ILT20 Makes History with First-Ever Auction: Pakistan Stars in Spotlight

Season 4 of the International League T20 (ILT20) is all set to begin with a historic twist. For the very first time, the tournament will hold a player auction, and cricket fans across the world are eagerly waiting to see which stars will join which teams. Among the biggest talking points is the participation of several Pakistani cricketers who are ready to showcase their talent on this exciting platform.

Pakistani Players in the Auction Spotlight

According to official auction documents, 16 Pakistani players are included in the massive pool of 300 international cricketers. The list includes some well-known names such as Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, who are expected to be the main attractions. Both players have made their mark in international cricket, and now they are aiming to explore new opportunities in franchise cricket’s latest and rapidly growing league.

However, not every Pakistani star will be going through the pressure of the bidding process. Haider Ali, the aggressive middle-order batter, has already been secured by Dubai Capitals before the auction officially began. Reports also suggest that Usman Tariq, the promising off-spinner, might have been signed as a wildcard player by the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, though the official confirmation is still awaited.

How the Auction Works

The ILT20 auction has been divided into four different price slabs:

• $120,000 (highest category)
• $80,000
• $40,000
• $10,000 (base category)

Most Pakistani cricketers have entered the $80,000 category, which is considered one of the most competitive groups. Although no Pakistani has been placed in the top $120,000 bracket, their heavy presence in the $80,000 tier is still very significant. This category is expected to draw strong interest from franchises because it offers a mix of established names and rising stars.

Franchises such as the Gulf Giants and Dubai Capitals, both carrying auction purses of over $1 million, are among the teams likely to invest in Pakistani talent. With six franchises in total, the chances of Pakistani players landing good deals remain very high.

Full List of Pakistani Players in the ILT20 Auction

Here are the names of all 16 Pakistani cricketers who will go under the hammer, along with their price categories:

• Fakhar Zaman – $80,000
• Saim Ayub – $80,000
• Faheem Ashraf – $80,000
• Imad Wasim – $80,000
• Abdul Samad – $80,000
• Naseem Shah – $80,000
• Mohammad Nawaz – $80,000
• Mohammad Haris – $40,000
• Hassan Nawaz – $40,000
• Mohammad Wasim – $40,000
• Mohammad Hasnain – $40,000
• Usama Mir – $40,000
• Zaman Khan – $40,000
• Hussain Talat – $10,000
• Salman Irshad – $10,000
• Sufiyan Muqeem – $10,000

Franchises and Auction Purses

Each of the six franchises — Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates, and Sharjah Warriorz — will enter the auction with a budget ranging from $800,000 to just over $1 million. This amount gives them plenty of flexibility to secure top talent, and Pakistani players will surely be on their radar.

Pakistan’s Place in ILT20

Since the launch of the ILT20, Pakistani cricketers have played an important role in making the tournament exciting and competitive. This first-ever auction brings a fresh chance for them to find new teams after many of them missed out during the retention period. For Pakistan, it’s not just about participation — it’s about proving their value on an international stage that is expanding fast.

When Does the Tournament Start?

The much-awaited ILT20 Season 4 will begin on December 2, 2025, and will run until January 4, 2026. By the end of today’s auction, fans will finally know which franchises their favorite Pakistani stars will represent.

One thing is certain: in a landmark auction featuring nearly 300 cricketers from around the world, Pakistani players are expected to play a major role in shaping the future of this league. With their explosive batting, fiery fast bowling, and versatile all-round skills, they could very well turn the ILT20 into one of the most thrilling cricket tournaments of the coming year.

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