The first-ever International League T20 (ILT20) player auction proved a landmark moment for cricket in the UAE, and for the Pakistani contingent, it was a night of mixed fortunes.
While some established stars from the cricket-loving nation landed lucrative contracts, several other big names surprisingly went unsold.
Desert Vipers were the most active recruiters of Pakistani talent in the ILT20 auction, splurging USD 80,000 on Fakhar Zaman and pace spearhead Naseem Shah. Fakhar created history by becoming the first major overseas player picked in the ILT20 auction, earning a second stint with the Vipers. Naseem, meanwhile, will make his ILT20 debut this winter after being selected in the ninth round.
Last year’s finalists weren’t done picking Pakistani talent and returned to sign up-and-coming Hasan Nawaz for his base price of USD 40,000 in the accelerated round.
The biggest talking point for Pakistani players also came in the accelerated round when MI Emirates picked Usman Khan for his base price of USD 10,000. Although absent from the international setup, Usman remains one of the most sought-after talents in franchise cricket. His selection was notable given that Pakistani players usually find little to no opportunities in teams with Indian ownership.
Pakistan’s uncapped mystery spinner Usman Tariq also found a place in the league, drafted as a wildcard selection by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders after impressing in the Caribbean Premier League this year.
While some players celebrated, others were left disappointed. Big names such as Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, and Mohammad Haris all went unsold, despite being listed in the USD 80,000 category.
| Player | Team | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Fakhar Zaman | Desert Vipers | 80,000 |
| Naseem Shah | Desert Vipers | 80,000 |
| Hasan Nawaz | Desert Vipers | 40,000 |
| Usman Tariq | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | Wildcard |
Season 4 of the ILT20 will be played from December 2, 2025, to January 4, 2026, across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. For Pakistan, Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah will carry the flag as marquee signings, while Usman Tariq adds intrigue as an uncapped spinner entering the global spotlight.
Whether future editions bring more opportunities for Pakistani stars remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the ILT20 auction has opened a new chapter in regional cricket, and Pakistan’s involvement, however limited this time, is already a talking point.