The ILT20 Season 5 Player Auction, which took place at the ICC Academy Indoors in Dubai on October 1, 2026, was the most expensive acquisition in the league’s auction history. MI Emirates paid USD 380,000 for Afghan left-arm bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Andre Fletcher, who was also affiliated with MI Emirates, had previously established the threshold of USD 260,000 during the Season 4 auction. Farooqi’s price has increased by USD 120,000 from the previous figure, underscoring the significant increase in demand for top-tier fast bowlers in the competition.
The day was rendered even more significant by the fact that the record was exchanged three times prior to the auction’s conclusion. After acquiring Rahmanullah Gurbaz for USD 310,000 using the Right-to-Match card, Gulf Giants proceeded to acquire Liam Livingstone for USD 350,000 through open bidding.
The day concluded with Farooqi’s hammer price of USD 380,000, which was the final maximum.
Who were the other notable acquisitions at the ILT20 Season 5 auction?
In addition to the top three, numerous franchises implemented substantial investments. Alzarri Joseph was signed by the Gulf Giants for USD 230,000, and Faf du Plessis was acquired by the Dubai Capitals for USD 300,000. Richard Gleeson paid USD 180,000 to join Sharjah Warriorz, while Chris Jordan joined MI Emirates for USD 170,000.
Furthermore, Mohammad Nabi signed with Sharjah Warriorz for USD 140,000, and MI Emirates retained AM Ghazanfar via the Right-to-Match card for USD 150,000. Paul Walter signed with Sharjah Warriorz for USD 110,000, and Lizaad Williams joined MI Emirates.
Desert Vipers acquired Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Fakhar Zaman, and Shadab Khan at a base price of USD 80,000, forming a group that is highly influenced by Pakistan which is noteworthy. The team has welcomed back Naseem and Fakhar, and Babar will be making his ILT20 debut. The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders signed Moeen Ali for USD 80,000, Amshi De Silva for USD 100,000, and Alishan Sharafu for USD 110,000.
David Wiese joined the Gulf Giants for USD 70,000, Max Holden joined the Dubai Capitals for USD 100,000, Aayan Khan signed with the Dubai Capitals for USD 95,000, and Dasun Shanaka was retained by the Dubai Capitals via Right-to-Match for USD 100,000. The remaining transactions were as follows. Brandon McMullen joined Sharjah Warriorz for USD 80,000.
What is the significance of Muhammad Waseem’s retention at this auction?
MI Emirates utilised the Right-to-Match card to secure Muhammad Waseem for USD 210,000, thereby making him the most expensive UAE player in the history of ILT20 auctions.
MI Emirates presently holds the UAE player record through Waseem and the overall auction record through Farooqi, as a result of the retention. This reflects the team’s aggressive approach during the Season 5 auction.
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Other associate-nation players were also attracted to competitive offers. Muhammad Rohid signed a USD 95,000 contract with the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, and Hassan Khan transferred to the Dubai Capitals for USD 90,000. Gulbadin Naib submitted a bid of USD 75,000, while Arab Gul received a bid of USD 80,000. The Knight Riders were joined by each of the players.
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