ILT20 gets major boost with Klaasen, Miller and Allen debuts

South African stars Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, alongside New Zealand's Finn Allen, are set to make their International League T20 (ILT20) debuts in Season 5, which runs from November 22 to December 20, 2026. Meanwhile, Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis returns to the competition after a three-year absence.

Star Debuts: Gulf Giants secured high-profile signings in Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller. Finn Allen joins Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Stoinis Returns: Marcus Stoinis moves to Dubai Capitals along with spinner Noor Ahmad.

Spinner Swap: Mujeeb Ur Rahman leaves Capitals to join defending champions Desert Vipers, while Noor Ahmad moves in the opposite direction from Vipers to Capitals. Auction Date: Teams will finalize their squads (minimum 18, maximum 23 players) at the player auction in Dubai on October 1.

Wildcard Entry: Each franchise will be allowed one additional Wildcard signing following the auction.

Schedule: The 34-match tournament kicks off on November 22 and concludes with the final on December 20. Coaching Update: Sharjah Warriorz have appointed Adrian Birrell—who guided Sunrisers Eastern Cape to three SA20 titles—as their new head coach.

The teams will complete their squads by adding UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and additional foreign players - a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 23 players per squad - at the auction in Dubai on October 1. Following the auction, each team will be permitted to add one Wildcard signing.