ILT20 CEO David White (L) ahead of the UAE T20 League match. (Image: Creimas)
As the ILT20 prepares for its fourth season, which begins on December 2nd, the league finds itself at a pivotal moment in its evolution. With the new window, the introduction of the auction, growing regional partnerships and the expanding cricket footprint of associated players, the tournament is shaping its identity in the increasingly crowded T20 ecosystem.
ILT20 CEO David White EXCLUSIVE: On Season 4, the growth, challenges and connections of the IPL
Now entering his third season at the helm, ILT20 CEO David White has overseen rapid expansion and a bold move into the wider Gulf region.In this interview with TimesofIndia.com, he discusses the league’s growth, challenges, commercial realities and what fans can expect from the fourth season.Q: How excited are you for the fourth season of ILT20 and what should we as viewers look forward to?David White: We had ILT20 Season 3 which actually took place in the same calendar year. This year we’ve moved the competition forward to start in December, which will be really interesting to see how it plays out compared to a different window.One of the reasons we brought it forward was the T20 World Cup, which will (will) be played in February in India and Sri Lanka. But before Season 4, we did a lot.The UAE national team did well, qualifying for the T20 World Cup and also playing in the Asia Cup. And I think a big part of their success is based on the fact that they participated in the ILT20 professional league, which increased the skills of the players and their mental strength. So that was positive.But part of ILT20 is that we want to expand beyond just the UAE. And you could read about the partnership that we have with Kuwait Cricket and Saudi Cricket, which is really exciting because we see this league as a key foundational element in the development of cricket in the Gulf region and we are looking to expand.And of course we also had the first auction, which was really successful. I think two of the biggest beneficiaries were two UAE players who got very good money (Junaid Siddique went to Sharjah Warriorz for $170,000 and Muhammad Rohid to MI Emirates for $140,000).So it’s been an exciting build-up, the teams are here now, they’re in the nets, they’re getting ready. And we can’t wait for Tuesday, December 2, when it’s UAE National Day. And we play the first match which is defending champions Dubai Capitals against Desert Vipers.
File photo of ILT20 CEO David White. (Image: Creimas)
Q: What does the partnership with Kuwait Cricket Association and Saudi Cricket Association entail? Then there is the concerted effort to bring in players from Africa as net bowlers. What is the thought process behind this?David White: We were the first associate country to be granted the opportunity to host a professional T20 competition. And we see a big role in this as the development of Associate players. And within that is the Persian Gulf region.As time goes on, my personal opinion is that this competition will be expanded so that it will not only be a competition in the UAE, but it will be a competition in the Gulf region. So a natural part of this expansion is the partnership with Kuwait and Saudi Cricket.This year they participated in the auction – six players from Kuwait and six players from Saudi Arabia joined the teams. It will be a fantastic opportunity for them to learn from top coaches and great players. And that’s great for their development.But we also help both of them with the development of their cricket infrastructure and programs. We are proud to support the development of other associated countries. And for the first time, we have seven young African players joining franchise teams as bowlers to gain experience. And we see that as our really important role to help develop affiliate cricket as well.
The UAE national team did well, qualifying for the T20 World Cup and also playing in the Asia Cup. And I think a lot of their success is based on the fact that they’ve been in the pro league
ILT20 CEO David White
Q: Why did you have an auction the first time?David White: Yes, the auction is a really interesting process. By having an auction, we opened it up to the world in the first place. Before, players were signed through agents and we probably didn’t have the capacity for that. So we went out into the world, really, and a lot of players signed up.I think the auction went really well. I think one of the really interesting things about the auction is that it really increases the market value of the player. I think it’s more of a measure of your marketability and your worth. That was interesting.It’s great to see Saudi Arabia and Kuwait players and of course UAE players participating in the auction. So I guess the proof will be in the pudding on Tuesday. But I think if you look at the teams, they are very strong, very well balanced.And the great thing about our league is that we have nine overseas players as well as UAE players. So the competition is very strong and at a high level.The auction brought fair value, gave more players the opportunity to participate, and of course gave us a lot more publicity. There was a lot of buzz around it, so it was great for promoting the league.
