ILT20 Auction 2025: Who Got Picked, Who Missed Out from Pakistan

The very first International League T20 (ILT20) player auction has made history in the cricketing world, especially for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It was not just a major milestone for the league itself but also a significant night for Pakistani cricketers. The auction turned out to be a mix of joy and disappointment for the Pakistani players—some managed to grab valuable contracts, while others, despite their reputation and experience, could not find a team.

For Pakistan, the Desert Vipers emerged as the team most interested in their talent. They made headlines by spending USD 80,000 each on two of Pakistan’s star players—opening batter Fakhar Zaman and fast bowler Naseem Shah. This signing was historic because Fakhar Zaman became the very first overseas cricketer to be picked in the inaugural ILT20 auction, securing his return to the Vipers for another season. Naseem Shah, on the other hand, will be making his debut in the league, adding extra excitement for fans who are eager to see his pace in UAE conditions.

The Vipers didn’t stop there. They also invested in the young batting prospect Hasan Nawaz, picking him for his base price of USD 40,000 during the accelerated round. This signing reflects the team’s confidence in nurturing new Pakistani talent and providing them a stage to showcase their abilities in a competitive environment.

Another big talking point came when MI Emirates signed Usman Khan for his base price of just USD 10,000. Though not part of Pakistan’s international cricket team at the moment, Usman has gained a strong reputation in franchise leagues around the world. His selection was particularly notable because Pakistani players rarely get opportunities in franchises with Indian ownership. His inclusion breaks this trend and highlights how talent can sometimes transcend political and cricketing boundaries.

Adding to the surprises, Pakistan’s uncapped mystery spinner Usman Tariq also managed to earn a spot. He was picked as a wildcard player by the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders after catching the eye of selectors with his impressive performances in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) earlier this year. This move shows how franchise leagues are keeping an eye on emerging Pakistani players who have the ability to shine on international stages.

However, not everything went in Pakistan’s favor. Many experienced and well-known names went unsold in the auction. Fans were shocked to see cricketers like Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, and Mohammad Haris go without contracts. All of these players were listed in the USD 80,000 price category, but franchises surprisingly did not bid for them. Their absence from the tournament will surely be noticed, as they remain regular performers in other international and domestic competitions.

Here is the list of Pakistani players selected in the ILT20 auction:

Pakistani Players Selected in ILT20 Auction

Season 4 of the International League T20 will run from December 2, 2025, to January 4, 2026, with matches being played across the iconic stadiums of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. For Pakistani fans, Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah will serve as the main stars to follow, while Usman Tariq’s participation as a fresh and uncapped spinner adds another layer of intrigue.

Looking ahead, it remains uncertain how future ILT20 auctions will treat Pakistani cricketers. Will more established players get the recognition they deserve, or will only select names find opportunities? What is clear for now is that the ILT20 auction has opened a fresh chapter in UAE cricket and created new possibilities for players from Pakistan. Even with a limited presence this year, Pakistan’s involvement has already become one of the hottest topics surrounding the league.

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