In a historic move, the International League T20 (ILT20), based in the UAE, has become the first-ever T20 league run by an Associate nation’s board to secure List-A status from the International Cricket Council (ICC). Despite being just a season old, the ILT20 has quickly gained prominence in the cricketing world due to the caliber of players it attracts.
A Major Milestone for ILT20
The newly acquired List-A status signifies that the ILT20 will now be officially recognized as a T20 tournament, with all tournament statistics gaining official status. In response to this significant development, the ILT20 released a statement calling it a “major milestone” and a “major boost” for the league.
David White, Chief Executive of the ILT20, expressed gratitude to the ICC for the acknowledgment. He stated, “Earning the List A status is a major milestone for the DP World International League T20. We would like to thank the ICC for the acknowledgment. The recognition is a clear indication of the strength and stature of our league.”

Breaking boundaries! ILT20 makes history as the first Associate-run franchise league to earn 'official' List-A status. A major milestone just ahead of the second season. 
#ILT20 #Cricket https://t.co/to9AkDrbFj
— Home of T20 (@HomeofT20) December 11, 2023
ILT20 becomes first Associate-run franchise league to get 'official' List-A status
It is now a List A tournament, which means all tournament statistics will be given official status pic.twitter.com/QwcpL8LQai
— CrickologyNews (@CrickologyNews) December 11, 2023
Second Edition Set to Kick Off
The upcoming second edition of the ILT20 is scheduled to commence on January 19 and will conclude on February 17. Despite overlapping with other T20 leagues like the BPL, SA20 league in South Africa, the Australian BBL, the Super Smash in New Zealand, and potentially the PSL, the ILT20 has managed to attract an impressive lineup of T20 stars.
T20 heavyweights such as David Warner, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Alex Hales, Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Jordan, Trent Boult, Nicholas Pooran, Chris Woakes, and Maheesh Theekshana are among those set to showcase their skills in the ILT20.
Currently featuring six teams, with three owned by groups that also own IPL teams (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Dubai Capitals, and MI Emirates), the ILT20 has quickly established itself as a competitive and sought-after T20 league. The Gulf Giants emerged victorious in the inaugural edition, defeating Desert Vipers in the final.
A Major Milestone for ILT20
The newly acquired List-A status signifies that the ILT20 will now be officially recognized as a T20 tournament, with all tournament statistics gaining official status. In response to this significant development, the ILT20 released a statement calling it a “major milestone” and a “major boost” for the league.
David White, Chief Executive of the ILT20, expressed gratitude to the ICC for the acknowledgment. He stated, “Earning the List A status is a major milestone for the DP World International League T20. We would like to thank the ICC for the acknowledgment. The recognition is a clear indication of the strength and stature of our league.”
— Home of T20 (@HomeofT20) December 11, 2023
ILT20 becomes first Associate-run franchise league to get 'official' List-A status
It is now a List A tournament, which means all tournament statistics will be given official status pic.twitter.com/QwcpL8LQai
— CrickologyNews (@CrickologyNews) December 11, 2023
Second Edition Set to Kick Off
The upcoming second edition of the ILT20 is scheduled to commence on January 19 and will conclude on February 17. Despite overlapping with other T20 leagues like the BPL, SA20 league in South Africa, the Australian BBL, the Super Smash in New Zealand, and potentially the PSL, the ILT20 has managed to attract an impressive lineup of T20 stars.
T20 heavyweights such as David Warner, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Alex Hales, Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Jordan, Trent Boult, Nicholas Pooran, Chris Woakes, and Maheesh Theekshana are among those set to showcase their skills in the ILT20.
Currently featuring six teams, with three owned by groups that also own IPL teams (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Dubai Capitals, and MI Emirates), the ILT20 has quickly established itself as a competitive and sought-after T20 league. The Gulf Giants emerged victorious in the inaugural edition, defeating Desert Vipers in the final.

