Top South African cricketers David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen have signed up for the upcoming season of the International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE. This development follows the resolution of scheduling conflicts that have historically caused the ILT20 and the SA20 to overlap since both leagues launched in 2023. Season 5 of the ILT20 is scheduled to take place from November 22 to December 20, while the SA20 is set for January 17 to February 21.
Miller and Klaasen, who will represent the Gulf Giants, are among the first-time participants in the league. They are joined by New Zealand’s Finn Allen, who has signed with the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Additionally, Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis is set to return to the Dubai Capitals after a three-year absence. League organizers expressed their enthusiasm for the new additions, stating, “They will add immense value to the International League T20.”
Further South African participation is expected ahead of the player auction, which is scheduled for October 1 in Dubai. The tournament has also confirmed the return of several key players to their respective Season 4 franchises. Notable returning players include Jason Holder and Sunil Narine for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Shimron Hetmyer for the Desert Vipers, and Rovman Powell and Mustafizur Rahman for the Dubai Capitals. MI Emirates will see Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan, and Romario Shepherd return, while Sikandar Raza remains with the Sharjah Warriorz.
Defending champions Desert Vipers have opted to retain Andries Gous and Dan Lawrence. Meanwhile, the Gulf Giants have secured the return of all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai and fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani. The full list of pre-season signings, announced on Tuesday, August 11, includes a diverse range of international talent across all six franchises.
The current squad compositions are as follows: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Finn Allen, Jason Holder, Matthew Tromp, Sunil Narine); Desert Vipers (Andries Gous, Dan Lawrence, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Shimron Hetmyer); Dubai Capitals (Marcus Stoinis, Mustafizur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Rovman Powell); Gulf Giants (Azmatullah Omarzai, Blessing Muzarabani, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen); MI Emirates (Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan, Romario Shepherd, Sherfane Rutherford); and Sharjah Warriorz (Adam Milne, James Vince, Waqar Salamkheil, Sikandar Raza).
The two leagues, traditionally, have overlapped with each other since the launch of the leagues in 2023.
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