ILT20 2026: Klaasen, Miller and Finn Allen Set for Debuts as Stoinis Returns

Since the beginning of its fifth season, many big international cricketers are playing in the league like ILT20 2026 (International League T20). The Gulf Giants also welcome South African stars Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller for their ILT20 debuts while New Zealand batter Finn Allen will be making his Abu Dhabi Knight Riders first appearance in the competition after signing with the franchise.

The next season of the ILT20 will take place from 22 November to 20 December 2026. In a statement issued jointly on Saturday, the two boards confirmed 34 matches will take place across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

One of the big gains from that tournament is of Australian allrounder Marcus Stoinis. Stoinis will make a return to the ILT20 after three years in the Dubai Capitals. The franchise has also included Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad in its roster, while keeping Rovman Powell and Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman.

Holder’s Desert Vipers have included Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman in their squad. The franchise have also secured the services of Shimron Hetmyer, Andries Gous and Dan Lawrence which gives the side an exciting blend of power hitting and all_round ability.

MI Emirates have also retained some of their key players, including Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan and Romario Shepherd. Ahead of the auction later today, the team has also secured West Indies allrounder Sherfane Rutherford.

Finn Allen will team up Sunil Narine and Jason Holder at Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. The franchise has also secured USA’s Matthew Tromp as an additional outfield option in overseas depth.

Sharjah Warriors, on the other hand, who were group stage contenders in the tournament’s first edition, retained one player from their previous side (Sikandar Raza) and added Adam Milne, James Vince and Waqar Salamkheil. Heading the franchise will also be a Rookie head coach, Adrian Birrell

Squads will be finalised at the ILT20 auction in Dubai on October 1 for these remaining spots. The teams will have 18 to 23 players, with each franchise permitted one wildcard signing after the auction.

As a number of global stars are set to join the league, with several well-known names returning, ILT20 Season 5 is sure to add another chapter in UAE franchise cricket.