Desert Vipers lift ILT20 2025–26 crown with clinical win over MI Emirates
The International League T20 (ILT20) wrapped up its 2025–26 season with Desert Vipers claiming the title after a convincing 46-run victory over MI Emirates at Dubai International Stadium. Launched to grow cricket in the UAE, the ILT20 has used the trio of Dubai International Stadium, Sheikh Zayed Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Stadium as its regular venues since the first season in 2023.
Final at a glance
Desert Vipers posted a competitive 182 for 4 in their 20 overs after being sent in to bat. Sam Curran starred with a composed unbeaten 74 off 51 balls, striking eight fours and two sixes, while Max Holden supported with 41 off 32. Useful contributions from Fakhar Zaman (20 off 15) and Dan Lawrence (23 off 15) helped the Vipers set a challenging target.
MI Emirates faltered in the chase and were bowled out for 136 in 18.3 overs. Shakib Al Hasan top-scored for them with 36 off 27, backed by Muhammad Waseem’s quickfire 26 off 13 and Kieron Pollard’s 28. Naseem Shah led the Vipers’ bowling attack with a brilliant 3 for 18, David Payne grabbed 3 for 42, and Khuzaima Tanveer plus Usman Tariq chipped in with two wickets each.
Key performances that decided the final
- Sam Curran — unbeaten 74, earned Player of the Match and the season’s Most Valuable Player honours with consistent all-round displays.
- Naseem Shah — crucial opening spell and three wickets to derail MI Emirates’ chase early.
- Max Holden — a steady 41 that gave the Vipers momentum in the middle overs.
- MI Emirates — despite efforts from Shakib and Waseem, the lineup couldn’t build sustained partnerships.
Previous champions — how the competition has evolved
The ILT20 has produced four different champions in as many seasons, reflecting a competitive and unpredictable tournament.
| Season | Year | Champion | Runners-up | Final margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st edition | 2023 | Gulf Giants | Desert Vipers | Giants won by 7 wickets |
| 2nd edition | 2024 | MI Emirates | Dubai Capitals | MI Emirates won by 45 runs |
| 3rd edition | 2025 | Dubai Capitals | Desert Vipers | Capitals won by 4 wickets |
| 4th edition | 2025–26 | Desert Vipers | MI Emirates | Vipers won by 46 runs |
The ILT20 belt system — a fresh twist
One of the ILT20’s most talked-about innovations is its belt system. Borrowed in spirit from American sports and combat-sport imagery, belts in the ILT20 are used to highlight individual and team excellence throughout the season. Rather than a single award, the league hands out multiple colored belts to recognise different achievements, making the format feel distinct from other T20 competitions.
What each belt represents
- Red Belt — Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the season.
- Green Belt — Best batter (most runs in the season).
- White Belt — Best bowler (most wickets in the season).
- Blue Belt — Best UAE player (top-performing local talent).
- Black Belt — Awarded to the winning team’s captain or the most outstanding performer in the final; a recent addition to the league’s honours.
Beyond belts, the ILT20 also hands out awards such as Final Player of the Match, Best Catch of the Season and Most Sixes, often accompanied by sizeable cash prizes.
Belt winners from the 2025–26 season
- Red Belt (MVP) — Sam Curran (Desert Vipers). His all-round impact across the season and a match-winning final performance secured the MVP title.
- Green Belt (Most Runs) — Sam Curran (Desert Vipers). Curran topped the batting charts, combining consistency with big contributions when it mattered.
- White Belt (Most Wickets) — Waqar Salamkheil (Dubai Capitals). The left-arm quick finished as the season’s leading wicket-taker.
- Blue Belt (Best UAE Player) — Muhammad Waseem (MI Emirates). Waseem continued his dominance among local players, earning the blue belt for the fourth straight season.
- Black Belt (Champions) — Desert Vipers. The Vipers earned the black belt along with the title following their comprehensive final victory.
What the title means for Desert Vipers and the league
Desert Vipers’ triumph underlines the competitive depth of the ILT20 and the value of strong pace bowling and middle-order firepower in T20 cricket. For the UAE, the league continues to raise the profile of local players while attracting international stars, helping to cement the country’s reputation as a year-round global cricket hub.
As the ILT20 heads into its next edition, the belt system and rotating cast of champions ensure the tournament will keep fans engaged and talking — both in the stands and beyond.