Learning every day: Kuwait players gain valuable exposure in DP World ILT20 Season 4

Season 4 of the DP World ILT20 has marked a major milestone for cricket development in the region, with players from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia making history by being selected at the league’s first-ever auction and featuring across all six franchises.

Each team recruited at least one player from both countries, giving emerging cricketers the rare opportunity to train and compete alongside some of the world’s biggest names in T20 cricket. The season concluded on January 4, with the Desert Vipers defeating MI Emirates to lift their maiden ILT20 title.

For Kuwait’s players, the tournament has been as much about learning as competing.

Mohamed Aslam, captain of the Kuwait national team and a member of the Sharjah Warriorz, described the experience as transformative.

“It’s a great opportunity to represent the Sharjah Warriorz and to gain experience in the dressing room,” he said. “As captain of Kuwait, sharing space with leaders like Tim Southee and Sikandar Raza has been invaluable. I have learned so much from them by asking questions, and I hope to take this knowledge back to Kuwait.”

Mohammed Shafeeq made history as the first player from Kuwait or Saudi Arabia to feature in a DP World ILT20 match when he turned out for MI Emirates against the Dubai Capitals.

“The support from the coaching staff has been amazing,” he said. “This is a completely different level for us, and it will help us greatly in the future. To play alongside Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran and Jonny Bairstow is a very big moment for me. They are top players, and being considered for selection means a lot.”

Dubai Capitals’ Anudeep Chenthamara also praised the exposure, thanking the Kuwait Cricket Board and the league for the opportunity.

“There has been a lot of learning, from the basics to the higher level,” he said. “Working with experienced players and coaches has helped me improve, even changing aspects like the base of my run-up.”

Gulf Giants’ Meet Bhavsar, who has represented Kuwait in 73 T20 internationals, echoed those sentiments.
“It’s been a great experience sharing the dressing room with superstars of modern-day cricket,” he said.

“Facing someone like Tabraiz Shamsi in the nets is challenging and has helped me immensely. I will try to share as much as I can with the Kuwait team.”

Desert Vipers’ Bilal Tahir, part of the championship-winning side, highlighted the quality of coaching and environment.

“We are learning every day,” he said. “The coaches are excellent, and the style of teaching really helps. Playing with these stars is a dream. Even simple advice from players like Fakhar Zaman in the nets makes a big difference.”

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders’ Adnan Idrees also underlined the impact of training alongside global stars.
“Learning from legends is always a blessing,” he said.

“Sharing the dressing room with Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone motivates me to improve. I feel blessed to be part of the DP World ILT20 and hope more players from our region get this chance.”

With Kuwait’s players gaining exposure at one of the world’s premier T20 leagues, Season 4 of the DP World ILT20 has not only delivered entertainment but also strengthened the foundations of cricket development across the Gulf.