![ILT20 winners to leave league [Source: ILT20]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1784042693277_ILT20.jpg?type=hq)
ILT20 winners to leave league [Source: ILT20]
One of the most successful franchises in the history of UAE’s International League T20 (ILT20) has expressed its desire to leave the tournament. Interestingly, the franchise is none other than reigning defending champions, Desert Vipers.
As per a report, the franchise owners have already conveyed their decision to the tournament organizers, and will likely not be taking part in this year’s ILT20 2026 season.
Desert Vipers on path to leave ILT20 before 2026 season
The Desert Vipers franchise is planning to exit the ILT20 tournament and its owners have already written to the organizers, as reported by Cricbuzz.
The franchise is owned by American businessman Avram Glazer, who also holds ownership stakes in prominent football leagues like NFL and EPL.
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As per reports, the franchise is planning its separation from the league owing to differences over franchise fees and issues involving the business model of the league. It is learnt that there was a disagreement between the franchise and the ILT20 organizers even a couple of years ago, before both parties eventually resolved its differences.
US-based Paul Voigt, a close associate of Avram Glazer, recently wrote to the ILT20 organizers about its intention of leaving the league.
Who will replace Desert Vipers before ILT20 2026?
It is worth noting that several players and coaching staff members are already in place within the Desert Vipers setup for this year’s ILT20 2026 season. However, with franchise now intending to leave, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) will be aiming to find a suitable sixth team as a replacement.
Owing to the board’s close ties with Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation and Kuwait Cricket, finding a replacement team may not be as difficult.
However, time is of the essence for the ECB considering the upcoming ILT20 2026 season is scheduled to commence from November 22 later this year.
Desert Vipers record in ILT20 seasons
The Desert Vipers franchise is one of the most successful units in the history of ILT20, having reached the final of the league thrice in just four seasons so far.
The team reached the final of the inaugural season of the tournament back in 2023 under the leadership of explosive New Zealand opener Colin Munro. While Vipers failed to qualify for the playoffs the following year, new captain Lockie Ferguson steered them to yet another runners-up finish in 2025.
In January earlier this year, Ferguson and co. went a step further to clinch the ILT20 2025-26 title, doing so by humiliating MI Emirates in a one-sided finale at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
With three final appearances and a title to show for, the Vipers are set to bring the curtain down on a remarkably successful chapter in ILT20 history.
If confirmed, the move would mark a rare and ironic conclusion to a franchise's journey, with the Vipers choosing to part ways with the league at the height of their success.
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