Fakhar Zaman Joins ILT20’s Desert Vipers for Mega Price

The first-ever International League T20 (ILT20) auction brought good fortune for Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman, who was picked by the Desert Vipers. The left-hander was one of many Pakistani players in this year’s auction, which is still underway.

The Desert Vipers picked him at his base price of USD 80,000, approximately PKR 2.24 crore. His signing marks one of the most talked-about deals of the day, as franchises scrambled to secure top-tier talent ahead of the 2026 season.

Fakhar Zaman, known for his aggressive batting and match-winning capabilities, is no stranger to the Desert Vipers’ lineup. With over 8000 T20 runs and a strike rate hovering around 135, he will once again bolster the top order and add firepower to the team’s upcoming campaign. Fakhar has already made nine appearances for the Vipers, scoring 222 runs at an average of 27.75 and a strike rate of 134.54.

The Desert Vipers, who finished as runners-up last season, will be hoping Fakhar Zaman’s return can take them a step further this time.

While Fakhar Zaman’s name being called made headlines, other Pakistani players in the auction missed out. All six teams passed over several high-profile names, including Mohammad Amir, to the surprise of many. However, with final squads still incomplete, there is hope that more Pakistani players will find suitors.

As Fakhar Zaman prepares to jet off to the Gulf later this year, cricket fans across Pakistan and the UAE are buzzing with anticipation as the Vipers gear up for what promises to be a thrilling season.