ILT20 2026 Auction: Fazalhaq Farooqi and Muhammad Waseem Secure Mega Deals in UAE League

The DP World International League T20 held its second player auction, featuring massive deals for some of the biggest names in franchise cricket as the league cements its status as one of the most lucrative competitions in the world. Rule changes for this edition ensured that local and Associate-nation players received a significant financial boost, with more than $1 million spent across 24 UAE players at a minimum salary of $10,000.

Star batter Muhammad Waseem led the charge for local talent at the auction held at the ICC Academy in Dubai, securing a massive $210,000 contract to remain with MI Emirates. Fellow UAE batter Alishan Sharafu also saw high demand, joining the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for $110,000. These figures build on the momentum of Junaid Siddique's record $170,000 deal from the previous year.

Overseas stars commanded even higher figures, with players from Afghanistan drawing intense interest. Fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi secured the highest contract of the ILT20 2026 auction after being snapped up by MI Emirates for $380,000. England all-rounder Liam Livingstone followed closely, heading to the Gulf Giants for $350,000.

Highest-Earning Players at the ILT20 2026 Auction

1. Fazalhaq Farooqi (MI Emirates, AFG) - $380,000
2. Liam Livingstone (Gulf Giants, ENG) - $350,000
3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Gulf Giants, AFG) - $310,000
4. Faf du Plessis (Dubai Capitals, SA) - $300,000
5. Alzarri Joseph (Gulf Giants, WI) - $230,000
6. Muhammad Waseem (MI Emirates, UAE) - $210,000
7. Richard Gleeson (Sharjah Warriorz, ENG) - $180,000
8. Chris Jordan (MI Emirates, ENG) - $170,000
9. Allah Ghazanfar (MI Emirates, AFG) - $150,000
10. David Payne (Desert Vipers, ENG) - $150,000
11. Mohammad Nabi (Sharjah Warriorz, AFG) - $140,000
12. Paul Walter (Sharjah Warriorz, ENG) - $110,000
13. Lizaad Williams (MI Emirates, SA) - $110,000
14. Alishan Sharafu (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, UAE) - $110,000
15. James Coles (MI Emirates, ENG) - $100,000
16. Amshi De Silva (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, SL) - $100,000
17. Max Holden (Dubai Capitals, ENG) - $100,000
18. Dasun Shanaka (Dubai Capitals, SL) - $100,000
19. Mohammed Rohid (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, UAE) - $95,000
20. Aayan Khan (Dubai Capitals, UAE) - $95,000