ILT20 UAE Cricket League Auction: What Fans Need to Know
- Khoshnaw Rahmani
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
Khoshnaw Rahmani, Jadetimes Staff
K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering sport.
A New Chapter in UAE Cricket Begins
The inaugural ILT20 auction, held in Dubai in September 2025, marked a historic moment for cricket in the UAE and the wider Gulf region. For the first time, franchises in the International League T20 (ILT20) — the UAE’s flagship professional T20 competition — bid for players in a formal auction format, aligning the league with global standards seen in the IPL, BBL, and CPL.
The auction introduced high-stakes drama, strategic bidding, and a renewed spotlight on both international stars and emerging Emirati talent. With six franchises competing for marquee names and squad depth, the event signaled the UAE’s growing ambition to become a central hub for franchise cricket.
What Is ILT20?
The International League T20 (ILT20) was launched in 2023 by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) as a premier franchise tournament featuring six teams, a mix of global icons and local players, and matches hosted across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
Backed by significant investment and broadcast partnerships, ILT20 quickly gained traction as one of the most lucrative T20 leagues outside India, attracting players from England, Australia, West Indies, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.
Why the Auction Matters
Until now, ILT20 teams built their squads through direct signings and draft mechanisms. The 2025 auction format introduces:
Transparent bidding: Franchises compete openly for players, creating market-driven valuations.
Strategic depth: Teams must balance budgets, roles, and long-term planning.
Global visibility: The auction draws international attention, enhancing ILT20’s brand and competitiveness.
Local development: Emirati players are now part of a structured pathway, with auction slots reserved for domestic talent.
Auction Format and Rules
Total purse per franchise: USD 2.5 million
Squad size: 18–25 players
Maximum overseas players per squad: 9
Minimum UAE players per squad: 4
Auction categories: Marquee, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Emerging
Right-to-match (RTM): Each team allowed 2 RTM cards for previously contracted players
Unsold players: Eligible for post-auction signings or injury replacements
Top Buys and Big Moments
David Warner (Australia) – Sold to Dubai Capitals for USD 700,000
Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan) – Picked by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for USD 620,000
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) – Retained by MI Emirates via RTM
Alex Hales (England) – Acquired by Sharjah Warriors for USD 480,000
Muhammad Waseem (UAE) – Highest-paid Emirati player, signed by Gulf Giants for USD 250,000
The auction also saw intense bidding wars for emerging talents like Aayan Afzal Khan, Tom Curran, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, reflecting the league’s blend of youth and experience.
Franchises and Their Strategies
Franchise | Key Strategy | Notable Signings |
Dubai Capitals | Power-hitters and senior leadership | David Warner, Rovman Powell |
MI Emirates | Spin-heavy and Afghan core | Rashid Khan, Najibullah Zadran |
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | Pace attack and Caribbean flair | Shaheen Afridi, Andre Russell |
Sharjah Warriors | English top-order and UAE youth | Alex Hales, Aayan Afzal Khan |
Gulf Giants | Balanced squad with UAE investment | Muhammad Waseem, Chris Jordan |
Desert Vipers | All-rounders and tactical flexibility | Wanindu Hasaranga, Colin Munro |
Spotlight on Emirati Talent
The auction reserved slots for UAE nationals, a move praised by the ECB and local cricket academies. Players like Waseem, Aayan, and Aryan Lakra were among the top domestic picks, signaling a shift toward professionalization and visibility for UAE-born cricketers.
This aligns with the ECB’s long-term goal of qualifying for major ICC tournaments and building a sustainable cricket ecosystem.
What’s Next: Season Timeline and Fan Engagement
ILT20 Season 3 begins January 10, 2026, with matches across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
Broadcast partners include Zee Network, Cricbuzz, and ICCtv, with global streaming access.
Ticketing and fan zones launch in December 2025, with early bird offers and team meet-and-greets.
ILT20 app now includes fantasy cricket, live stats, and auction replays.
A League on the Rise
The inaugural ILT20 auction is more than a player selection event — it’s a statement of intent. With structured bidding, marquee signings, and a clear pathway for Emirati talent, the UAE is positioning ILT20 as a serious contender in the global T20 landscape.
As the countdown to Season 3 begins, fans can expect high-octane cricket, packed stadiums, and a celebration of sport that blends international flair with local pride.
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