ILT20 chief executive David White announced no plans to reduce overseas players. Teams keep their limit at nine non-local players.
Critics target leagues like ILT20 and Major League Cricket. They argue high overseas quotas drain talent from domestic cricket.
Graeme Smith, SA20 commissioner and ex-South Africa captain, called such formats “not good for the game.”
ICC rules from 2023 cap new T20 leagues at four overseas players for sanctioning. Existing leagues like UAE’s ILT20 face no mandate.
Reports suggested eventual compliance. White dismissed changes, stressing clear rules stand firm.
White hopes local UAE talent grows with better domestic systems. Still, the nine-player overseas cap remains unchanged.
“We want to develop cricket in the region and help develop cricket around the world,” White emphasized.
Last winter’s ILT20 featured England stars. Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow, and Tom Banton thrilled fans alongside global talent.
Key Policy Points
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ILT20 rule: 9 overseas players per team.
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ICC 2023: 4-player cap for new leagues only.
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Stars last season: Curran, Bairstow, Banton.
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White’s goal: Balance global appeal with regional growth.
