The ILT20 2025 season kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Dubai International Stadium on January 11, 2025, with dazzling performances by film stars Shahid Kapoor, Sonam Bajwa and Pooja Hegde The event attracted a large crowd, setting an exciting tone for the tournament.
A night of fun in Dubai
The stadium turned into a lively spectacle when Shahid took center stage, captivating the audience with his energetic dance moves. The atmosphere was further enhanced by the lively beats of popular Bollywood songs and fans and visitors danced to hits like “Kudi Mainu Kehndi” and “Laal Peeli Akhiyaan.”
Kapoor Saahab, tum ne toh 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐡𝐚 𝐝𝐢 🍿😍🕺
Your dose of magic before #DPWorldILT20 madness, by Shahid Kapoor 😎#ILT20onZee #T20HerojiKaJalwa #DCvMIE I @shahidkapoor pic.twitter.com/6ErGTmz8fL
— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) January 11, 2025
The performances were complemented by stunning visuals and colorful light displays, creating a festive ambience that celebrated both cricket and Indian culture.
Dose 𝓓𝓬𝓪𝓪𝓪𝓪𝓪𝓪𝓪 before #DPWorldILT20 powerplay begins, ft. #SonamBajwa 😎#DCvMIE #ILT20onZee #T20HerojiKaJalwa pic.twitter.com/gm0Tf4sWwB
— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) January 11, 2025
The ceremony was hosted by a Bollywood producer and actor Jacky Bhagnaniwith the sports presenter Ridhima Pathakwhich kept the audience busy all evening. The grand event concluded with an impressive fireworks display that lit up the night sky, marking the official start of the season.
Buttabomma… buttabomma 💃💃
Pooja Hegde opens #DPWorldILT20 Season 3️⃣ with her incredible moves and the audience goes crazy 🍿🔥#DCvMIE #ILT20onZee #T20HerojiKaJalwa | pic.twitter.com/VHxIo2abwh
— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) January 11, 2025
ALSO READ: ILT20 2025 – Broadcast & Live Streaming Details | When and where to watch in India, Pakistan, Nepal, USA, UAE and other countries
ILT20 2025 Highlights
After the opening ceremony, the inaugural match featured an exciting clash between Dubai Capitals and MI Emirates, the second leg last year’s final. The match started after the opening ceremony and MI Emirates won the toss and chose to field first.
The 2025 edition of ILT20 promises to be bigger and bolder than ever, with famous cricketers from around the world including Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson and Sikandar Raza among others. The excitement surrounding the tournament is palpable, with fans eager to see their favorite teams play during this month-long festival of cricket.
On the first day of the tournament, a special ticket promotion was announced, which will allow fans to watch matches at affordable prices.
ALSO READ: International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 squads – List of players and captains of all six teams
