Dubai’s largest billboard a sign of ILT20's grand ambitions

When David White arrived in the CEO’s office at DP World International League HQ for the first time last September, he had one item in his in-tray. An item marked “crowds”.

Whether it was written in block caps with a bold marker, underlined three times, and with a string of exclamation marks is unconfirmed. Either way, it is clear what the most pressing point on the agenda is ahead of the start of Season 2 next week.

The 62-year-old, who played two Tests for his country during his playing days, landed in Dubai after 12 years at New Zealand Cricket as chief executive.

He took up an offer from Mubashshir Usmani, the general secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board, to come and help develop the country’s franchise T20 competition.

In many ways, he will have found a tournament in good health. After one pilot edition so far, the ILT20 already has an enviable roster of players.

Operationally, the first season was flawlessly run. As you might expect, given the UAE’s wealth of experience hosting major cricket, dating back 40 years, and including IPLs, PSLs, and even T20 World Cups.

The first ILT20 season proved popular among players, too. Six weeks enjoying UAE hospitality is never a chore, after all.

The franchises already have a wealth of expertise in administration. Three of the six are offshoots of Indian Premier League teams. Two others have since taken on teams in the Women’s Premier League in India.

And the remaining team, Desert Vipers, were arguably the most impressive of all the start-up franchises last season. They finished runners-up on the field but were the most vivid presence off it.

For many onlookers abroad, though, the salient memory of Season 1 was the swathes of empty seats in the stands. Other than the