The inaugural ILT20 Player Auction truly made its mark, with West Indies batsman Andre Fletcher becoming the standout acquisition. He commanded an astounding $260,000 to continue his journey with MI Emirates for a fourth consecutive season. This electrifying bidding war ushered in a new chapter for the league, as franchises went head-to-head for a blend of seasoned international stars and burgeoning local talents from the UAE.
ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction (ILT20 Photo)
Fletcher, affectionately known as the “Spiceman” for his dynamic playing style, saw his massive price tag of $260,000 set the precedent for the entire auction. Close on his heels were England’s Scott Currie, snapped up by Dubai Capitals for $250,000, and Liam Dawson, who joined Gulf Giants for $170,000. Local UAE cricket also had its moment in the spotlight, with pacers making significant waves. Junaid Siddique was secured by Sharjah Warriorz for $170,000 (RTM), and Muhammad Rohid went to MI Emirates for $140,000 (RTM). These impressive figures highlight a pivotal rise in the prominence of fast-bowling talent within the UAE.
MI Emirates
Already boasting a formidable core, MI Emirates significantly enhanced their squad’s firepower. In addition to retaining Andre Fletcher for a record sum, they brought in experienced players like Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan ($40,000), Afghanistan’s fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq ($100,000), and England’s Jordan Thompson ($48,000). The team also reinforced its local talent pool with Muhammad Rohid and Zahoor Khan. Fulfilling their Associate Nation quota, MI Emirates signed USA’s Nosthush Kenjige, Kuwait’s Mohamed Shafeeq, and Saudi Arabia’s Zain Ul Abidin.
Key Auction Signings for MI Emirates: Muhammad Rohid ($140,000), Jordan Thompson ($48,000), Naveen-ul-Haq ($100,000), Andre Fletcher ($260,000), Nosthush Kenjige ($10,000), Mohamed Shafeeq ($10,000), Zain Ul Abidin ($10,000), Usman Khan ($10,000), Ackeem Auguste ($10,000), Arab Gul ($10,000), Tajinder Dhillon ($10,000), Zahoor Khan ($10,000), Shakib Al Hasan ($40,000)
Dubai Capitals
The Dubai Capitals made a bold statement by investing heavily in Scott Currie, securing him for an impressive $250,000. To balance this youthful acquisition, they also signed experienced players like Mohammad Nabi and Tymal Mills, both for $80,000. Their contingent of UAE players includes Farhan Khan and Muhammad Farooq, while their Associate Nation spots were filled by Kuwait’s Anudeep Chenthamara ($10,000) and Saudi Arabia’s Usman Najeeb ($10,000).
Key Auction Signings for Dubai Capitals: Muhammad Farooq ($10,000), Tymal Mills ($80,000), Scott Currie ($250,000), Mohammad Nabi ($80,000), Farhan Khan ($10,000), Anudeep Chenthamara ($10,000), Usman Najeeb ($10,000), Ritesh Mallikarjuna Grandhi ($10,000), Shayan Jahangir ($10,000), Rushil Ugarkar ($10,000), Naveen Bidiasee ($10,000), Toby Albert ($10,000), Akshay Wakhare ($10,000)
Gulf Giants
The Gulf Giants were quick to finalize their squad, adopting a comprehensive strategy in the auction. Their most significant signing was Liam Dawson ($170,000), complemented by astute picks like Tabraiz Shamsi, Fred Klaassen, Chris Wood, and Ramon Simmonds, each secured for $40,000. Rising UAE star Haider Razzaq, who was the top wicket-taker in the ILT20 Development Tournament, earned a senior contract with a $50,000 bid. Asif Khan, acquired for $26,000, further bolstered their batting lineup.
