Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: ILT20 Franchise Profile

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders are one of the six franchises in the International League T20, the Twenty20 competition held in the United Arab Emirates. The team belongs to the Knight Riders Group, which also owns Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League.

Origins

The ILT20 was launched by the Emirates Cricket Board, with its first season taking place in early 2023. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders joined at the start, bringing the Knight Riders brand and its purple and gold colours to the UAE capital. The group also operates Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League and Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket.

Home venue

The team is associated with Sheikh Zayed Stadium, also known as the Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium, which has hosted international matches and franchise cricket for many years. ILT20 fixtures are also played in Dubai and Sharjah, so the squad moves between the UAE’s main venues during the season.

The Knight Riders network

A key feature of the franchise is its connection to a worldwide network of sister teams. Shared branding, scouting and sometimes players link the clubs across leagues, and the group has a track record of success elsewhere, particularly in the IPL and the Caribbean Premier League.

About this page

Squads, captains and standings change with every ILT20 season, so none are listed here. Fans looking for the latest results should consult the league’s official records. What remains constant is the team’s identity as the Abu Dhabi arm of a globally recognised cricket brand.