The biggest T20 cricket league in the Gulf region is gearing up for a blockbuster start with renowned singer Ali Zafar set to spearhead the opening-day celebrations.
The six-team, 34-match DP World ILT20 Season 4 begins on Tuesday, December 2, at the Dubai International Stadium.
The opening ceremony, scheduled to kick off at 6:00 pm, will be followed by the first match of the season (6:45 pm start), featuring defending champions Dubai Capitals and Desert Vipers - a rematch of last season’s thrilling finale which the Capitals won in the last over.
Limited tickets for the opening ceremony are now available across all categories, with stand tickets starting at AED 20 and hospitality packages from AED 325.
"It is indeed an honour for the league and all our stakeholders to join the UAE in the National Day celebrations on Tuesday, 2 December. The opening ceremony will thoroughly entertain the crowd and our viewers around the world with international superstar Ali Zafar’s performance being the headline act," said DP World ILT20 CEO David White.
The stadium gates will open at 4:00 pm. The opening ceremony will also feature a colourful fireworks show based on the Eid Al Etihad theme.
"Dubai has always welcomed me wholeheartedly and I have thoroughly enjoyed playing to the Dubai audience, which is home to millions from around the world. It is a massive honour for me to perform on the UAE National Day and be a part of the festivities in this incredible country," said Ali Zafar.
"I look forward to welcoming my fans and performing their favourite songs while setting the tone for what should be an enthralling cricketing extravaganza for the next one month. I will also be singing some of the songs from my upcoming album Roshni for the first time as a gift to my fans in Dubai," he added.
Opening Night Like Never Before
— International League T20 (@ILT20Official) November 26, 2025
Global sensation Ali Zafar is set to ignite the UAE National Day celebrations at the grand Opening Ceremony of #DPWorldILT20.
Get ready for chart-topping hits, electrifying performances, and a spectacle that will set the tone for an unforgettable… pic.twitter.com/xGyjHYpLxy
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