ILT20 acquires 'official' List-A status, first Associate-run franchise league to achieve the feat

The International League T20 (ILT20) added a feather to its cap ahead of the second season as it became the first Associate-run franchise league to acquire an official List A status.

The UAE-based league attracted some of the best players around the world in its inaugural season earlier this year. Six teams participated in the tournament, with James Vince-led Gulf Giants beating Desert Vipers in the final to win the title. The second season of the cash-rich league will commence on January 19, 2024, with a clash between Sharjah Warriors and Gulf Giants. The summit clash will be played on February 17.

With just over a month left before the new season gets underway, a huge development has come through that will add more craze to the league. ILT20 season 2 will be a List A event. Now, the statistics of the teams and their players will be given official status as the tournament has been listed as an official one by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

"Earning the List A status is a major milestone for the DP World International League T20. We would like to thank the ICC for the acknowledgement. The recognition is a clear indication of the strength and stature of our league," David White, chief executive of the league, was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

The forthcoming season will coincide with other popular global leagues like the BPL, the SA20 league in South Africa, the Australian BBL, the Super Smash in New Zealand, and possibly the PSL. However, renowned international stars like David Warner, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Alex Hales, Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Jordan, Trent Boult, Nicholas Pooran, Chris Woakes, Maheesh Theekshana and others are going to be in action at the ILT20.

This year, Pakistani players were not allowed to play in the ILT20 by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). However, they have given the nod ahead of the second season as several Pakistani players will be seen in the fast-growing league.