ILT20: List of all winners in International League T20 history

Four different teams have won the first four editions of the ILT20.

When the International League T20 was first announced, it generated more excitement than expected. A franchise league run by an ICC associate nation sounded ambitious, maybe even risky.

What has made it even more interesting is that in its first four editions, the league has had four different winners, proving that the competition has been far from predictable.

Introduced in 2023 and run by the Emirates Cricket Board, the ILT20 made history by becoming the first franchise league operated by an ICC Associate Member nation. That alone made people sit up and take notice.

With six franchises, strong backing from IPL-linked ownership groups such as the Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and Kolkata Knight Riders, and a window that fits neatly into the December–January calendar, the league has quickly gained credibility.

On that note, let’s take a look at the winners of each ILT20 season.

2023- Gulf Giants: The Trail Blazers of ILT20 Journey

The inaugural season of the International League T20 in 2023 belonged to the Gulf Giants. Led by James Vince, the Giants were the most consistent team during the league stage and finished at the top of the points table.

However, the playoffs didn’t start smoothly for them. They lost Qualifier 1 to Desert Vipers, which meant they had to fight their way through Qualifier 2.

That’s where Vince produced one of the defining knocks of the season. His calm and controlled 83 not out off 56 balls against MI Emirates guided the Giants into the final. Facing the Vipers again, the Giants were far more clinical.

Carlos Brathwaite’s 3/19 set the tone with the ball, while Chris Lynn’s unbeaten 72 ensured there were no late nerves. Gulf Giants won by seven wickets, becoming the first-ever ILT20 champions. Chris Jordan, who picked up 20 wickets, was deservedly named Player of the Tournament.

2024- MI Emirates: The Dominant Winners

The 2024 edition saw MI Emirates stamp their authority on the league. With experienced leaders like Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran, they looked like a dangerous side which specifically built for T20 success.

MI Emirates topped the league stage and then dominated the defending champions Gulf Giants, in Qualifier 1, thanks to Akeal Hosein’s brilliant performance of 2/13.

The final against Dubai Capitals turned into a one-sided contest. Andre Fletcher (53 off 37) and Nicholas Pooran (57off 27)* powered MI Emirates to a massive 208/3, a total that was always going to be tough to chase. The bowlers did their job, sealing a 45-run win and giving MI Emirates their first ILT20 trophy.

2025- Dubai Capitals: The Third Season Redemption

After finishing as runners-up the previous year, Dubai Capitals finally got their moment in ILT20 2025. Under the leadership of Sam Billings, the Capitals were steady rather than flashy during the league stage, finishing second. However, their playoff run was full of drama.

In Qualifier 1, they were set a stiff target of 190 by Desert Vipers, but Gulbadin Naib’s 62 off 39 balls turned the game on its head. The final brought the same opponent and the same challenge.

Once again chasing 190, the Capitals leaned on Rovman Powell, whose blistering 63 off 38 balls carried them to a four-wicket win and their first ILT20 title.

2026- Desert Vipers: A Long-Awaited Crown

The most recent champions, Desert Vipers, finally broke their title drought in the 2025–26 season. After losing two of the finals in earlier editions, they entered the season with a point to prove. Led by Sam Curran, the Vipers were the standout team throughout the tournament.

They beat MI Emirates in Qualifier 1, highlighted by Andries Gous’ sensational 120 off 58 balls*. In the final, they faced MI Emirates again and delivered a commanding performance, winning by 46 runs.

Curran had a tournament to remember, scoring 323 runs and picking up seven wickets, which earned him the Player of the Tournament award.

In just four seasons, the International League T20 has delivered quality cricket, close contests, and a refreshing variety of champions. If this early trend continues, the league looks well on track to become a long-term fixture in the global T20 landscape.

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