The six teams
Desert VipersCaptain: Babar Azam · Coach: James Foster · Base: Dubai
Defending champions. Babar Azam takes the armband for his first ILT20 season.
MI EmiratesCaptain: Nicholas Pooran · Coach: Mark Boucher · Base: Dubai
Runners-up last season, now coached by Mark Boucher and captained by Nicholas Pooran.
Dubai CapitalsCaptain: Faf du Plessis · Coach: Hemang Badani · Base: Dubai
The 2025 champions, rebuilt around Faf du Plessis for Season 5.
Gulf GiantsCaptain: Jos Buttler · Coach: Simon Helmot · Base: Dubai
The inaugural champions from 2023, led by Jos Buttler.
Abu Dhabi Knight RidersCaptain: Jason Holder · Coach: Dwayne Bravo · Base: Abu Dhabi
Still chasing a first title after four seasons. Holder captains, Bravo coaches.
Sharjah WarriorzCaptain: James Vince · Coach: Adrian Birrell · Base: Sharjah
Still chasing a first title. Vince keeps the captaincy for Season 5.
Captains, coaches and titles verified against the ILT20 teams file (last verified 30 October 2026). Each team name above links to its own page, with the full verified squad, all 10 fixtures and the playoff maths.
Four champions, two chasers
Four of the six teams have won this league. Desert Vipers are the defending champions after winning 2025-26, Dubai Capitals won in 2025, MI Emirates in 2024 and Gulf Giants won the first season in 2023. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Sharjah Warriorz have never lifted the trophy — Season 5 is their next chance.
Every team plays 10 league matches, each opponent twice, and the top four reach the playoffs. The full fixture list is on the ILT20 Schedule page, and the standings, once play starts, are on the ILT20 Points Table page.
What each team plays for
A win is worth 2 points, and with six teams chasing four playoff places, two sides go home after the league stage. The league stage runs from 21 November to 14 December, then Qualifier 1 on 16 December, the Eliminator on 17 December, Qualifier 2 on 18 December in Sharjah, and the final on 20 December in Dubai. SialTV follows every team through the season.
Frequently asked questions
How many teams play in the ILT20?
Six teams: Desert Vipers, MI Emirates, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Sharjah Warriorz. Each team plays 10 league matches.
Who are the defending ILT20 champions?
Desert Vipers won the 2025-26 season, so they defend the title in Season 5. Babar Azam captains them for his first ILT20 season.
Which ILT20 team has won the most titles?
No team has won it twice. Desert Vipers (2025-26), Dubai Capitals (2025), MI Emirates (2024) and Gulf Giants (2023) have one title each. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Sharjah Warriorz have none yet.
Where are the full squads for each ILT20 team?
Each team now has its own page with its full verified squad, all 10 fixtures and the playoff maths. Captains, coaches and titles for all six teams are listed above.
More ILT20 coverage
- ILT20 Schedule — Every fixture, date and session.
- ILT20 Points Table — Standings and the playoff race.
- ILT20 Results — Every result, once the season starts.
- ILT20 Live Scores — The next match and live updates.
- ILT20 Stats — Top scorers, wicket takers and records.
- ILT20 Tickets — Availability and official channels.
- ILT20 — the season in full: schedule, teams, venues and where to watch.