ILT20 2025: The International League T20 (ILT20) held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not only causing excitement for cricket lovers but is also providing a new way for young cricketers in the country to reach the international stage. In its third season, the league is playing an important role in the development of young talent and promotion of the game.
ILT20 2025 gives children a chance to play on big grounds
One unique aspect of ILT20 2025 is that it organises pre-match activities to inspire young children to take up the sport. These activities involve children playing soft ball cricket, and that too in prestigious stadiums like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Tournament Director Andrew Russell said, “Last season, around 2,500 children experienced playing in these stadiums. This year the popularity of these activities has grown even more, and children have also started to follow their favourite teams. This shows that awareness and engagement towards the game is increasing through this tournament.
ILT20 2025 Growing engagement in grassroots cricket
ILT20 has partnered with UAE schools and academies to launch special programmes to strengthen cricket at the grassroots level. Through this, children and youth are being trained in the basic aspects of cricket.
Over the last two years, we have seen 60-70% of the players in our national team come from this developmental pathway. Initiatives such as school tournaments and development cups have given them valuable experience and confidence, which has improved their game, Russell said.
ILT20 2025 New inspiration to stay in UAE and play cricket
In earlier years, many young players from UAE used to leave the country at the age of 15-16 in search of better opportunities. But ILT20 has changed this trend.
Russell said, “Now young players believe in making their careers by staying here. ILT20 has shown them that one can reach the international stage even while staying in the country. This change is a big change in the mindset of the players.
ILT20 2025 Infrastructure is growing rapidly
ILT20 2025 Cricket infrastructure in the UAE is constantly growing. Dubai remains the main hub of cricket, but areas like Sharjah and Ajman are also rapidly developing facilities for the game.
Russell said, Ajman now has the most turf grounds in the country. On the other hand, the number of academies in Abu Dhabi has increased from three to nine in the last three years. This development is making the cricket future of UAE bright.
The game’s connection with the population
ILT20 2025 The population of the UAE is a major factor behind the growing growth of cricket in the UAE. The country has a large number of South Asian immigrants, who are already enthusiastic about cricket. Russell said, “The love for cricket already exists here. We just needed to take it in the right direction. The population of our country and their interest in the game provides a strong base for us.
Third Season: A confluence of excitement and opportunities
The third season of ILT20 2025 began on January 11 and will run till February 9, 2025. The tournament has not only thrilled cricket fans but also given local players a chance to prove themselves and make a mark on the big stage. “ILT20 is not just a tournament, it is a platform that gives players an opportunity to move forward,” Russell said. https://www.icc-cricket.com/
ILT20 takes cricket to new heights in UAE
ILT20 2025 has taken strong steps towards taking cricket to new heights in the UAE. Its initiatives are not only succeeding in grooming young players but are also helping cricket gain a new identity in the country. The growing interest of children and youth towards the game and the developing infrastructure ensure that the UAE will emerge as a strong player in international cricket in the coming years. https://khelview.com/ravichandran-ashwin/
