Babar Azam Headlines Star-Studded ILT20 Auction in Dubai

Pakistan cricket star Babar Azam is set to be one of the biggest names at the upcoming DP World International League T20 (ILT20) player auction in Dubai.

The Pakistan batter has been included in the international player list ahead of the auction, which is scheduled to take place at the ICC Academy Indoors in Dubai on October 1, 2026.

The upcoming ILT20 season is expected to feature several internationally recognised T20 players.

Babar Azam Included in ILT20 Player Pool

Babar Azam will be one of the headline names in the player pool for ILT20 Season 5.

His inclusion adds another major international attraction to the UAE-based T20 competition.

Alongside Babar, the list includes several established T20 players, including Phil Salt, Tom Banton, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Wanindu Hasaranga, Alzarri Joseph, Faf du Plessis and Liam Livingstone.

The players will be available for the auction as the six ILT20 franchises look to complete and strengthen their squads for the upcoming season.

More Than 200 Players to Enter the Auction

The ILT20 Season 5 player auction will take place in Dubai on October 1. More than 200 players from 23 countries are included in the auction pool.

The player group features representatives from 11 ICC Full Member nations, along with players from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and other Associate Member countries.

The auction will provide the six franchises with an opportunity to strengthen their squads ahead of the fifth season of the tournament.

Players Divided Into Three Base-Price Categories

Players entering the auction have been divided into three base-price categories of $10,000, $40,000 and $80,000.

Players from the UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia will enter the auction at the $10,000 base price. The auction rules also include specific conditions regarding UAE players and the use of a Right to Match option.

Each Team Has a $1.3 Million Auction Purse

Each ILT20 franchise will enter the auction with a purse of $1.3 million, along with any amount remaining from the funds allocated for pre-auction signings.

The financial structure is designed to give franchises the flexibility to build their squads while operating within the tournament's roster and spending regulations.

The six teams will use the Dubai auction to fill key positions and finalise their squads for the new season.

Tournament Scheduled From November 21 to December 20

The fifth season of the DP World ILT20 is scheduled to take place from November 21 to December 20, 2026.

With Babar Azam and several other international T20 stars included in the auction pool, attention will now turn to the October 1 event in Dubai, where the franchises will compete to secure players for the upcoming campaign.

Dubai Set for Major Cricket Auction

The inclusion of Babar Azam, along with other well-known international players, gives the Season 5 auction a strong global cricket profile.

The auction will be an important stage for the six franchises as they prepare for another season of ILT20 action in the UAE.