The six squads for the fourth DP World ILT20 Development Tournament have been finalised following the player draft on 2 September, with the competition set to begin at the ICC Academy in Dubai on 14 September.
The final is scheduled for 24 September. The teams will meet in a single round-robin league before the semi-finals on 23 September, giving players an opportunity to impress ahead of the ILT20 Season 5 auction in Dubai on 1 October.
Defending champions Sharjah Warriorz Development have UAE internationals Junaid Siddique and Ethan D’Souza in their squad, alongside Dhruv Parashar and UAE ODI captain Harpreet Singh Bhatia. The Warriorz beat Desert Vipers Development in last year’s final.
Muhammad Waseem heads the MI Emirates Development batting group, with Muhammad Rohid, Ali Naseer, Aryan Lakra and Zahoor Khan also selected. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Development include Alishan Sharafu, wicketkeeper-batter Mayank Choudhary and pace bowler Ibrar Ahmad.
Desert Vipers Development have retained a strong core that includes Sanjay Pahal, last year’s Player of the Tournament after scoring 157 runs and taking 12 wickets. Khuzaima Tanveer, Matiullah Khan and wicketkeeper-batter Vriitya Aravind are also in the squad.
Dubai Capitals Development can call on Haider Ali and Muhammad Jawadullah with the ball. Their batting options include Akshdeep Nath and Raees Ahmed, who scored 227 runs for Sharjah in the previous edition.
Gulf Giants Development have retained Haider Razzaq, last year’s leading wicket-taker with 16 wickets in seven matches. Aayan Afzal Khan, Sohaib Khan, Sagar Kalyan and Tanish Suri are also included. Kalyan and Suri scored 230 and 220 runs respectively in last year’s tournament.
Desert Vipers Development face MI Emirates Development in the opening fixture on 14 September, followed by Gulf Giants Development against Dubai Capitals Development. Broadcast and streaming partners will be announced in the coming days, the league said.
