Squads locked in for DP World ILT20 Development Tournament in Dubai

The DP World ILT20 Development Tournament 2025 will feature six teams, and take place between Aug. 24 and Sept. 3. (Supplied)

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Updated 21 August 2025

Arab News

August 21, 2025 18:40

Squads locked in for DP World ILT20 Development Tournament in Dubai

The 6-team, 18-match tournament, which begins on Aug. 24, provides a platform for rising cricket stars in the UAE to showcase their talent

Updated 21 August 2025

Arab News

August 21, 2025 18:40

DUBAI: The six franchises that will compete at the third DP World International League T20 Development Tournament have finalized their squads for the competition through a player selection draft.

Each team features 15 cricketers from the UAE who represent some of the most exciting talent in the country, including several who have already played in the DP World ILT20.

The tournament, which begins on Aug 24 and culminates with the final on Sept. 3, serves as a platform for the country’s rising stars in the sport to showcase their talent ahead of the DP World ILT20 2025 Player Auction, which will take place at the end of September, a few days after the Asia Cup 2025 concludes in the UAE.

The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Development squad includes Ibrar Ahmad, who picked up four wickets in seven appearances for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the third season of the DP World ILT20 at the start of this year. He is joined by Aditya Shetty, who played for the team in season 2, and Shahid Iqbal Bhutta, who made three appearances in season 3.

The Desert Vipers Development team features Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, who impressed by taking seven wickets in as many matches during season 3 of the DP World ILT20, including a match-winning 4 for 22 against Sharjah Warriorz. Also in the squad are Ali Naseer, who has represented the Vipers in all three seasons of the DP World ILT20 to date, and Tanish Suri, who was in the squad for seasons 2 and 3.

The lineup for Dubai Capitals Development includes Farhan Khan, who stood out during DP World ILT20 Season 3 by defending 11 runs against MI Emirates’ Kieron Pollard in the season opener and went on to play in seven matches. His teammates include Zeeshan Naseer, who was part of the Capitals’ senior squad last season.

Gulf Giants Development will look for strong performances from Aayan Khan, who has been part of the senior Giants squad since the inaugural season of the DP World ILT20 in 2023 and shone last year with 10 wickets in 10 games at an economy of 6.17, along with Mohammed Uzair Khan, who played twice for the team in DP World ILT20 season 3.

The MI Emirates Development squad includes Aryan Lakra, who made his first appearance at the DP World ILT20 in season 2 and rejoined the senior side in season 3, and Zahoor Khan, who has been with the franchise for three years and took five wickets in seven matches last season.

Sharjah Warriorz Development includes the experienced Rohan Mustafa, who played 12 matches for the Warriorz during season 3 of the DP World ILT20, helping them to reach the playoffs for the first time. The highlight of his campaign was a match-winning 45 against Gulf Giants in the opening fixture.

The format of the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament is a single-league, round-robin format. Season 4 of the DP World ILT20 will begin on Dec. 2, with the final due to be played on Jan. 4.

Full squads for the 2025 DP World ILT20 Development Tournament

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Development: Syed Mohammed Haider Shah, Ronak Panoly, Ahmed Tariq, Sagar Kalyan, Ali Abid, Uddish Suri, Sanchit Sharma, Usaid Amin, Mohammed Shahdad, Rameez Shahzad, Madhav Manoj, Zia Mukhtar, Adithya Shetty, Mohammed Shahid Iqbal, Ibrar Ahmad

Desert Vipers Development: Nilansh Keswani, Mayank Mayank, Sanjay Pahal, Usman Pandit, Awais Ahmed, Taimoor Ali, Nabeel Aziz, Basil Hameed, Angad Nehru, Hafiz Almas Ayub, Arron Lilley, Daniel Pawson, Ali Naseer, Tanish Suri, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer

Dubai Capitals Development: Daniyal Liaquat, Luqman Faisal, Siyam Khan, Israr Ahmad, Mohammed Irfan, Sohaib Khan, Ihtisham Ul Haq, Junaid Shamsudheen, Harshit Seth, Ritesh Mallikarjuna Grandhi, Said Nazeer, Abdul Rahman Nasir, Zeeshan Naseer, Farhan Khan, Khalid Shah

Gulf Giants Development: Mohammed Ibrahim Masood, Ajay Kumar, Junaid Khan Afridi, Mohammed Aftab Alam, Jonathan Figy John, Zahid Ali, Hameed Khan, Tahir Zaman Noor Zaman, Nawodya Wijayakumara, Jash Nitinkumar Giyanani, Uzair Haider Naheed Ullah, Mohammed Aftab Javed, Ayaan Misbah, Aayan Khan, Mohammed Uzair Khan