Key Auction Signings for Gulf Giants: Asif Khan ($26,000), Zuhaib Zubair ($10,000), Sean Dickson ($10,000), Tabraiz Shamsi ($40,000), Liam Dawson ($170,000), Fred Klaassen ($40,000), Haider Razzaq ($50,000), Meet Bhavsar ($14,000), Ishtiaq Ahmad ($16,000), Lorcan Tucker ($10,000), Chris Wood ($40,000), Tom Moores ($40,000), Ramon Simmonds ($40,000)
Sharjah Warriorz
The Sharjah Warriorz focused their investment on strengthening their seam attack, with Junaid Siddique becoming their priciest acquisition at $170,000. They further reinforced their squad with South Africa’s all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius ($120,000) and England’s spinner Nathan Sowter ($100,000). International fast bowlers Jayden Seales and Taskin Ahmed were also secured, each for $80,000, alongside UAE’s own Wasim Akram, who was signed for $55,000.
Key Auction Signings for Sharjah Warriorz: Junaid Siddique ($170,000), James Rew ($10,000), Nathan Sowter ($100,000), Dwaine Pretorius ($120,000), Jayden Seales ($80,000), Harmeet Singh ($10,000), Wasim Akram ($55,000), Mohamed Nawfer Mohamed Aslam ($14,000), Raees Ahmad ($10,000), Richard Ngarava ($10,000), Shubham Ranjane ($10,000), Ethan D’Souza ($10,000), Taskin Ahmed ($80,000), Abdul Salman Khan ($10,000)
Desert Vipers
The Desert Vipers strengthened their lineup by acquiring Pakistani stars Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah, each for $80,000, and leg-spinner Qais Ahmad for $40,000. They also secured Scotland’s Tom Bruce for $80,000. In a landmark moment, Faisal Khan became the first Saudi Arabian cricketer ever to be bought at the auction, joining for $10,000. UAE wicketkeeper Vriitya Aravind and all-rounder Sanjay Pahal were also added to their roster.
Key Auction Signings for Desert Vipers: Junaid Siddique ($170,000), James Rew ($10,000), Nathan Sowter ($100,000), Dwaine Pretorius ($120,000), Jayden Seales ($80,000), Harmeet Singh ($10,000), Wasim Akram ($55,000), Mohamed Nawfer Mohamed Aslam ($14,000), Raees Ahmad ($10,000), Richard Ngarava ($10,000), Shubham Ranjane ($10,000), Ethan D’Souza ($10,000), Taskin Ahmed ($80,000), Abdul Salman Khan ($10,000)
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders focused on building a well-rounded team, making Scotland’s Brandon McMullen their primary target at $110,000. They also signed England’s Michael Pepper and India’s Unmukt Chand, both for $40,000, with George Garton joining for $10,000. Their Associate Nation selection was Kuwait’s Adnan Idrees ($10,000), and their UAE roster was strengthened by Ibrar Ahmed ($22,000 RTM).
Key Auction Signings for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Michael Pepper ($40,000), George Garton ($10,000), Brandon McMullen ($110,000), Ibrar Ahmed ($22,000), Ajay Kumar ($10,000), Adnan Idrees Muhammad ($10,000), Abdul Manan Ali ($10,000), Mayank Chowdary ($10,000), Khary Pierre ($10,000), Shadley Van Schalkwyk ($10,000), Unmukt Chand ($40,000)
The auction regulations were designed to ensure a robust representation of players from both the UAE and other Associate Nations. A minimum of four UAE players, one from Kuwait, one from Saudi Arabia, and two from other Associate countries were mandatory inclusions. This policy created significant opportunities for talents such as Haider Razzaq (UAE, $50,000), Adnan Idrees (Kuwait, $10,000), Meet Bhavsar (Kuwait, $14,000), and Faisal Khan (Saudi Arabia, $10,000). Furthermore, exceptional performers from the ILT20 Development Tournament were duly recognized; Haider Razzaq’s impressive form earned him a spot with the Gulf Giants, and Sanjay Pahal was retained by the Desert Vipers. The highly anticipated six-team, 34-match tournament is scheduled to commence on December 2, 2025 (coinciding with UAE National Day) and conclude on January 4, 2026. With substantial player investments, historic breakthroughs for Associate Nations, and emerging UAE pacers garnering attention, Season 4 of the ILT20 is poised to be its most fiercely contested yet.