Muhammad Waseem Breaks Records as UAE Cricketers Secure Over $1 Million at ILT20 Auction

Domestic players have been told “it is a great time to be a UAE cricketer” after over a million dollars were spent on them at the DP World International League T20 auction. The bidding process ahead of Season 5 of the country’s T20 franchise competition saw some eye-watering sums lavished on players from around the globe.

Several UAE players were among the beneficiaries, with Muhammad Waseem setting a new record amount for a local player. MI Emirates matched a bid of $210,000 to retain the services of the opener, who has been the leading UAE player in each of the first four seasons of the ILT20. Alishan Sharafu will earn $110,000 to play for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, while Mohammed Rohid and Aayan Khan each landed bids worth $95,000.

In total, 26 players earned deals. Each of the six franchises had to recruit a minimum of four players, as per competition rules. Desert Vipers and Gulf Giants – who, coincidentally, were the two finalists in the domestic feeder tournament for the ILT20 – took five UAE players each. Between the 26 players, contracts worth a combined total of $1.027m were handed out.

“What a great time to be a UAE cricketer,” said Ahmed Raza, the former national team captain and coach, who is part of the Dubai Capitals’ coaching staff.

“With everyone coming back into the auction this was kind of expected,” Raza added. “Especially for the names who have done really well, like, for example, Waseem. He’s done so well, so him going for $210,000 was no surprise. I'm very happy.”

Raza’s role in scouting domestic talent was crucial for the Capitals, as they seek to regain the ILT20 title they won two seasons ago. The Capitals went for two left-arm slow bowlers in Aayan and Haider Ali, as well as the Sharjah-raised leg-spinner Zuhaib Zubair. However, the selection of Aayan presents a scheduling issue as the national team will likely be playing in the World Cup Qualifier Play-off, meaning ODI players like Aayan might be unavailable.

Franchises are planning for potential absences by utilizing replacement rules. The Desert Vipers backed Khuzaima Tanveer with a $75,000 deal, and later snapped up Wali Mohammed for his base price of $10,000 as a reliable fast-bowling alternative. Meanwhile, batters like Muhammad Waseem and Alishan Sharafu find themselves outside of the UAE’s ODI side, ensuring their full availability for their respective teams.

Dwayne Bravo, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders coach, expressed excitement about retaining Sharafu. “He has the ability to bat in any position,” Bravo said. “He can bat from 1 to 7. He scores a lot of runs, he scores very quickly, and is nice to have around the team environment. I’m happy to get him back.”