MI Emirates Development: Vriitya Aravind, Usman Khan, Mohammed Farooq, Danish Qureshi, Rizwaan CP, Mohammed Kamran Atta, Mohammed Faraazuddin, Yug Sharma, Vishnu Kannath Sukumaran, Aryan Saxena, Rahul Bhatia, Mohammed Mohsin, Sabir Ali, Zahoor Khan, Aryan Lakra

Sharjah Warriorz Development: Wasim Akram, Haider Razzaq, Harsh Desai, Simranjeet Singh, Raees Ahmad, Umair Ali Khan, Mohit Singh Kalyan, Mohammed Shahbaz Ali, Omid Rahman, Yassir Kaleem, Rayan Khan, Mohammed Adeeb Usmani, Zawar Farid, Vaibhav Govekar, Rohan Mustafa

Full schedule for DP World ILT20 Development Tournament 2025

Sunday, Aug. 24

5 p.m.: Dubai Capitals Development vs. Desert Vipers Development

9:30 p.m.: MI Emirates Development vs. Gulf Giants Development

Monday, Aug. 25

5 p.m.: Sharjah Warriorz Development vs. ADKR Development

9 p.m.: Gulf Giants Development vs. Dubai Capitals Development

Tuesday, Aug. 26

5 p.m.: ADKR Development vs. MI Emirates Development

9 p.m.: Desert Vipers Development vs. Sharjah Warriorz Development

Wednesday, Aug. 27

5 p.m.: MI Emirates Development vs. Dubai Capitals Development

9 p.m.: Gulf Giants Development vs. Desert Vipers Development

Thursday, Aug. 28:

Rest/training

Friday, Aug. 29

5 p.m.: Sharjah Warriorz Development vs. Gulf Giants Development

9 p.m.: ADKR Development vs. Dubai Capitals Development

Saturday, Aug. 30

5 p.m.: Desert Vipers Development vs. MI Emirates Development

9:30 p.m.: Dubai Capitals Development vs. Sharjah Warriorz Development

Sunday, Aug. 31

7 p.m.: Desert Vipers Development vs. ADKR Development

Monday, Sept. 1

5 p.m.: Sharjah Warriorz Development vs. MI Emirates Development

9 p.m.: ADKR Development vs. Gulf Giants Development

Tuesday, Sept. 2

5 p.m.: Semi-final 1

9 p.m.: Semi-final 2

Wednesday, Sept. 3

7 p.m.: Final

All matches will be played at the ICC Academy in Dubai.

Topics: DP World ILT20 Development Tournament

Al-Ittihad come from behind to kick-start Champions League campaign

Updated 17 sec ago

John Duerden

October 20, 2025 21:51

Al-Ittihad come from behind to kick-start Champions League campaign

The Tigers beat Al-Shorta of Iraq 4-1 in Baghdad to record their first victory in the group stage after 2 defeats
Goals from Moussa Diaby, Fabinho and Houssem Aouar gave new coach Sergio Conceicao his first win since replacing sacked Laurent Blanc on Oct. 7

Updated 17 sec ago

John Duerden

October 20, 2025 21:51

JEDDAH: Al-Ittihad beat Al-Shorta 4-1 on Monday to claim their first win in the AFC Champions League this season, and also hand new coach Sergio Conceicao a welcome first victory in his second game since taking over from sacked Laurent Blanc on Oct. 7.

The pressure was on the 2004 and 2005 continental champions, who had lost their first two group games, prior to Conceicao’s arrival, and it looked like they were in for another tough night in Baghdad against an Iraqi side who caused problems for their visitors throughout.

In fact, Al-Ittihad found themselves trailing after only five minutes, when Bassam Shakir put the hosts ahead to send the home fans wild. The midfielder reacted quickly at the far post to head home Mehdi Ashabi’s flick-on from a right-sided corner.

The Tigers were back on level terms just 12 minutes later, however, after Mahamadou Doumbia robbed an opponent of possession and chipped a smart cross toward Moussa Diaby, who headed home.

Just before the half-hour mark, the Jeddah giants took the lead in some style when Fabinho stepped up to bend a spectacular free-kick from about 25 meters out into the bottom corner of the net, a goal worthy of any stage.

Shortly before the break, Al-Shorta thought they were level when Dominique Mendy’s fierce drive hit the bar and the ball appeared to bounce down behind the line. The video assistant referee ruled otherwise.