File photo of ILT20 CEO David White. (Image: Creimas)
Q: Will the auction be an annual affair or will there be mini-auctions, similar to the structure of the IPL?David White: Teams were allowed to keep eight players this year, which is quite a large number. So we haven’t decided on the procedure for next year. We will talk to the franchise teams, get their feedback as well. And then we decide what process to continue.But I would like to think that there will be some form of auction every year, but that is still to be determined.Q: In season four, what is the biggest strategic priority for ILT20?David White: In terms of success, it’s about the cricket – it’s about the quality of the cricket. We are very lucky in the UAE to have three quality stadiums. So the players, when they come here, they know that they will be playing on very good goals, good training facilities, good pitches with good outfields. So the quality of cricket is a key priority for us to ensure that the cricket is very good.Crowd participation is of course important. We are excited about the ability to generate broadcast viewership this year as we have expanded our international broadcasts. So it was really positive. So we’re going to be seen more around the world, which I think is great for the league.But I think coming into Season 4 we’re really establishing ourselves as the premier T20 league around the world. So it’s about consolidation, the quality of cricket and it’s commercially imperative to ensure that the franchise teams generate revenue to make it sustainable.
File photo of ILT20 CEO David White. (Image: Creimas)
Q: Has ILT20 grown to the level you envisioned?David White: I came in the 2nd season and I have to say that the team before me did a remarkable job. To develop – to be an associate country – a league of this format was a real achievement. Because you don’t have the naturalness of Australia, England, South Africa, even the West Indies, you have a core fan base and following. They have done a remarkable job in getting it up and running and have been really well supported by the franchise teams. And I think everyone can now look back on the first three years with great satisfaction.And I think the growth of the league into the greater Gulf region is a really exciting development. I think the UAE and the Gulf region have huge untapped potential, incredible wealth (of course we know) but also passionate cricket people. So I think the potential is huge. And we see ILT20 as a real driver in growing cricket in the Gulf region. So I think it’s incredibly exciting and the potential is limitless.Q: What is the identity of the ILT20 in this crowded global T20 calendar? How do you differentiate yourself and sell the league to a potential player?
Dubai Capitals set for title defense in high-octane Season 4 of ILT20
David White: This year, playing in December will be interesting. With SA20 this year (which starts on December 26th) we’re not really fighting that much, maybe a bit at the end. The Big Bash (League) starts I think around the 15th (December 14) and of course it’s very challenging because most of the world cricket is played in the southern hemisphere time zone. Except probably, you know, England, a bit of the West Indies.We play in winter, which is the same as the southern hemisphere time zone. But what sets us apart is the weather and the seasons.And I know that the players come here and stay in one hotel. He doesn’t have to fly intensively from match to match. They really enjoy the fact that they can come to one place, (get) great facilities, a great climate and a very high standard of cricket with nine overseas players. So I think that sets us apart.And I also think what sets us apart is that we really promote affiliate cricket. And it’s not all about the four members. And I think that’s really supported by the franchise teams and also world cricket.So we have a unique role in the global game and we are delighted with the progress we have made.Q: Has there ever been a discussion about changing the ILT20 calendar window?David White: December has traditionally been a test playing season. This year, some teams are preparing for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, but generally there is a lot of Test cricket played in December. So you don’t really clash with the Southern Hemisphere leagues, just a bit with the BBL. But it will be really interesting with Australia.You know, if they privatize I think the team owners will want access to the best players in Australia. So will they continue in this window? I don’t know.
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Q: With the many franchises owned by the IPL teams and owners, do you see the ILT20 becoming an extension of the IPL?David White: IPL teams and brands have been phenomenally successful. We want them to use their massive global brands. And that’s great for cricket. And we want it to continue that way. By having franchise teams, IPL teams greatly support the development of cricket in this region. And they’re nothing but support, really. And I don’t see a negative in it at all.Look at Mumbai Indians, they have a presence obviously in IPL, SA20, America (MLC), The Hundred and here and that’s a natural extension.Q: What is ILT20’s biggest commercial vulnerability right now – broadcast revenue, depth of sponsorship or just the economics of the franchise?David White: We are very lucky to have an Indian broadcast partner (Zee) who is very supportive and a big multinational partner (DP World) who is very supportive. We are very lucky for that.It is a challenge for world cricket when there have been some legislative changes in India (passage of online gaming act). And maybe some replacement brands have struggled a bit. So commercially it’s a challenge, but it’s not just in the UAE. I think it’s all leagues.Our biggest challenge, to be honest, is that we really have to keep growing the crowd. Attendance is a challenge and something we need to manage more and more.
File photo of ILT20 CEO David White. (Image: Creimas)
Q: Are ILT20 and franchises profitable? If not, when will it be achieved?David White: I think all the teams invested with a long-term strategy, like you need to talk to individual teams about their profitability. But I think all the teams see it as a really sustainable long-term investment and they’re encouraged by the fact that we’re looking to expand into the wider Gulf region, which, as I said, has huge potential, that whole region.Q: How would you define Season 4 as a success?David White: Great cricket, close matches, good scores, good competitive cricket, happy players, good broadcasts, good crowds and great following on our social media platforms. So that will determine our success.
