Dubai [UAE]: The third season of the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) is set to kick off with a grand opening ceremony on January 11 at the Dubai International Stadium. Bollywood superstars Shahid Kapoor, Pooja Hegde, and Sonam Bajwa will headline the event with electrifying performances that are expected to captivate spectators.
The ceremony will begin at 6:00 pm local time, with the stadium gates opening at 4:00 pm for fans. For those unable to attend, the ceremony will be broadcast on Zee Network and its syndication partners’ digital and linear platforms worldwide.
Shahid, Pooja, and Sonam will perform some of their blockbuster songs, followed by a spectacular fireworks display. The opening match will commence at 7:15 pm local time, featuring a rematch between the defending champions MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals, who faced off in last year’s final.
Renowned Bollywood producer and actor Jackky Bhagnani, alongside Ridhima Pathak, will host the ceremony. The evening will bring together the best of Bollywood entertainment and T20 cricket at the iconic Dubai International Stadium, also known as the “Ring of Fire.”
Ticket Offer and Special Guests
Fans can avail a special offer of four tickets for just AED 40 in the general category, making the event more accessible for spectators. Shahid Kapoor expressed his excitement about the event, saying, “If you know me, you know how much I love cricket and dancing. And when the two things come together, you can expect to get the best of both worlds, which is why I’m really looking forward to being a part of the opening ceremony of the ILT20 on January 11.”
The third season of the ILT20 will run from January 11 to February 9, featuring six franchises and top international T20 stars.
Star-Studded Lineup for ILT20 Season 3
Returning stars include Andre Russell and Sunil Narine (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Alex Hales and Sherfane Rutherford (Desert Vipers), David Warner and Rovman Powell (Dubai Capitals), Chris Jordan and Shimron Hetmyer (Gulf Giants), Akeal Hossein and Nicholas Pooran (MI Emirates), and Adil Rashid (Sharjah Warriorz).
England’s Jason Roy returns to the league, this time with Sharjah Warriorz, after two appearances for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the previous season. Former West Indies captain Jason Holder will also join Abu Dhabi Knight Riders after playing for Dubai Capitals in Season 2.
New players making their ILT20 debuts include Tim Southee, Fakhar Zaman, Shai Hope, Lockie Ferguson, Roston Chase, Matthew Wade, Ibrahim Zadran, and Romario Shepherd.
This season promises to bring exciting T20 action alongside the star-studded entertainment, making it a must-watch for fans of both cricket and Bollywood.