Author: Naeem Akhter

Dubai The DP World ILT20 launched in spectacular fashion at the Dubai International Stadium today. The star-studded trio of Bollywood superstars Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, and Sonam Bajwa headlined a blockbuster opening ceremony as fans packed the iconic ‘Ring of Fire’ for the double-entertainment offer – opening ceremony and the tournament opener – for the region’s premier T20 tournament. The festivities culminated in a stunning fireworks display signaling the start of the season. Bollywood actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani and popular host Ridhima Pathak kept the crowd engaged as emcees for the evening. Audiences from around the world can catch the action…

Read More

Dubai, The Dubai Capitals aim to dominate the third season of the DP World ILT20 with a formidable combination of international firepower, the exuberance of youth, and tactical depth. The franchise has retained the core performers and bolstered the side with strategic new acquisitions, including exciting players like Ben Dunk, Scott Kuggeleijn, and Sharafuddin Ashraf. Hemang Badani, head coach of Dubai Capitals, spoke about the upcoming season, saying, “The balance we’ve achieved in our squad this season is exceptional. Our core players do gives us the depth and versatility needed to tackle any challenge. Our preparation has been intense,…

Read More

Dubai, The stage is set for the highly anticipated return of the DP World ILT20 Season 3, promising to mesmerise cricket fans across the globe. The action will begin on Saturday, January 11, 2025, with a thrilling clash between reigning champions MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals in a rematch of the Season 2 final, at the Dubai International Stadium. Following two spectacular seasons, this year’s DP World ILT20 is primed to be bigger, bolder, and more exhilarating than ever before. Ahead of the month-long cricketing spectacle, captains from five of the six franchises and inaugural season champions Gulf Giants fast…

Read More

Dubai The DP World ILT20 Season 3 is poised to grip the spectators and the fans across the world with a glittering opening ceremony, headlined by Bollywood megastars Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, and Sonam Bajwa. Their mesmerising acts will ignite the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday, 11 January 2025, starting at 6:00pm local time. Shahid, Pooja and Sonam will kick off the celebrations with spectacular performances to their blockbuster songs followed by an exquisite display of fireworks to enthral spectators. Adding further glitz to the occasion, renowned Bollywood producer and actor Jackky Bhagnani and Ridhima Pathak will emcee the…

Read More

Sharjah, Winning crucial moments and maximising the powerplay – these are a couple of aspects that the Sharjah Warriorz have their eyes on as they prepare for an entertaining Season 3 of the DP World ILT20. The Sharjah Warriorz, who will be captained by Tim Southee and has JP Duminy as the head coach, will commence their campaign at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium against the Gulf Giants on 12 January. Former South African cricketer JP Duminy wants his side to keep things relatively simple and take it one game at a time. He said, “It is crucial to keep…

Read More

Dubai, The DP World ILT20 Season 3 begins on Saturday, 11 January at the Dubai International Stadium with the Dubai Capitals hosting the defending champions MI Emirates in the tournament opener from 7:15pm local time on Saturday, 11 January. Amongst the major changes in the squads in the lead-up to the tournament opener, England opener Phil Salt and Pakistan left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Muqeem have joined the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Salt has been included as a Wildcard while Sufiyan has been added to the squad following the unavailability of Hassan Khan. Afghanistan spinner Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar will play for…

Read More

Dubai, With the third season of the DP World ILT20 commencing on January 11, Adani Sportsline-owned Gulf Giants, one of the most successful teams in the league, are gearing up for yet another exciting campaign. After clinching the title in the inaugural season and making it to the playoffs in the second, the foundations are in place for Gulf Giants to reclaim their crown this year. The combination of Andy Flower as Head Coach and James Vince as Captain will continue to be at the helm with a solid line-up of both domestic and international players, including new additions like…

Read More

Dubai: “The year’s last fashion show ended with a bang, thanks to Shuja Sami’s dramatic entry. The show, organized by Zia Zafar . Designer Rivaj, featured prominent models from across the country. The fashion show, ‘Style Runway Season 16’, was held at the Sunset Club in Defense, Karachi. The event showcased stunning outfits from renowned designers, including Trends Manakari, Tharaz, Rehbar Collection, Rivaj Been, and Binaz Collection. Pakistan’s top models, including Mathira, Hiba Ali, Shuja Sami, Shamoon Abbasi, Fozan Khan, and Yumna Arif, walked the ramp, making the show a memorable one. Guest of honor, Morocco’s Honorary Consul Mirza…

Read More

Dubai, Pakistan top-order powerhouse Fakhar Zaman is getting ready for the ILT20 with the Desert Vipers, but he believes he still has plenty to offer Pakistan. The 34 year-old has not played for his country since the ICC T20 World Cup in June of 2024, but he told the Vipers Voices podcast he has not turned the page on his international career. “Hundred percent I will play for Pakistan (again),” he said. “Actually, many people do not know about that, but after the T20 World Cup I got sick and because of the medical condition I was not fit, so…

Read More

Dubai Australian umpire, Simon Taufel, widely regarded as one of the best in the history of the sport, returns to lead the ILT20 Season 3 match officials panel. Taufel will be joined by Roshan Mahanama as the pair serve as match referees for the region’s most exciting T20 tournament. Notably, Taufel’s association with the DP World ILT20 extends into its third season. Renowned for officiating historic matches such as the 2011 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final and the 2012 ICC T20 World Cup final, Taufel will also perform duties as an umpire for the opening match of the season…

Read More