ILT20 first associate league to get official List-A status

In a major boost to the International League (ILT20), the tournament becomes the first T20 league run by an associate country to receive an official List-A status. In simple terms, all matches in the tournament will count as an official T20 game, which was not the case in the first edition last year.

The second edition of the tournament will run from January 19 to February 17. The tournament overlaps with other major T20 leagues such as BBL, PSL, BPL and SA20, but many renowned cricketers like  David Warner, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Alex Hales, Shimron Hetmyer, Chris Jordan, Trent Boult and others will be in action at the UAE-based tournament.

"Earning the List A status is a major milestone for the DP World International League T20. We would like to thank the ICC for the acknowledgement," David White, chief executive of the league, said. 

"The recognition is a clear indication of the strength and stature of our league."

James Vince-led Gulf Giants won the inaugural six-team edition of the ILT20, pipping Desert Vipers in the final.