ILT20 2025 Opening Ceremony
The much-anticipated third season of the International League T20 (ILT20) is set to kick off on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the iconic Dubai International Stadium. Fans from around the world will witness an exciting blend of cricket, entertainment, and glitz, as the tournament’s opening ceremony promises to be nothing short of spectacular.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, January 11, 2025 |
| Venue | Dubai International Stadium |
| Opening Ceremony Start Time | 6:00 PM (Local Time) |
| Performers | – Shahid Kapoor – Pooja Hegde – Sonam Bajwa |
| Hosts/Emcees | – Jackky Bhagnani – Ridhima Pathak |
| First Match Start Time | 7:15 PM (Local Time) |
| Teams in First Match | MI Emirates (Defending Champions) vs Dubai Capitals (Hosts) |
Bollywood Stars
Shahid, Pooja and Sonam will kick off the celebrations with spectacular performances to their blockbuster songs followed by an exquisite display of fireworks to enthral spectators
The star-studded ceremony will be hosted by renowned Bollywood producer and actor Jackky Bhagnani, alongside celebrated TV presenter Ridhima Pathak, ensuring a seamless and exciting flow of events. The opening extravaganza is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM local time, just an hour before the cricket takes center stage.
“If you know me, you know how much I love cricket and dancing. And when the two things come together, you can expect to get the best of both worlds which is why I’m really looking forward to being a part of the opening ceremony of the DP World International League T20 on 11 Jan 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium.” – says Shahid Kapoor
Cricketing Icons in the Commentary Box
In addition to the Bollywood flair, ILT20 Season 3 will bring together some of the greatest minds in cricket as part of the commentary team. Iconic figures such as Ian Smith, Ian Bishop, Simon Doull, Virender Sehwag, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Harbhajan Singh, Niall O’Brien, and Alan Wilkins will lend their expertise to guide fans through the nuances of the tournament.
Adding diversity and further insights, the commentary team will also feature Anjum Chopra, Saba Karim, Rohan Gavaskar, Nikhil Chopra, Daren Ganga, Urooj Mumtaz, Vivek Razdan, Reema Malhotra, and Ajay Mehra. This mix of cricketing legends and rising stars promises a unique perspective and in-depth analysis throughout the season.
A Rematch of Last Year’s Final
The cricketing action will commence at 7:15 PM local time with the defending champions, MI Emirates, taking on the hosts, Dubai Capitals, in a rematch of last season’s grand finale. This highly anticipated clash will set the tone for what promises to be an action-packed season of top-quality T20 cricket. Both teams, stacked with international stars and emerging local talent, will look to start the tournament on a high.
Excitement for Season 3
The excitement surrounding ILT20 has been building, with former Pakistan captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram expressing his enthusiasm for the tournament. Speaking in a press release, Akram said,
“I am ecstatic to return for my third season with the ILT20. This region has seen so many memorable moments in cricket, many of which have been highlights of my career. The ILT20 with its mix of international stars and upcoming local cricketers will surely add to this legacy.”
ILT20 2025 Countdown
As the countdown to the opening ceremony begins, fans are eagerly awaiting a perfect blend of cricket and entertainment. With Bollywood stars set to dazzle the crowd and cricket legends preparing to share their insights, ILT20 Season 3 is set to raise the bar for T20 cricket leagues worldwide. Whether it’s the performances or the fierce competition, this season promises to be one for the books.
Don’t miss the grand opening ceremony on January 11, 2025, and be sure to tune in for the much-awaited clash between MI Emirates and Dubai Capitals.