Dubai, November 26, 2025: 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.
About his appointment, Dasun Shanaka said, “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.“
Head coach Hemang Badani added, “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.”
Season 4 of the ILT20 begins in December in the UAE, with the Dubai Capitals facing the Desert Vipers on Tuesday, December 2.
About Dubai Capitals: 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.
About GMR Sports
Founded in 2008, GMR Sports represents the sports sector of the GMR Group. It is driven by a mission to connect people, nurture talent, and establish sports as a powerful unifying platform both within India and globally. Committed to becoming a respected and influential brand in the sports industry, GMR Sports embarked on its journey with cricket, chosen for its widespread appeal as the ideal starting point for the Group’s first-ever sports venture.The journey began with the Delhi Capitals, the city’s first-ever cricket franchise and the sole representative of India’s national capital in the IPL. As part of its mission to broaden its impact, GMR Sports soon diversified its portfolio, adding sports that resonate deeply with the Indian community. The company now owns UP Yoddhas in the Pro Kabaddi League and Telugu Yoddhas in the Ultimate Kho Kho League, additionally, has recently ventured into the league by acquiring rights to the Rugby Premier League, reinforcing its dedication to supporting regional talent and promoting indigenous sports. Expanding its global footprint, GMR Sports now holds franchises in international markets, including Dubai Capitals in ILT20, Pretoria Capitals in SA20, Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket (US), and Hampshire County Cricket Club in England. Through these initiatives, GMR Sports continues to strengthen its presence on the world stage.
For further information about GMR Group, visit http://www.gmrgroup.in
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