The highly anticipated DP World International League T20 (ILT20) Season 3 is set to commence with a grand opening ceremony on January 11, 2025, at the iconic Dubai International Stadium, famously known as ‘The Ring of Fire’.

Bollywood superstars Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde and Sonam Bajwa will headline the spectacular event, blending the magic of cinema with the adrenaline of cricket.

The dazzling ceremony, starting at 6 pm local time, promises an unforgettable evening filled with blockbuster dance performances and a breathtaking fireworks display. Gates to the stadium will open at 4 pm for fans eager to soak in the pre-match excitement, with the event being broadcast globally via Zee Network and its digital platforms.

Shahid Kapoor, a self-proclaimed cricket enthusiast, shared his excitement, saying, “Cricket and dancing are two things I love, and bringing them together in such a grand celebration is truly special. The DP World ILT20 opening is going to be a celebration of cric-tainment. Get your tickets and join us for an unforgettable night!”

Renowned Bollywood producer and actor Jackky Bhagnani, along with Ridhima Pathak, will emcee the event, adding charm and flair to the proceedings. Following the performances, defending champions MI Emirates will take on Dubai Capitals in a rematch of last year’s thrilling finale, with the first ball scheduled for 7:15 pm local time.

Adding to the allure, fans can avail a special offer of four general-category tickets for just AED 40, making it a perfect family outing to witness the fusion of cricket and Bollywood glamour.

Running from January 11 to February 9, 2025, the league will feature a stellar lineup of international cricket stars. Retained players include powerhouses like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Alex Hales, and David Warner, while new entrants such as Tim Southee, Fakhar Zaman, and Romario Shepherd are set to make their ILT20 debuts.

Franchise favorites returning for Season 3 include Jason Roy (Sharjah Warriorz) and Jason Holder (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), ensuring fans can look forward to riveting performances on the field.

The DP World ILT20 opening ceremony encapsulates the spirit of cric-tainment, uniting Bollywood glitz with T20 cricket’s high-octane action. With a star-studded evening and a competitive season ahead, fans are in for an enthralling journey from the first performance to the final ball.