The much-anticipated third season of the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) is set to take place from January 11 to February 9, 2024, featuring a total of 34 matches.
The tournament will unfold across three iconic venues in the UAE, Dubai International Stadium, Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Cricket fans can watch all the exciting action on ZEE’s 15 linear TV channels and ZEE5, the network’s popular OTT platform. Global broadcast partners for the league will be announced in the coming days.
The season opener on January 11 will see defending champions MI Emirates take on Dubai Capitals in a high-stakes rematch of the previous season’s grand finale. The tournament will culminate with the grand finale at the Dubai International Stadium on February 9, 2024.
ZEE Entertainment is targeting a global audience of 230 million viewers, leveraging its expansive broadcasting strategy, which includes the inclusion of South Indian channels to broaden its reach. This follows the remarkable success of the previous season, where the league attracted 348 million unique viewers globally, with 221 million of those viewers from India. The league’s growing popularity has helped solidify it as the world’s second-most-watched T20 cricket competition.
Reflecting on the upcoming season, Ashish Sehgal, Chief Growth Officer of Digital & Broadcast Revenue at Zee Entertainment, said, “ZEE is thrilled to present the third edition of DP World ILT20 and promises an electrifying experience to cricket fans around the world. With the presence of world’s finest and popular players, six leading sporting franchises, and iconic stadiums, we are confident this season will further solidify the league’s stature as one of the most widely followed cricket events in the world.”
The tournament will showcase some of the finest T20 players, with stars like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, David Warner, Chris Jordan, and Nicholas Pooran among the key players. Additionally, a fresh set of players, including Jason Roy, Fakhar Zaman, and Shai Hope, will make their DP World ILT20 debut. The six participating teams will also feature a mix of top international stars and the best UAE talent, ensuring a competitive and entertaining series of matches.
David White, CEO of DP World ILT20, expressed excitement for the third season,“We are set for a bigger and better edition of the DP World International League T20 as we unveil the schedule for Season 3. Our six teams have gathered a lineup of world-class T20 stars alongside the best UAE talent to provide cricket fans with rich entertainment during the tournament.”
The tournament will be broadcast with Hindi and English commentary to further engage cricket fans in the Indian subcontinent. ZEE Entertainment is also working to enhance fan engagement through various stadium activities, including fan carnivals at the venues in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. Tickets for the season are expected to be launched soon with special offers for fans and families, especially during the weekends.
With a star-studded roster and an extensive broadcasting strategy, the third edition of the DP World ILT20 is poised to be a cricketing spectacle.