Record-Breaking Player Auction Highlights ILT20 Season Five
Exciting Developments at ILT20 Season Five Auction
The player auction for the fifth season of the International League T20 (ILT20) was a spectacle of high stakes and impressive bids, with four players surpassing the previous auction record of USD 260,000 set by Andre Fletcher and MI Emirates in the fourth season. Leading the charge was Fazalhaq Farooqi, who was acquired by MI Emirates for a staggering USD 380,000. Following closely was England's Liam Livingstone, who fetched USD 350,000 with Gulf Giants. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was secured for USD 310,000 through the Giants' Right-to-Match option, while Faf du Plessis joined Dubai Capitals for USD 300,000, according to a press release.
Star-Studded Auction Atmosphere
The auction was graced by ILT20 Season 5 ambassador Brett Lee, alongside cricket legends such as AB de Villiers, Allan Donald, Shoaib Malik, and Usman Khawaja. Notably, Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, and Fakhar Zaman were all signed by the Desert Vipers, each at their base price of USD 80,000. Babar is set to make his ILT20 debut this season, while Naseem and Fakhar return to defend their title.
UAE Players Shine
The franchises demonstrated strong support for UAE players, with Muhammad Waseem becoming the highest-priced UAE player in ILT20 history after MI Emirates exercised their Right-to-Match option to secure him for USD 210,000. Alishan Sharafu followed with a deal worth USD 110,000 with Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, while Muhammad Rohid and Aayan Khan both received contracts worth USD 95,000 from the Knight Riders and Dubai Capitals, respectively. Khuzaima Bin Tanveer was acquired by Desert Vipers for USD 75,000 through RTM, and Vriitya Aravind joined the Vipers for USD 70,000.
Emerging Talent from Associate Nations
Players from Associate Member Nations also made their mark. Amshi De Silva from the USA joined Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for USD 100,000, while fellow USA all-rounder Hassan Khan was signed by Dubai Capitals for USD 90,000. Scotland's Brandon McMullen was picked by Sharjah Warriorz for USD 80,000, and Namibia's David Wiese joined Gulf Giants for USD 70,000.
Franchise Auction Highlights
[object Object]
[object Object]
[object Object]
[object Object]
[object Object]
[object Object]
Complete Squad List
[object Object]
[object Object]
[object Object]
[object Object]
[object Object]
[object Object]