The ILT20 2025 season kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Dubai International Stadium on January 11, 2025, featuring dazzling performances by film stars Shahid Kapoor, Sonam Bajwa and Pooja Hegde The event drew a large crowd, setting an electrifying tone for the tournament.
A night of entertainment in Dubai
The stadium transformed into a vibrant spectacle as Shahid took centre stage, captivating the audience with his energetic dance moves. The atmosphere was further enhanced by the lively beats of popular Bollywood tracks, with fans and attendees dancing along to hits like “Kudi Mainu Kehndi” and “Laal Peeli Akhiyaan.”
Kapoor Saahab, tum ne toh 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐚 𝐝𝐢 🍿😍🕺
Your dose of magic before #DPWorldILT20 madness, from Shahid Kapoor 😎#ILT20onZee #T20HeroesKaJalwa #DCvMIE I @shahidkapoor pic.twitter.com/6ErGTmz8fL
— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) January 11, 2025
The performances were complemented by stunning visuals and colourful light displays, creating a festive ambiance that celebrated both cricket and Indian culture.
A dose of 𝓓𝓱𝓪𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓪 before the #DPWorldILT20 powerplay begins, ft. #SonamBajwa 😎#DCvMIE #ILT20onZee #T20HeroesKaJalwa pic.twitter.com/gm0Tf4sWwB
— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) January 11, 2025
The ceremony was hosted by Bollywood producer and actor Jackky Bhagnani, alongside sports presenter Ridhima Pathak, who kept the audience engaged throughout the 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 the #DPWorldILT20 Season 3️⃣ with her incredible moves & the crowds go mad 🍿🔥#DCvMIE #ILT20onZee #T20HeroesKaJalwa | pic.twitter.com/VHxIo2abwh
— Zee Cricket (@ilt20onzee) January 11, 2025
Also READ: ILT20 2025 – Broadcast and Live Streaming details | When & Where to Watch in India, Pakistan, Nepal, USA, UAE & other countries
ILT20 2025 highlights
Following the opening ceremony, the inaugural match featured a thrilling showdown between Dubai Capitals and MI Emirates, a rematch of last year’s final. The match commenced after the opening ceremony, with MI Emirates winning the toss and opting to field first.
The 2025 edition of ILT20 promises to be bigger and bolder than ever, featuring renowned cricketers from around the globe, 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 how their favourite teams perform over the course of this month-long cricket festival.
A special ticket promotion was also announced on the first day of the tournament, offering fans an opportunity to watch the matches at affordable prices.
Also READ: International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 Squads – Players list and captains of all six teams
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