There was better news for the hosts five minutes after the restart, as the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Danilo Pereira received a second yellow card for a foul. With Al-Shorta looking dangerous throughout the match, the game looked like it could go either way.

On the hour mark, however, Houssem Aouar extended Al-Ittihad’s lead, sidefooting from close range into an empty net after a driving run by Diaby.

Aouar scored his second, and his team’s fourth, after 76 minutes to seal the victory. Diaby was the provider once again, pulling the ball back from the left side of the area for the Algerian to slide home.

Topics: SPL Al-ittihad

Pakistan punish sloppy South Africa to reach 259-5

Updated 21 min 11 sec ago

AFP

October 20, 2025 21:34

Pakistan punish sloppy South Africa to reach 259-5

South African pacer Kagiso Rabada trapped Mohammad Rizwan with the fifth delivery with the second new ball for 19 to give some respite to his team

Updated 21 min 11 sec ago

AFP

October 20, 2025 21:34

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan punished poor catching from South Africa to accumulate 259-5 on the opening day of the second and final Test in Rawalpindi on Monday.

Had the tourists not dropped five catches on a turning pitch they would have been in a better position after Pakistan won the toss and batted.

Skipper Shan Masood, dropped on 71 off a luckless Keshav Maharaj, top-scored with 87 while Abdullah Shafique — dropped four times — made 57.

Saud Shakeel and Salman Agha will resume on Tuesday unbeaten on 42 and 10 respectively, with the home team seeking a 2-0 series win against the world Test champions.

South African pacer Kagiso Rabada trapped Mohammad Rizwan with the fifth delivery with the second new ball for 19 to give some respite to his team.

Maharaj, who missed the first Test in Lahore through injury, took 2-63 and fellow spinner Simon Harmer 2-75.

With the bulk of bowling done by Maharaj and Harmer, spinner Senuran Muthusamy — who took 11 wickets in the first Test — was surprisingly used for just four overs.

The final session also saw Masood fall to an uppish sweep off Maharaj, caught by Marco Jansen, after hitting two four and three sixes in his innings.

Earlier, Shafique’s chancy knock finally ended when he edged Harmer to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne after adding an invaluable 111 runs for the second wicket with skipper Masood.

The struggling Babar Azam, again cheered by a home crowd willing him to return to form, was dismissed for just 16 when Tony de Zorzi took a low catch at silly point for Maharaj’s first wicket.

Azam has gone 29 Test innings without a century.

Maharaj himself dropped Shafique on 15 off his own bowling and then saw Aiden Markram drop the same batter on 41 and 53.

Shafique also survived on nine when a Jansen delivery rolled onto the stumps but did not dislodge the bails.

In the morning session South Africa’s only breakthrough came from Harmer, who bowled Imam-ul-Haq for 17 with a sharp turner that beat the bat and hit off-stump.

Rabada was also unlucky when Tristan Stubbs dropped Shafique in the slips off the fourth ball of the match when he was on nought.

Having won the first Test in Lahore by 93 runs, Pakistan included a third spinner in Asif Afridi, dropping fast bowler Hasan Ali.

At 38 years and 299 days, Asif became the second oldest Pakistani Test debutant, behind Miran Bakhsh, who made his debut at 47 years and 284 days against India in 1955.

Topics: Test cricket Pakistan South Africa

Pakistan name pacer Shaheen Afridi new ODI captain

Updated 20 October 2025

Shahjahan Khurram

October 20, 2025 20:52

Pakistan name pacer Shaheen Afridi new ODI captain

Pakistan sack Mohammad Rizwan as ODI skipper after early Champions Trophy exit, series defeat against West Indies
Afridi will lead Pakistan against South Africa in a three-match series at home from Nov. 4-8, says Pakistan Cricket Board

Updated 20 October 2025

Shahjahan Khurram

October 20, 2025 20:52

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Monday it has appointed left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi as the new skipper of the national men’s squad for the One Day International (ODI) format, weeks before the upcoming South Africa series.

Rizwan’s status as ODI captain was thrown into doubt by the PCB after it released a statement last week that it was “yet to finalize a captain” for the South Africa ODI series, scheduled to take place from Nov. 4-8. The PCB said white-ball head coach Mike Hesson had called for a meeting of the selection committee to make a final decision on the ODI captaincy.

Rizwan was appointed by the PCB as ODI skipper last year and led the side to ODI series victories in Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. However, this year he was unable to impress the selectors. Pakistan under Rizwan’s captaincy lost a home tri-series final to New Zealand and suffered an early exit from the Champions Trophy tournament before suffering an away series defeat against the West Indies.

