Home»Sports news»Indian signings to boost ILT20 season 4: What it means for fans and viewership»
The International League T20 (ILT20) is gearing up for its fourth edition, but this season arrives with a shift that has caught the attention of global cricket followers. For the first time, several Indian players are set to feature in the tournament, creating a wave of anticipation among the fans. Given India’s massive influence on the sport’s viewership landscape, the organisers see this inclusion as a potential game-changer.
Indian players have long been among the most watched and commercially impactful figures in world cricket. Their arrival in ILT20 is not just about strengthening squads, it’s about tapping into one of the biggest cricket audiences globally. With millions of Indian fans following their favourite players wherever they go, ILT20 sees an opportunity to expand its reach far beyond the UAE.
League officials believe that even a handful of recognisable Indian names can elevate fan curiosity, draw new viewers, and create stronger emotional engagement. This interest could translate into higher TRPs, increased digital traffic, and stronger sponsor participation, all vital for a league that is still shaping its global identity.
“Somewhere down the line, India makes a big difference in cricket. Bringing these players on board was not difficult but the franchises must have decided who they want to add to their respective rosters. But I think this is just the start. Giong forward, you are going to see many more Indians playing in the ILT20,” said Laxmi Shetty, Head – Advertisement Revenue, Broadcast and Digital, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, as quoted by NDTV.
“From an India point of view, with three Indian players coming in, it would only add more to the viewership. The season has actually grown year on year. It’s the second most viewed league, I would say, globally,” she added.
Three Indian players will be great: CEO David White
ILT20’s decision to welcome Indian cricketers is also part of a broader effort to reposition the league in an increasingly competitive T20 market. Several leagues around the world rely heavily on overseas stars, but none can match the allure of Indian players, whose presence often transforms a tournament’s popularity overnight. Season 4, therefore, becomes an important testing ground to measure how much impact this expanded player base can generate.
For fans, the change offers a refreshing flavour. Indian players competing alongside talent from Australia, England, Pakistan, Afghanistan, the Caribbean, and the UAE presents a mix that promises new storylines and unexpected matchups. It also allows the league to appeal to both hardcore cricket audiences and casual viewers who follow personalities more than teams.
ILT20 CEO and former New Zealand cricketer David White said, “Three Indian players will be great. Of course, we know Indian fans love Indian players. So we’re really, really looking forward to that. The quality of cricket is going to be really high with nine overseas players per team. Now we’ve also introduced some Kuwait players and Saudi players as well. And we see the future of this league being very much a Gulf region, not just the UAE.”
