Record-Breaking Player Auction for Afghanistan in ILT20 Season 5
Afghanistan Players Shine in ILT20 Season 5 Auction
Dubai [UAE], October 7: The International League T20 (ILT20) Season 5 Player Auction proved to be a remarkable event for Afghanistan's cricket players. Left-arm fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi emerged as the top player, securing a staggering USD 380,000, marking a historic signing amount in the tournament's history. Additionally, opening batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz also made headlines by surpassing the USD 300,000 mark with a contract worth USD 310,000 with the Gulf Giants.
In total, 25 players from Afghanistan have been chosen across six franchise teams in the ILT20. Each franchise was required to include four Afghan players in their rosters, and the league's regulations for this season mandate that each playing eleven must consist of at least two Afghan players.
The significant financial opportunities for both established and emerging Afghan players stem from a strategic collaboration between the Afghanistan Cricket Board and the ILT20/Emirates Cricket Board, aimed at providing sustainable and long-term prospects for these athletes. The ILT20 has become a source of hope and ambition for many Associate Member nations, including Afghanistan.
Naseeb Khan, CEO of the ACB, expressed his excitement about the successful outcomes of the ILT20 Season 5 Player Auction. He stated, “We are thrilled with the results of this auction, which has elevated the profile of Afghanistan cricket to unprecedented levels. A total of 25 players have secured contracts with ILT20 franchises, with Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz achieving record-breaking bids.”
He further added, “This opportunity for our players is a testament to our strong partnership with the DP World ILT20 and the Emirates Cricket Board. Earlier this year, we made a strategic decision to enhance the game in Afghanistan with their support. I would like to extend my gratitude to Khalid Al Zarooni, Chairman of ILT20, and League Commissioner Mubashshir Usmani, whose efforts were crucial in realizing this partnership.”
Khan concluded, “The vision of Zarooni and Mubashshir for the growth of cricket is truly inspiring, as evidenced by the ILT20's transformative approach for both Associate and Full Members like Afghanistan. We are off to a fantastic start in our collaboration, and we are confident that this partnership will continue to uplift our players and inspire a new generation of Afghan cricket stars.”
Afghanistan players participating in ILT20 Season 5 include:
- Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Auction Signings - Arab Gul (USD 80,000), Gulbadin Naib (USD 75,000), Qais Ahmad (USD 38,000), Abdullah Tarakhail (USD 10,000). Total spent: USD 203,000.
- Desert Vipers: Auction Signings - Abdullah Ahmadzai (USD 40,000), Nangeyalia Kharote (USD 28,000), Saleem Safi (USD 10,000). Total spent: USD 78,000.
- Dubai Capitals: Auction Signings - Sediqullah Atal (USD 70,000), Karim Janat (USD 40,000), Darwish Rasooli (USD 10,000). Total spent: USD 120,000.
- Gulf Giants: Auction Signings - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (USD 310,000), Ibrahim Zadran (USD 65,000), Imran Mir (USD 10,000), Wahidullah Zadran (USD 10,000). Total spent: USD 395,000.
- MI Emirates: Auction Signings - Fazalhaq Farooqi (USD 380,000), Allah Ghazanfar (USD 150,000), Faridoon Dawoodzai (USD 10,000). Total spent: USD 540,000.
- Sharjah Warriorz: Auction Signings - Mohammad Nabi (USD 140,000), Fareed Malik (USD 40,000), Sharafuddin Ashraf (USD 40,000). Total spent: USD 220,000.