“Shaheen Shah Afridi has been named captain of the Pakistan men’s ODI team,” the board said in a statement. “The left-arm fast bowler will lead Pakistan in the three-match ODI series against South Africa, scheduled to take place at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from 4 to 8 November.”

The PCB said that the decision was made following a meeting held in Islamabad, which was attended by white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, Director High Performance Aqib Javed and members of the national selection committee.

Afridi has played 66 ODIs and 92 T20Is for Pakistan, taking a combined 249 wickets in both formats. In 32 Tests, excluding the ongoing second Test against South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the lanky pacer has claimed 120 wickets.

Afridi was previously appointed captain of Pakistan’s T20 squad in an away series against New Zealand in 2024. However, the pacer was sacked from the role and replaced with former captain Babar Azam after only one series.

Topics: Shaheen Shah Afridi Pakistan Cricket Board

Dubai Sports Council backs return of Women’s Epic Arabia

Updated 20 October 2025

Arab News

October 20, 2025 18:40

Dubai Sports Council backs return of Women’s Epic Arabia

Region’s first and only trail running series created exclusively for women returns on Nov. 1
Hannah Hall: Too many women have never had the opportunity to experience what happens when you leave your comfort zone, dig deep and cross that finish line

Updated 20 October 2025

Arab News

October 20, 2025 18:40

DUBAI: The Women’s Epic Arabia, the region’s first and only trail running series created exclusively for women, is set to return to Dubai on Nov. 1.

The event will be held at Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, with support from the Dubai Sports Council and managed by CAB Sports.

Born in the mountains of Utah, the Women’s Epic was created to give women their own space on the trails, a place to push limits, discover strength and celebrate every finish line. Today, that same mission lives on in Dubai, with the race aiming to bridge the gap for women in the running world and give more ladies the chance to feel the high of crossing a finish line, perhaps for the very first time.

“Too many women have never had the opportunity to experience what happens when you leave your comfort zone, dig deep and cross that finish line,” said Hannah Hall, event marketing for Women’s Epic Arabia.

“Women’s Epic is proud to be changing that. We’re determined to empower women in the UAE to take their first step onto the trail and discover just how unstoppable they truly are,” she added.

This year’s event will offer accessible distances for all runners: A welcoming 1 km to get started, the adventurous 5 km and 10 km challenges, and a more trying 20 km race set for future editions on more demanding terrains. At the heart of the experience is the signature Women’s Epic Bell that runners ring at each milestone kilometer, marking their progress with sound and strength.

Eisa Sharif, director, events department at Dubai Sports Council, was thrilled to see Dubai once again at the forefront of a new initiative, especially for women. “We have been led by the vision of our benevolent leaders who have always been keen to encourage us toward fresh challenges. Having an event of this stature definitely raises the profile for women’s sports in Dubai, in the UAE and in the Middle East,” he said.

“Entries have been filling up as a brisk pace, and we are confident of a superb experience for all participants next month,” Sharif added.

After the race, participants can recharge at the Polynesian-inspired Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, with access to its relaxing facilities and vibrant atmosphere. Family-friendly experiences (such as the Kids Club and Tiki House) and other wellness offerings are available for those staying at the resort. These experiences are available to all guests and are not tied to a specific offer for Women’s Epic participants.

Tania Carmona, Mexican ultrarunner, adventurer and Dubai-based writer, joins as one of the newest Women’s Epic Ambassadors. Carmona made history as the first Latin American and ninth woman in the world to complete the 5 Deserts Grand Slam Plus, conquering more than 1,250 km across five of the planet’s toughest deserts.

Joining her is Dr. Joyce Azzam, Lebanese mountaineer, motivational speaker, conservation architect and UN Women Goodwill ambassador. Azzam is the first Lebanese woman to climb the Seven Summits, including Mount Everest, and is the founder of the MounTurtle Mountaineering Academy.

Women’s Epic is also set to announce more events in the future, expanding the series and bringing fresh trails and challenges to women across the UAE.

Topics: Women’s Epic Arabia Dubai Sports Council

Pakistan punish sloppy South Africa to reach 259-5 in second Test

Updated 20 October 2025

AFP

October 20, 2025 17:49

Pakistan punish sloppy South Africa to reach 259-5 in second Test

South Africa dropped five catches after Pakistan won toss and elected to bat first
Shan Masood top-scored with 87 while opener Abdullah Shafique scored 57 runs