The ILT20 2025 features six franchises, each backed by prominent owners from diverse industries. These teams include MI Emirates, Dubai Capitals, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, Gulf Giants, and Sharjah Warriorz. Each franchise is owned by global conglomerates, business tycoons, and established cricket entities, further elevating the prestige and competition of the tournament. The ownership structure brings a mix of investment, expertise, and passion for the game, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
The ILT20 2025 is set to take place from January 11 to February 9.
The third edition of the tournament is set to kick off on Saturday, January 11, 2025. A total of 34 games will be played, including 30 league matches, followed by Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final.
Six teams will compete for the title: Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Gulf Giants, Desert Vipers, and Sharjah Warriorz.
The tournament will be held across three iconic venues: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, and Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
ILT20 2025: Franchises and their owners
1. Dubai Capitals
Owned by the GMR Group, an Indian multinational conglomerate based in New Delhi, the Dubai Capitals are co-owned by the same group that owns the IPL franchise Delhi Capitals (DC). GMR also holds a stake in the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States.
2. MI Emirates
MI Emirates are owned by Indiawin Sports, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, which also owns the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians (MI) and the SA20 team MI Cape Town. MI Emirates claimed victory in the ILT20 2024.
3. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
Owned by the Knight Riders Group, a sports alliance between Red Chillies Entertainment and the Mehta Group, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders are part of a larger portfolio, which includes the IPL’s Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the Caribbean Premier League’s Trinbago Knight Riders, and the Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket.
4. Gulf Giants
Gulf Giants are owned by the Adani Group, a leading Indian business conglomerate that also owns Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL). Gulf Giants made history by winning the first season of the ILT20, defeating Desert Vipers by seven wickets in the final.
5. Desert Vipers
Desert Vipers are owned by Lancer Capital LLC, chaired by Avram Glazer, co-chairman of Manchester United. The team is led by CEO Phil Oliver and cricket director Tom Moody.
6. Sharjah Warriorz
Sharjah Warriorz are owned by Capri Global, which also owns UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).