These 4 Coaches Leave the IPL to Join ILT20: Here's the List

With the new season of the Indian Premier League coming up and ongoing changes with the mini auction lined up is creating buzz among cricket fans across the world. It's not just the players who are in scheduled change, but also some changes in the coaching line-ups. As the IPL franchises are preparing for new strategies, a surprising change will take place in the coaching lineup this season.

A group of well-known IPL mentors have chosen to take up playing roles in the International League T20. As auctions for both leagues are near, this year, four IPL coaches are stepping away from their IPL duties to participate in the ILT20 2025-2026 season, marking it a significant development in franchise cricket.
The ILT20 2025-2026 season will begin in the UAE with a tight schedule and several global stars joining the tournament. The league will feature six teams across Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. As the tournament paces up for the opener, more experienced names are continuing to join, including coaches who have chosen to return as players in the ILT20 season. This move will shift attention towards the new edition of the ILT20, with IPL coaches leaving IPL and joining ILT20.

4 IPL Coaches in ILT20 2025-26

The rise of the ILT20 has created new opportunities for players, and now four experienced IPL coaches will join the upcoming season of the league, making it a must-watch encounter. This year, 4 coaches from IPL will leave this and will mark their beginning in the ILT20 season. The names include Dinesh Karthik, Kieron Pollard, Tim Southee and Andre Russell.

1. Dinesh Karthik

Karthik first played in the IPL as a player, then took on the mentorship for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru as batting coach. With the new season coming up, he signed up for ILT20 and is playing for Sharjah Warriors. With confirmation from the player and franchise, Dinesh Karthik ILT20 participation is expected to add depth to the franchise.

2. Kieron Pollard

Kieron Pollard has worked with Mumbai Indians for a long time as a batting coach and has shifted his interest to the ILT20. He is captaining MI Emirates in the ILT20 and would like to add experience with his power hitting and leadership, making him one of the biggest attractions of the season. Kieron Pollard ILT20 participation will boost the league as he is one of the best T20 batsmen of all time.

3. Tim Southee

Southee, New Zealand’s fast bowler, has recently joined the Kolkata Knight Riders as the bowling coach in the IPL. With the new report and developments, it is confirmed that Tim Southee in ILT20 will join the Sharjah Warriors.

4. Andre Russell

Andre Russell has served as KKR’s power coach during his IPL stint, and now he will play for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20. His power-hitting abilities and all-around abilities will make him one of the most dangerous batsmen in IPL. With a return to the field as a player in franchise-based cricket, Andre Russell ILT20 participation will add new dimension to the league.

The ILT20 2025-2026 season will start from December 02, 2025 and will continue till next 2026 January 4. With a double round-robin format followed by playoffs. A total of six teams will compete across three venues, and this structure continues to strengthen the league with the presence of IPL coaches in ILT20.