ILT20 Season 3: Full List of Players Retained by MI Emirates, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants & Sharjah Warriors

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As the International League T20 (ILT20) gears up for its third season, the franchises have announced their retention lists, with some high-profile names making the cut and a few notable absences raising eyebrows. A total of 69 players have been retained by their respective ILT20 teams, promising an exciting season ahead.

Apart from retaining big international names, each franchise has also retained two UAE players, adhering to the league's requirements. The teams are now in the player acquisition phase, which will remain open until September 15, allowing them to fill in gaps and strengthen their squads.

ILT20 Season 3 Key Retentions and Surprises

Among the retained players, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, David Warner, and Mohammad Amir stand out. These seasoned players bring a wealth of experience and star power to the league.

MI Emirates: The defending champions, have secured their core team by retaining Captain Nicholas Pooran, along with T20 stalwarts Dwayne Bravo, Akeal Hosein, Kieron Pollard, and Fazalhaq Farooqi. However, Trent Boult, who was pivotal last season, has not been retained.

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: They have held onto Captain Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, retaining a total of 11 players, including David Willey, Charith Asalanka, USA's Ali Khan, and Andries Gous. This lineup indicates a strong intent to build on their previous performances.

Desert Vipers have retained Mohammad Amir, Wanindu Hasaranga, Alex Hales, and Azam Khan, keeping their key players intact. However, the absence of fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Matheesha Pathirana is notable and may impact their bowling strength.

Dubai Capitals have kept Captain David Warner and other significant players such as Rovman Powell, Sam Billings, and Jake Fraser-McGurk. Interestingly, England's Joe Root and Mark Wood are missing from the list, indicating a shift in team strategy.

Gulf Giants have retained Captain James Vince and star player Shimron Hetmyer. However, the exclusions of USA's Saurabh Netravalkar and Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rehman could be felt in their bowling department.

Sharjah Warriors have focused on retaining a balanced squad, including key players like Captain Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Kusal Mendis, and Johnson Charles among the eight players.

ILT20 Third Season Schedule

The third season of the ILT20 is scheduled from January 11 to February 9, 2025, across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. The upcoming season promises to be more competitive and thrilling, with franchises working hard to balance their squads.

ILT20 2025: Complete Retention List

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Aditya Shetty, Ali Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Andre Russell, - Andries Gous, Charith Asalanka, David Willey, Joe Clarke, Laurie Evans, Michael Pepper, Sunil Narine

Desert Vipers: Adam Hose, Alex Hales, Ali Naseer, Azam Khan, Bas de Leede, Luke Wood, Michael Jones, Mohammad Amir, Nathan Sowter, Sherfane Rutherford, Tanish Suri, Wanindu Hasaranga

Dubai Capitals: Dasun Shanaka, David Warner, Dushmantha Chameera, Haider Ali, Raja Akif, Rovman Powell, Sam Billings, Sikandar Raza, Zahir Khan, Jake Fraser McGurk, Oliver Stone

Gulf Giants: Aayan Afzal Khan, Blessing Muzarabani, Chris Jordan, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gerhard Erasmus, Jamie Overton, James Vince, Jamie Smith, Jordan Cox, Mohammad Zohaib Zubair, Rehan Ahmed, Richard Gleeson, Shimron Hetmyer

MI Emirates: Akeal Hosein, Andre Fletcher, Daniel Mousley, Dwayne Bravo, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Jordan Thompson, Kieron Pollard, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Muhammad Waseem, Nicholas Pooran, Nosthush Kenjige, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Waqar Salamkheil

Sharjah Warriors: Dilshan Madushanka, Johnson Charles, Junaid Siddique, Muhamad Jawadullah, Kusal Mendis, Luke Wells, Peter Hatzoglou, Tom Kohler-Cadmore