Exclusive: David White on UAE Cricket's Golden Era Thanks to ILT20's Success

A lucrative job market, low taxes, luxurious living, and year-long sunshine are great incentives to move to the United Arab Emirates. Plus, the rise in cricketing action has created opportunities for players and stakeholders. The Arab nation has been on the cricketing map through matches in Sharjah in the 80s. Abu Dhabi and Dubai became the sought-after venues in the new millennium due to their world-class facilities.

The International League T20, the franchise cricket competition by the Emirates Cricket Board that started in 2023, is the new expansion tool where renowned international players have thrown their hats in the ring. The six-team tournament offers a specific quota for UAE and Associate Nation players apart from offering fat pay cheques to T20 superstars.

Why players like to play in the UAE

David White, CEO of ILT20, highlighted why players like to play in the UAE. 

"They love coming here as the weather is beautiful at this time of the year, and the training facilities are great. You can have nine overseas players in a team. There are three outstanding venues, and the best part is you don't have to fly anywhere. You travel by bus from ground to ground as they are all in close proximity. It is easy for the players and their families," he told Sportsboom.com. 

England international James Vince, leading the Gulf Giants in the ILT20, relocated to Dubai after his home in the UK was attacked twice last year. The other reason was the new ECB policy of not granting a No Objection Certificate to players for other leagues, barring the IPL, which frustrated him as he has a six-figure contract with Karachi Kings in the neighbouring Pakistan Super League, clashing with the County Championship this year.

How ILT20 improved in three seasons

White felt the league has scaled up in the third edition. "We are already a major league in the world with good engagement, great crowds, and a fantastic roster of players. Media and social media are abuzz. The standard has improved with big scores and hundreds. What is pleasing is the UAE players stepping up with good performances," added the 63-year-old, who represented New Zealand in two Tests and three ODIs.

Dubai Capitals' Shai Hope (West Indies) and MI Emirates' Tom Banton (England) have registered centuries in this edition. UAE cricketer Ayaan Afzal Khan, representing Gulf Giants, returned a career-best figure of 4/16.

White is open to retired Indian players in the ILT20, like Dinesh Karthik's participation in the SA20 competition for Paarl Royals. 

"We have an open mind. If the Indian players are healthy, are at par with international standards, and can contribute to the league, we will be supportive," said White, who served as the CEO of New Zealand Cricket from 2012 to 2023, adding that the biggest challenge is to "develop and grow a fan base of the franchises".

The prize money for the winner of ILT20 is USD 700,000.

Santner and Jadeja, two best spinners

New Zealand played three World Cup finals and lifted the inaugural World Test Championship title in 2021 during White's tenure. Ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, starting February 19, White believed new Black Caps skipper Mitchell Santner would deliver the goods. "I worked with a great team, and we set a solid structure complemented by world-class players like Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, and more.

“Now, you see the likes of young pacer Will O'Rourke coming through. There is a lot of promise among the youngsters. Santner will do a great job as captain, and the Champions Trophy will be interesting. Like all ICC events, New Zealand will be competitive," he reasoned.

White rated Santner [232 wickets] as one of the successful white-ball spinners along with Ravindra Jadeja [274 wickets] of India. "He is arguably one of the most successful white-ball spinners, alongside Jadeja. Santner brings a lot of calmness to the team and doesn't get flustered. He is talented, intelligent, and well-respected by his teammates," White summed up.