ILT20 2026 Auction Overview
The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) is all set to hold its first-ever player auction for Season 4 on September 30, 2025, in Dubai. This is a historic moment for the league, which previously followed a draft-based system.
With six franchises competing, this auction will decide the remaining 78 players to be added to squads, building up to the much-awaited season starting on December 2, 2025 (UAE National Day) and concluding on January 4, 2026.
International League T20 Auction: Details
Here’s a quick snapshot of all the important information about the ILT20 2026 Auction in one place:
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Auction Date | Tuesday, 30 September 2025 |
| Venue | Dubai, UAE |
| Registration Deadline | 10 September 2025 |
| Teams | 6 franchises |
| Total Players in Auction | 78 slots (13 per team) |
| Combined Purse | USD 4.8 Million |
| Team Salary Cap | USD 2 Million (20% lower than previous seasons) |
| Tournament Dates | 2 December 2025 – 4 January 2026 |
| Total Matches | 34 |
Current Squad Situation
Each team has already retained or pre-signed eight core players in Phase 1. The auction will complete their squads with 13 more additions per team.
Squads Before Auction
| Team | Pre-Signed / Retained Players |
|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | Alex Hales, Alishan Sharafu, Andre Russell, Charith Asalanka, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Sherfane Rutherford, Sunil Narine |
| Desert Vipers | Andries Gous, Dan Lawrence, David Payne, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Lockie Ferguson, Max Holden, Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga |
| Dubai Capitals | Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Gulbadin Naib, Luke Wood, Muhammad Jawadullah, Rovmann Powell, Shai Hope, Waqar Salamkheil |
| Gulf Giants | Aayan Afzal Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Blessing Muzarabani, Gerhard Erasmus, James Vince, Mark Adair, Moeen Ali, Rahmanullah Gurbaz |
| MI Emirates | AM Ghazanfar, Chris Woakes, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Perera, Romario Shepherd, Tom Banton, Muhammad Waseem |
| Sharjah Warriorz | Johnson Charles, Maheesh Theekshana, Tim Southee, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Saurabh Netravalkar, Sikandar Raza, Tim David |
Biggest Talking Point – Ravichandran Ashwin’s Auction Entry
The headline story of this auction is the participation of Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s legendary spinner and second-highest wicket-taker across formats.
- Ravichandran Ashwin recently retired from IPL and international cricket, making him eligible for overseas T20 leagues.
- He has confirmed talks with ILT20 organisers and is expected to be one of the most sought-after names in the auction.
- If picked, Ashwin will become the most high-profile Indian player to feature in the league’s history.
This move could inspire more retired Indian players to join global T20 leagues, just as Ambati Rayudu did earlier.
Opportunities for UAE Players
The ACC Asia Cup 2025, scheduled from September 9–28 in the UAE, will act as a key scouting ground for franchises. Standout performances there could help UAE players secure auction spots and bring local flavor to Season 4.
Why This Auction Matters
This is not just another ILT20 season — this is a turning point:
- First-ever auction model replacing the draft system
- Salary cap cut by 20% (now $2M per team) forcing smarter buys
- Global interest with players from top cricket nations expected to be in the mix
- Balanced mix of experience and youth expected, making team combinations more exciting
Fans can expect fierce bidding wars for all-rounders, death-bowlers, and match-winning batters.
With Ashwin entering the pool, along with stars like Sam Curran, Andre Russell, Moeen Ali, and Wanindu Hasaranga already retained, the ILT20 2026 promises to be the most competitive edition yet.
Final Word
The ILT20 2026 Auction is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling events on the T20 calendar. With a USD 4.8 million purse, star players, and a fresh auction format, this will be a spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.
All eyes will now be on Dubai on September 30, where franchises will reveal their strategies and build squads capable of lifting the trophy in January 2026.
