
"We are pleased to confirm the DP World International League T20 Season 5 window. The biggest cricketing spectacle in the Gulf region will be played from Sunday, November 22 to Sunday, December 20, 2026. We are delighted with Season 4's success. The broadcast numbers, spectator interest, and the participation of top T20 stars made the tournament a remarkable success, as the quality of the league grew further," David White, the CEO of ILT20, said.
Meanwhile, after previously shifting its window from January–February to December–January, the tournament has been moved even earlier this year. Notably, the ILT20 has previously clashed with the Big Bash and South Africa's SA20.