Squads locked in for DP World ILT20 Development Tournament in Dubai

DUBAI: The six franchises that will compete at the third DP World International League T20 Development Tournament have finalized their squads for the competition through a player selection draft.

Each team features 15 cricketers from the UAE who represent some of the most exciting talent in the country, including several who have already played in the DP World ILT20.

The tournament, which begins on Aug 24 and culminates with the final on Sept. 3, serves as a platform for the country’s rising stars in the sport to showcase their talent ahead of the DP World ILT20 2025 Player Auction, which will take place at the end of September, a few days after the Asia Cup 2025 concludes in the UAE.

The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Development squad includes Ibrar Ahmad, who picked up four wickets in seven appearances for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the third season of the DP World ILT20 at the start of this year. He is joined by Aditya Shetty, who played for the team in season 2, and Shahid Iqbal Bhutta, who made three appearances in season 3.

The Desert Vipers Development team features Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, who impressed by taking seven wickets in as many matches during season 3 of the DP World ILT20, including a match-winning 4 for 22 against Sharjah Warriorz. Also in the squad are Ali Naseer, who has represented the Vipers in all three seasons of the DP World ILT20 to date, and Tanish Suri, who was in the squad for seasons 2 and 3.

The lineup for Dubai Capitals Development includes Farhan Khan, who stood out during DP World ILT20 Season 3 by defending 11 runs against MI Emirates’ Kieron Pollard in the season opener and went on to play in seven matches. His teammates include Zeeshan Naseer, who was part of the Capitals’ senior squad