SA20 commissioner Graeme Smith slammed ILT20, saying it does not contribute to the growth of cricket in the United Arab Emirates. David White, the CEO of the ILT20 league, has refuted this claim, stating that the league has greatly improved cricket in the country and still plays a significant part whenever large international cricket competitions require last-minute assistance.
Smith recently criticised the ILT20, claiming that the league isn’t helping the sport. ILT20 season three is scheduled to start on January 11, while the third SA20 edition began play on January 9.
It’s really hard for me to avoid sounding like I’m disparaging IL T20 since we’ve been built up against them, but I do think a league like that is awful for the game; there are too many international players needed to form a team, and there isn’t any money put back into local cricket. The former South Africa captain, one of the game’s most recognisable captains, said, “That is a challenge for the world game and something that needs to be managed going forward.”
Notably, White, a former CEO of New Zealand Cricket, retaliated against Smith by claiming that ILT20 is the only league in the world that permits participation by players from associate nations.
“Oh, Mr. Smith, talking about other leagues is against our policy. Our league is the only one in the world that gives its member nations a stage on which to compete. On Friday, White stated, “We have players from Nepal, Malaysia, the United States, Scotland, the Netherlands, Namibia, and Italy.”
He has the right to his opinions, but I feel that they were made without conducting any research. Perhaps he ought to have taken the time to consider our goals, our accomplishments, and the significance of this league for the development of cricket in the United Arab Emirates, the larger Gulf, and internationally. Dismissing the UAE’s impact is simple. “All of the ICC events are supported by the UAE, which has incredible facilities that have been privately invested in,” he continued.
They travel to the UAE at random, whether it’s for the Champions Trophy or the IPL: David White
In addition, White noted how the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has already supported international cricket by organising significant competitions such as the 2021 Men’s T20 World Cup, the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, and two IPL seasons. To the relief of the concerned boards, they offered as hosts at the last minute. After India declined to travel to Pakistan, which was originally supposed to host the event exclusively, for security grounds, the UAE will also host matches in the 2018 Champions Trophy.
“They come to the UAE at any time, whether it’s the Champions Trophy, the IPL, the Covid pandemic, the Bangladesh riots, or anything else. The solution is turnkey. The UAE is obviously thrilled to host such magnificent stadiums, stunning infrastructure, and excellent training facilities. “The United Arab Emirates has a huge impact on the global game,” White stated.
“The only source of funding for the ICC is events. Additionally, the ICC has been able to offer an excellent facility and support system in case the ICC has difficulties. Therefore, I believe that in the grand scheme of things, that too has to be acknowledged. This region has a lot of promise, in my opinion, but the impact that UAE cricket has on the world game is frequently overlooked,” he continued.
Speaking of the ILT20 2025 season, the opening match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai and will feature a matchup between the reigning champions, MI Emirates, and Dubai Capitals.
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