Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (‘Z’), a leading content and technology powerhouse, has announced the live broadcast schedule for Season 5 of the DP World International League T20. The fifth edition of the Gulf region’s biggest cricket league, and the second-most watched T20 league globally, will commence on Sunday, 22 November 2026, with the final scheduled for Sunday, 20 December 2026 at the Dubai International Stadium.
The six-team, 34-match tournament continues to build on strong momentum, following the success of Season 4, which recorded significant growth in broadcast viewership and on-ground attendance. The previous season concluded with the Desert Vipers clinching their maiden title in front of a packed stadium.
Commenting on the announcement, Sandeep Mehrotra, Chief Operating Officer – Advertisement Revenue, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. said, “We are excited to strengthen our association with DP World ILT20 as it enters its fifth season, building on the strong momentum of viewership growth and fan engagement witnessed in previous editions. Our focus is on delivering a high-impact and immersive experience for cricket fans through a seamless blend of platforms, and with Season 5, we aim to further expand the league’s reach, deepen audience connect, and reinforce its position as one of the most compelling T20 leagues globally.”
The league, which shifted to a December window from Season 4, has seen steady growth in popularity. The Season 4 final, held on 4 January 2026, drew strong viewership and engagement, with the tournament reaching 397 million unique viewers across TV and OTT platforms—a 7.49% increase over Season 3.
David White, CEO, DP World ILT20, said, “We are pleased to confirm the DP World International League T20 Season 5 window. The biggest cricketing spectacle in the Gulf region will be played from Sunday, 22 November to Sunday, 20 December 2026. We are delighted with Season 4’s success. Season 4 was a major success, accumulating 397 million unique viewers across TV and OTT, a 7.49% increase over Season 3, driven by strong broadcast numbers, high spectator interest and the participation of top T20 stars, which further elevated the league’s quality.
“The DP World ILT20 continues to make massive strides and our strategic partnerships with Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation and Kuwait Cricket are already making a big impact. This year, these partnerships will be consolidated further through our development tournaments which will be played in both countries prior to Season 5.
“The DP World ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction was a great success as well and we are already gearing up for this year’s auction. There are a number of exciting announcements and initiatives that will be revealed in the coming days.”
Season 4 featured top international players such as Sam Curran, Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, Moeen Ali, Nicholas Pooran, Sunil Narine, and Dinesh Karthik, among others, further elevating the league’s competitive edge and global appeal.
Cricket fans across India will be able to catch the LIVE action on ‘Z’s linear television channels as well as its OTT platform, ZEE5. The network is also exploring opportunities to broadcast the tournament on its upcoming dedicated sports channels, as it continues to strengthen its sports portfolio.
