ILT20 2025-26: Dasun Shanaka named captain of Dubai Capitals

Defending champions Dubai Capitals have appointed Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka as captain for Season 4 of the International League T20, with the franchise backing his international leadership credentials.

A prolific T20 all-rounder and former Sri Lankan captain, Shanaka has scored 1,659 runs and taken 41 wickets across 117 T20 matches. He was part of the Capitals' core group that clinched the Season 3 title, and now steps into the captaincy role as the defending champions look to retain their crown in the 2025–26 campaign.

The Capitals have retained a strong mix of international and domestic talent and will enter Season 4 with renewed ambition under Shanaka's leadership.

"It's a huge honour to lead Dubai Capitals. This franchise has shown tremendous belief in me, and I'm excited to take on the responsibility. We have a balanced, hungry squad, and I'm confident we can play fearless cricket and make our fans proud this season," Shanaka said about his appointment.

Meanwhile, head coach Hemang Badani welcomed the appointment of Shanaka as the new captain of the side, noting that the all-rounder's calmness and understanding of the game will help his teammates.

"Dasun brings calmness, intent and a great understanding of the game. He leads by example, and the boys rally around him. With the squad we've built and the mindset we carry, we're looking forward to a strong ILT20 campaign," Badani said.

Season 4 of the ILT20 begins in December in the UAE, with the Dubai Capitals facing the Desert Vipers on Tuesday, December 2.

Dubai Capitals, owned by the GMR Group, is a cricket franchise competing in the International League T20 (ILT20), a premier T20 tournament held in the United Arab Emirates since 2023.

The franchise clinched the maiden title at DP World ILT20 Season 3 and now enters its fourth season as one of six teams in the competition.

Led by newly appointed captain and Sri Lankan star Dasun Shanaka, the Dubai Capitals will field a formidable lineup featuring stalwarts such as Rovman Powell, Tymal Mills, Scott Currie, Jimmy Neesham, and Gulbadin Naib. As in the previous season, the team will continue to be coached by Hemang Badani.