ILT20 season 5 turns up the pace with 100-mph legends Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar

Fast-bowling legends Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar have been named tournament ambassadors for ILT20 Season 5, bringing together two of the quickest and most feared bowlers in cricket history as the league gears up for another exciting season.The duo were unveiled in their new roles at the Season 5 launch ceremony in Dubai on September 9. Their appointment adds further star power to the ILT20, which continues to establish itself 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, claimed 718 international wickets across formats during an illustrious career. Shoaib Akhtar, widely regarded as one of cricket's fastest-ever bowlers, took 444 international wickets across Tests, ODIs and T20 cricket."I'm delighted to be joining the 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," said Lee.Akhtar, who has previously served as an ILT20 ambassador, said he was pleased to return to the league and highlighted the progress of UAE cricketers, particularly its fast bowlers."Brett and I have shared many battles on the field, so it's great to be associated with the league together. I'm looking forward to making more memories with him and inspiring the current and upcoming generation of UAE and Gulf cricketers," he said.Season 5 will feature plenty of international firepower, with Finn Allen set to make his debut for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, while David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen will make their maiden appearances for Gulf Giants. Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis will return to the tournament with Dubai Capitals after a three-year gap.Several established ILT20 stars will also return, including Jason Holder and Sunil Narine for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Shimron Hetmyer for Desert Vipers, Rovman Powell and Mustafizur Rahman for Dubai Capitals, and Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan and Romario Shepherd for MI Emirates.The six franchises will complete their Season 5 squads at the ILT20 Player Auction on October 1, 2026.The six-team, 34-match Season 5 of the ILT20 will be played across November and December 2026, with defending champions Desert Vipers looking to retain their title.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.