Shoaib Akhtar, Brett Lee named ILT20 Season 5 ambassadors

DUBAI: Pakistan former fast-bowling great Shoaib Akhtar and Australian pace legend Brett Lee have been named brand ambassadors for the fifth season of the International League T20 (ILT20), which was officially launched in Dubai.

The two former fast bowlers were among the star attractions at a ceremony attended by prominent figures from cricket, sport, business and government, as the UAE-based league unveiled its new brand identity for Season 5.

New Zealand former international Simon Doull hosted a panel discussion with Lee and Akhtar, who reflected on their playing careers and recalled the era when their express pace made them two of the most feared fast bowlers in world cricket.

The two also discussed the growing impact of ILT20 on cricket in the UAE and the wider region.

ILT20 chairman Khalid Al Zarooni and league commissioner Mubashshir Usmani, who is also an ICC board director and general secretary of the Emirates Cricket Board, highlighted the league’s contribution to the development and expansion of cricket in the UAE and the region.

Al Zarooni said the league had grown significantly since its inception, thanking franchise owners, commercial and strategic partners for their support, with a special mention for Zee Network.

He also welcomed SPORTFIVE as a new commercial partner.

“What began as a dream has grown into one of the world’s leading cricket leagues, bringing together top players and major franchises, while helping grow cricket in the UAE, the region and beyond,” Al Zarooni said.

The launch also featured a broader panel discussion involving Usmani, Dr Mohamed Abu Hamra, Eisa Sharif of the Dubai Sports Council, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Deputy CEO and CFO Mukund Galgali, SPORTFIVE President Venu Nair and Bisleri Global Director Sales and Marketing Tushar Malhotra.

The evening also featured a performance by celebrity mentalist Karan Singh Magic.

The fifth season of the DP World ILT20 will feature six teams playing 34 matches in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

Defending champions Desert Vipers will return to the tournament seeking to retain their title.

The tournament is scheduled to be played from November 22 to December 20, 2026.