T20 Superstars Including England Champions Return For DP World International League T20 Season 4

The DP World International League T20 Season 4 is set to kick off on 2nd December, promising an exciting tournament with six teams competing in a 34-match series. The grand finale is scheduled for 4th January 2026. This season will showcase some of the world's top T20 players, including England's Alex Hales and Chris Woakes, who were part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 winning team.

West Indies cricket stars like Rovman Powell and Andre Russell will also be participating, alongside Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raza and Afghanistan's Fazalhaq Farooqi. Australia’s Tim David and New Zealand’s Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee have confirmed their participation as well. Teams have already completed the first phase of squad selection, retaining eight players each from previous seasons or signing new ones by the end of June.

Dubai Capitals have bolstered their bowling lineup by adding Afghanistan’s Waqar Salamkheil, Luke Wood, and Muhammad Jawadullah. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have secured Alex Hales, Liam Livingstone, and Sherfane Rutherford for their squad. The Desert Vipers have retained key players like Dan Lawrence and Sam Curran while bringing in Andries Gous as a new addition.

The Gulf Giants are welcoming Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai for his debut in the league this season. Moeen Ali from England will also join the Giants as a fresh signing. Rahmanullah Gurbaz is another new addition to the Giants; he has previously played for Sharjah Warriorz, Dubai Capitals, and Desert Vipers in earlier seasons.

The second phase of squad selection will involve completing team rosters through a player auction. Details about this auction will be announced soon. The process aims to finalise squads with strategic picks to enhance team performance in the upcoming matches.

MI Emirates have strengthened their lineup by adding Chris Woakes as an all-rounder. Kamindu Mendis from Sri Lanka is another new face for MI Emirates, marking his debut in the DP World ILT20 this season. Sharjah Warriorz have signed Sikandar Raza, who was previously with Dubai Capitals and won the Red Belt as Most Valuable Player in Season 2.

Returning Stars and Fresh Talent

Sri Lankan spinner Maheesh Theekshana returns to Sharjah Warriorz after playing eight games for them in Season 2. Additionally, Australia’s Tim David joins the Warriorz after stints with MI Emirates and Gulf Giants in previous seasons. USA's Saurabh Netravalkar has also been added to strengthen their bowling attack.

The Desert Vipers are retaining much of their core squad from Season 3 while introducing new talent like Andries Gous. Players such as David Payne and Wanindu Hasaranga are set to rejoin them for another competitive season.

This season promises thrilling cricket action with a mix of seasoned players and emerging talents across all teams. Fans can look forward to witnessing intense matches as teams vie for victory in this prestigious league.

With inputs from WAM