The ILT20 Season 4 kicked off in spectacular fashion on Tuesday night at the Dubai International Stadium, coinciding with UAE National Day celebrations. Thousands of fans, including a large contingent of Pakistani supporters, witnessed an electrifying opening ceremony that combined cricket, music, and fireworks into a dazzling spectacle.
The evening began with a high-energy performance by Pakistani superstar Ali Zafar, who treated the crowd to a medley of his most popular hits.
Following his performance, the stadium erupted in a “Ring of Fire” display, with golden fireworks arcing high above the roof and cascading down like molten rain, eliciting cheers from the packed venue. Inside, the turf was illuminated with waves of red, green, white, and black smoke — the colors of the UAE flag — creating one of the most visually striking curtain-raisers in ILT20 history.
Outside the stadium, the fan park was transformed into a festive “Crickmas Wonderland,” blending the league’s opening week with the UAE’s holiday season and offering an immersive experience for attendees.
This season holds special appeal for Pakistani cricket fans, with prominent stars such as Naseem Shah, Fakhar Zaman, and Hassan Nawaz playing key roles across franchises.
Naseem Shah’s move to the Desert Vipers has generated particular interest, with captain Lockie Ferguson praising his pace, noting that the Pakistan fast bowler’s 150kph deliveries “will have major impact” this season.
The tournament’s shift to a December-January window, in anticipation of next year’s T20 World Cup, has aligned the league with the UAE festive period, enhancing the atmosphere and boosting attendance. Fans who cannot attend in person can catch all the action live in Pakistan on Geo Super, ensuring viewers nationwide can enjoy the thrills of the region’s premier T20 competition.
The opening ceremony set the tone for what promises to be an exciting and high-octane season, combining sport, culture, and entertainment, and highlighting the ILT20 as a marquee event in the region’s cricket calendar.
