While cricket leagues are now spread across the world, nothing beats some public controversy and Graeme Smith expressed this in the IL T20. SA20 commissioner and one of the greatest cricketers of all time, Smith didn’t mince words when he suggested that the IL T20 might even become a hurdle. However, IL T20 CEO David White is prepared for it, and it must be admitted, with a dash of style.
Ahead of the third edition of the league, scheduled to take place at the Dubai International Stadium, where defending champions Emirates face Dubai Capitals, here’s what White had to say. “Well, Mr. Smith,” he said with a wry “smile,” “it’s not Union policy to discuss other alliances.” But let’s just say we’re pleased with what we’ve achieved. White gave viewers a glimpse of this reality as she spoke of players from partner countries such as Nepal, Malaysia and Namibia, beloved tournaments such as the T20 finals, and the league hosting events that promote cricket in the UAE.
Debate: Is IL T20 harmful or helpful?
Smith’s criticism, while weighty, is straightforward: he claims that leagues like the IL T20 do not invest enough in local cricket and are too reliant on international players. “There is no investment at the grassroots level,” he lamented, noting what he sees as systemic challenges in the global game. However, White did not take this statement lightly. He believes that such remarks lack depth and fail to consider the wider impact of IL T20.
White stressed that the UAE is not just a cricket outpost but an important hub. From stepping in at short notice to host global tournaments (the 2021 T20 World Cup, the IPL during Covid-19, and even the Women’s T20 World Cup) to maintaining world-class facilities, the UAE’s contribution to international cricket is often overlooked. The region has become, as White puts it, “the backbone of global cricket” – a safety net for crises big and small. Yet criticism keeps popping up, like unwelcome echoes in an otherwise harmonious performance.
Sometimes, dealing with such challenges can feel like walking a tightrope, like playing cards on the line between success and failure, so thin it’s almost imperceptible. For IL T20, every season is as much a gamble as it is an opportunity, and the stakes extend far beyond the field.
Grassroots growth or grand fantasy?
One of the main topics raised by White was the league’s investment in grassroots cricket. He said the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has made significant progress in nurturing local talent. A recent development tournament saw 300 players compete for a spot in the IL T20 draft, with 25 players making the cut. These young players now find themselves playing alongside some of the biggest names in the game – an experience White believes is priceless.
He believes that the results are obvious. The UAE national team has made significant progress and even qualified for the Asian Cup for the first time in eight years. In addition to this, the league has reintroduced the secondary school competition and provided financial support for the Gulf Cup, initiatives aimed at sowing the seeds of a thriving cricket ecosystem in the region.
However, not all criticism can be dismissed with statistics and anecdotes. One of the recurring issues faced by the IL T20 is the lackluster crowd numbers, which is in stark contrast to the crowded stadiums in other leagues. White acknowledged this, calling it “an area of focus.” Audience numbers improved in the second season, and he claimed sales of the season three opener were the best yet. But whether those numbers will translate into sustained interest remains to be seen.
League of Giants
As White describes it, the IL T20 journey is far from over. It exists in a crowded market alongside giants like IPL, Big Bash and even Smith’s SA20. While its critics may view it as an outsider — a league that borrows from the global game without giving back — its defenders believe it is carving out a unique space.
As Season 3 begins, the league finds itself at a crossroads. Will it prove the doubters wrong and establish itself as a mainstay in the cricket calendar? Or will it remain a mystery, appreciated by some but forever under scrutiny? The answer, like the best cricketing moments, will unfold in unpredictable ways – one ball, one match, one season.
What is abundantly clear is that the IL T20 is not just another league; This is a statement of intent. Whether this intention can be fully realized depends on the league’s ability to overcome the current challenges and succeed – not just in the UAE, but on the global cricket stage. There’s a long road ahead, but for White and his team, the journey appears to be worth the struggle.
