MI Emirates Lead Auction Spending After Major International Signings
The ILT20 Season 5 player auction has concluded in Dubai, with all six franchises adding players to their squads ahead of the upcoming tournament. MI Emirates emerged as the biggest spenders at the auction, committing around US$2 million to their new signings.
The six franchises involved in the auction were Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz. Each team entered the auction with different purse positions and squad requirements, leading to an active bidding process for international and associate players.
MI Emirates made one of the biggest moves of the auction by signing Afghanistan fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi for US$380,000, making him the most expensive player in ILT20 auction history. The franchise also made several other significant acquisitions during the event.
Gulf Giants were also heavily involved in the bidding. They signed England all-rounder Liam Livingstone for US$350,000 and used their Right-to-Match option to secure Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz for US$310,000. West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph also joined the Giants for US$230,000.
Dubai Capitals secured former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis for US$300,000, while Sharjah Warriorz signed England fast bowler Richard Gleeson for US$180,000. The auction therefore produced several major international moves across the six franchises.
Pakistan’s Babar Azam was also among the notable signings. Desert Vipers secured Babar for his US$80,000 base price, meaning the former Pakistan captain will feature in the ILT20 for the first time. The Vipers also added Naseem Shah, Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan at the same base-price level.
According to the completed auction spending figures, MI Emirates committed approximately US$2 million, Gulf Giants around US$1.972 million and Dubai Capitals approximately US$1.834 million. Sharjah Warriorz spent around US$1.720 million, while Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and Desert Vipers spent approximately US$1.549 million and US$1.544 million respectively.
With the auction now complete, the six franchises have their squads largely established for Season 5. The next stage will be preparations for the tournament itself, which is scheduled to take place in the UAE from November 22 to December 20.
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