DUBAI: ILT20 Season 4 came to life on Tuesday evening with a stunning display of fireworks and stadium lights at the Dubai International Stadium, as thousands of fans, including Pakistanis, celebrated both the UAE National Day and the launch of the region’s biggest T20 league.
The evening began with a high-energy performance from Pakistani star Ali Zafar, who delivered a medley of his most popular hits before National Day-themed fireworks lit up the “Ring of Fire.”
The “Ring of Fire” lived up to its name, with golden fireworks shooting above the stadium roof before cascading down like melting rain – a spectacle that drew cheers from the packed venue.
Inside the stadium, the pitch was lit up with waves of red, green, white and black smoke – the colors of the UAE flag – creating one of the most vibrant curtain-raisers in the tournament’s history.
The supporters’ park outside the venue has been redesigned to become a ‘Crickmas wonderland’, linking the league’s opening week with the region’s holiday period.
This season is seeing increased interest among Pakistani cricket fans, with Naseem Shah, Fakhar Zaman and Hassan Nawaz featuring prominently across all franchises.
Naseem’s move to Franchise Desert Vipers has attracted particular attention, with skipper Lockie Ferguson saying the Pakistani fast bowler’s 150km/h pace “will have a major impact” this season.
The move to a December-January window – brought forward due to next year’s T20 World Cup – aligned the tournament with the UAE’s festive season, boosting attendances and atmosphere.
The matches are broadcast live in Pakistan on PK Press Club Super.
