Fazalhaq, Livingstone, Gurbaz and Du Plessis headline big money moves at ILT20 season 5 player auction
Fazalhaq Farooqi, Liam Livingstone, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz lead a massive bidding war as ILT20 Season 5 auction breaks previous price records.
The International League T20 (ILT20) Season 5 player auction turned into a high-stakes battlefield in Dubai, as heavyweights shattered previous bidding records. Four marquee players eclipsed the old auction high of USD 260,000, signaling a massive surge in the league's commercial and competitive value.
Afghanistan's Fazalhaq Farooqi emerged as the most expensive player of the session, with MI Emirates splashing a staggering USD 380,000 to secure the star. England's Liam Livingstone followed closely, fetching USD 350,000 as he joined the Gulf Giants. The Giants also utilized their Right-to-Match option to retain Rahmanullah Gurbaz for USD 310,000, while Faf du Plessis became a major acquisition for the Dubai Capitals at USD 300,000.
Cricket Legends Witness Record-Breaking Bids
The atmosphere at the auction was heightened by the presence of cricketing royalty. Alongside Season 5 ambassador Brett Lee, the event saw appearances by legends including AB de Villiers, Allan Donald, Shoaib Malik, and Usman Khawaja, all witnessing a new era of T20 auction dynamics.
Desert Vipers Secure Pakistani Stars
The defending champions, Desert Vipers, focused on building a formidable core by securing a massive contingent of Pakistani talent. Babar Azam is set to make his ILT20 debut this season, while Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, and Fakhar Zaman were all acquired at their base price of USD 80,000. The Vipers also exercised their Right-to-Match option for David Payne at USD 150,000 to maintain their winning momentum.
UAE Players Command Historic Prices
Local talent saw a significant valuation boost during the auction. Muhammad Waseem etched his name in the history books as the highest-priced UAE player ever, with MI Emirates using their Right-to-Match option to secure him for USD 210,000. Other notable UAE performances included:
- Alishan Sharafu: USD 110,000 (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders)
- Muhammad Rohid: USD 95,000 (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders)
- Aayan Khan: USD 95,000 (Dubai Capitals)
Global Talent and Associate Nation Impact
The auction highlighted the growing depth of global cricket, with players from Associate Member Nations commanding respectable sums. The USA's Amshi De Silva joined the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for USD 100,000, while fellow American Hassan Khan went to the Dubai Capitals for USD 90,000. Scotland’s Brandon McMullen was picked up by Sharjah Warriorz for USD 80,000, and Namibia’s David Wiese joined the Gulf Giants for USD 70,000.
Key Franchise Moves at a Glance
Gulf Giants: Beyond Livingstone and Gurbaz, the Giants invested heavily in West Indian pace, securing Alzarri Joseph for USD 230,000 and Shamar Joseph for USD 80,000.
MI Emirates: After their big hit with Farooqi, the Season 4 finalists moved aggressively in the accelerated rounds, acquiring Chris Jordan for USD 170,000, Allah Ghazanfar for USD 150,000, and Lizaad Williams for USD 110,000.
Dubai Capitals: The Capitals bolstered their lineup with Dasun Shanaka (USD 100,000), Max Holden (USD 100,000), and the explosive English opener Phil Salt, who joined at his base price of USD 80,000.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: The Knight Riders added significant experience by signing English all-rounder Moeen Ali for USD 80,000.