The first-ever ILT20 player auction (for the 2025–26 season) delivered big headlines, bigger cheques, and a few shocks. Topping the charts: Andre Fletcher, signed by MI Emirates for USD 260,000, the highest bid of the day. Close behind was Scott Currie (Dubai Capitals) at USD 250,000, with Liam Dawson (Gulf Giants) and Junaid Siddique (Sharjah Warriorz, RTM) both hitting USD 170,000.
The tournament runs December 2, 2025 to January 4, 2026 across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, featuring six teams and 34 matches.
Quick ILT20 Auction Overview
- Most expensive player: Andre Fletcher (MI Emirates) – USD 260,000
- Next best: Scott Currie (Dubai Capitals) – USD 250,000
- Big local picks: Junaid Siddique (Sharjah Warriorz, RTM) – USD 170,000, Muhammad Rohid (MI Emirates, RTM) – USD 140,000
- Headline unsold: Ravichandran Ashwin (highest Indian base price, USD 120,000)
- Season window: Dec 2, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 (34 matches, 6 teams)
Why Andre Fletcher Was the Costliest
Role & fit: A proven West Indies T20 opener, Fletcher offers aggressive starts and experience at the top.
Team strategy: MI Emirates doubled down on an explosive batting core, backing a known performer who’s been with them across seasons.
Auction dynamics: With multiple teams pacing their purse, a clean, high-impact opener who fits immediately into the XI attracted premium bidding.
See Also:- Why Ravichandran Ashwin Went Unsold in ILT20 2026 Auction?
ILT20 Most Expensive Player with Price (Top 12 Buys)
| Rank | Player | Team | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andre Fletcher | MI Emirates | 260,000 |
| 2 | Scott Currie | Dubai Capitals | 250,000 |
| 3 | Liam Dawson | Gulf Giants | 170,000 |
| 3= | Junaid Siddique (RTM) | Sharjah Warriorz | 170,000 |
| 5 | Muhammad Rohid (RTM) | MI Emirates | 140,000 |
| 6 | Naveen-ul-Haq | MI Emirates | 100,000 |
| 6= | Nathan Sowter | Sharjah Warriorz | 100,000 |
| 6= | Jayden Seales | Sharjah Warriorz | 80,000 |
| 6= | Fakhar Zaman | Desert Vipers | 80,000 |
| 6= | Naseem Shah | Desert Vipers | 80,000 |
| 6= | Mohammad Nabi | Dubai Capitals | 80,000 |
| 6= | Tymal Mills | Dubai Capitals | 80,000 |
RTM = Right-to-Match (team matched highest bid to keep the player)
ILT20 Team-Wise Most Expensive Players
| Team | Key Auction Signings (USD) |
|---|---|
| MI Emirates | Andre Fletcher (260,000), Muhammad Rohid – RTM (140,000), Naveen-ul-Haq (100,000), Shakib Al Hasan (40,000), Jordan Thompson (48,000), plus value adds at 10,000 tiers |
| Dubai Capitals | Scott Currie (250,000), Mohammad Nabi (80,000), Tymal Mills (80,000), multiple UAE/Kuwait/Saudi signings at 10,000 |
| Gulf Giants | Liam Dawson (170,000), Tabraiz Shamsi (40,000), Fred Klaassen (40,000), Chris Wood (40,000), Ramon Simmonds (40,000) |
| Sharjah Warriorz | Junaid Siddique – RTM (170,000), Nathan Sowter (100,000), Dwaine Pretorius (120,000), Jayden Seales (80,000), Taskin Ahmed (80,000), Wasim Akram (55,000) |
| Desert Vipers | Fakhar Zaman (80,000), Naseem Shah (80,000), Qais Ahmed (40,000), Tom Bruce (80,000), Hasan Nawaz (40,000), Vriitya Aravind (10,000) |
| Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | Brandon McMullen (110,000), Michael Pepper (40,000), Unmukt Chand (40,000), George Garton (10,000), Ibrar Ahmad – RTM (22,000) |
Surprise Unsold Names R Ashwin
- Ravichandran Ashwin (entered with the highest Indian base price – USD 120,000)
- Other experienced internationals and T20 names also missed out in various rounds.
UAE Pace Surge: A Key Auction Theme
- Junaid Siddique (Sharjah Warriorz, RTM) – USD 170,000
- Muhammad Rohid (MI Emirates, RTM) – USD 140,000
- Wasim Akram (Sharjah Warriorz) – USD 55,000
- Haider Razzaq (Gulf Giants) – USD 50,000
Local fast bowlers were heavily backed, reflecting the league’s focus on UAE talent and balance in team combinations.
Read Also:- Dinesh Karthik & Saudi Arabia Take Center Stage in ILT20 Season 4
What This Means For The Season
- MI Emirates have assembled an explosive top order with depth—Fletcher adds instant power.
- Dubai Capitals balanced youth and experience with Currie, Nabi and Mills.
- Sharjah Warriorz invested in a pace-spin mix and local strength.
- Gulf Giants built a deep bowling unit with left-arm variety.
- Desert Vipers secured reliable Pakistan firepower with Fakhar and Naseem.
- ADKR leaned into value overseas batting and associate finds.
Season Window & Format (At a Glance)
- Dates: December 2, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Teams: 6
- Matches: 34
- Venues: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah
Andre Fletcher headlines ILT20 2025–26 as the most expensive player at USD 260,000—a move that fits MI Emirates’ power-first template. With smart local investments, surprise splashes, and a few big unsold names, the season is set up for a tight, high-quality competition. If the auction is any clue, batting firepower and UAE pace could define the tournament.
