Pakistan’s best to join World Cup winners, West Indies stars in ILT20 Season 4 in UAE

Dubai: From England’s World Cup-winning stars to West Indian power-hitters and plenty of Pakistani talent, the DP World ILT20 is shaping up to be cricket’s next global hotspot. With eight-player squads locked in and the player auction looming, franchises have already begun laying strong foundations for what promises to be the league’s most competitive season yet, which begins blockbuster opening during Eid Al Etihad celebrations December 2.

Five UAE stars in the mix

The initial squads for Season Four feature five UAE stars — Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Waseem, Aayan Afzal Khan, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer and Muhammad Jawadullah — with the six teams set to compete in 34 matches, culminating in the final on January 4.

England’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 winners — Alex Hales, Chris Woakes, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Phil Salt and Sam Curran (Season 3 Red Belt Winner – Most Valuable Player) — are among the headline names set to return. They’ll be joined by West Indian megastars Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Sherfane Rutherford and Shai Hope (Season 3 Green Belt Winner – Best Batter), alongside Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza and Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi (Season 3 White Belt Winner – Best Bowler) and seven member Sri Lankans among the 48-player list.

Australia’s Tim David and New Zealand pace duo Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee have also confirmed their availability, reaffirming the ILT20’s reputation as a truly international T20 event.

The squad-building process has reached its halfway stage, with each franchise selecting eight players during the retention and new signings windows, which closed on June 16 and 30 respectively.

The next phase — a player auction — is set to further bolster line-ups, with the date and full details to be announced soon. Dubai Capitals defeated Desert Vipers by four wickets in a thrilling final in February this year.

More surprises in store

One team expected to be particularly active during the auction is the Desert Vipers. While they have retained the core of their side from previous seasons, including Lockie Ferguson — who will continue as captain — they are also eyeing new avenues for recruitment.

Director of Cricket Tom Moody confirmed the Vipers would be open to bringing Pakistani players into the mix. “Yes absolutely. We can expect Pakistani players to feature for the Vipers in season four,” he said. “I am sure now with an auction process that is happening in September, that we will see a few Pakistan players nominate for that auction.

“And we would be very keen to have a look at what talent is applying for that auction. We have got a good relationship with Pakistan and Pakistan cricketers and there is no mistaking their talent. If we can build our squad with two or three Pakistan players, we certainly will do, because they bring so much both on and off the field.”

Difficult task of restricting to eight players

Moody also reflected on the challenge of limiting their retentions to just eight players. “We have built a long association with a core group in the first three years of the ILT20, and we pride ourselves on trying to have that continuity and consistency with our playing group,” he said. “But to be restricted to eight players was a challenge.”

With all six franchises actively reshaping their squads — and the promise of new international signings on the horizon — ILT20 Season 4 is building up to be a month-long blockbuster.