Dubai, 11 September 2026: Fast bowling legends Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar have been named tournament ambassadors for DP World ILT20 Season 5, bringing together two of the quickest and most feared bowlers in cricket history to represent the league as it gears up for another exciting season.

The pair were unveiled in their ambassadorial roles at a Season 5 launch ceremony in Dubai on 9 September. Their appointment adds further star power to the DP World ILT20 as the league continues to build its position as one of the premier T20 competitions in the world and a major platform for cricket in the UAE.

Lee, one of Australia's most celebrated fast bowlers, enjoyed an illustrious international career with one of the most dominant sides in world cricket. Renowned for his express pace and attacking style, he claimed 718 international wickets across formats. He has since remained a prominent figure in the global game through his work in broadcasting, commentary and cricket development.

Shoaib Akhtar, widely regarded as one of the fastest bowlers in the history of the game, became one of the most recognisable and feared figures in international cricket during his career with Pakistan. The 'Rawalpindi Express' claimed 444 international wickets across Tests, ODIs and T20 cricket, and has previously served as a tournament ambassador for the DP World ILT20.

DP World ILT20 Tournament Ambassador Brett Lee said:

"I'm delighted to be joining the DP World ILT20 as a tournament ambassador. I have been following the league for a while, and it has created a fantastic platform for international stars and emerging talent to come together in the UAE. I'm looking forward to being part of Season 5, meeting the fans and helping build the excitement around another great season of T20 cricket."

DP World ILT20 Tournament Ambassador Shoaib Akhtar said:

"I've enjoyed being part of the league in the previous seasons and have seen how it has continued to develop and attract some of the biggest names in the game. It's a pleasure to return to the DP World ILT20 as a tournament ambassador. It is great to see how much the UAE cricketers have improved each season, particularly the fast bowlers. Brett and I have shared many battles on the field, so it's great to be associated with the league together, and I'm looking forward to making more memories with him and inspiring the current and upcoming generation of UAE and Gulf cricketers.”

Notably, Season 5 will continue to see immense firepower on the field, with Finn Allen (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen (both Gulf Giants) set to make their maiden DP World ILT20 appearances. Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis (Dubai Capitals) will return to the tournament after a three-year gap, while DP World ILT20 regulars Jason Holder and Sunil Narine (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Shimron Hetmyer (Desert Vipers), Rovman Powell and Mustafizur Rahman (Dubai Capitals), Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan and Romario Shepherd (MI Emirates), and Sikandar Raza (Sharjah Warriorz) will return to their Season 4 franchises.

The defending champions Desert Vipers have also retained Andries Gous and Dan Lawrence, while Azmatullah Omarzai and Blessing Muzarabani return to the Gulf Giants. Mujeeb-ur-Rahman (Desert Vipers), Noor Ahmad (Dubai Capitals), Sherfane Rutherford (MI Emirates), Adam Milne, James Vince and Waqar Salamkheil (all Sharjah Warriorz) will represent new franchises in Season 5. The six franchises will complete their squads at the DP World ILT20 Season 5 Player Auction on 1 October 2026.