ILT20 Season 4: Auction Set for September 30 In Dubai

The first player auction for Season 4 of the International League T20 (ILT20) will take place in Dubai on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. With a combined budget of US$4.8 million, the six teams will compete for the remaining 78 team seats. Players must register by September 10th to be eligible.

Why the Auction Matters

ILT20 is bringing its procedures into line with those of other major T20 leagues across the world by switching for the first time from direct signings to an auction format. The change to the auction is a calculated move to increase openness, rivalry, and enthusiasm for team building.

The Asia Cup 2025 will take happen from September 9 to 28, providing players based in the United Arab Emirates with a lot of attention before the auction; performances there could greatly increase their bids at the ILT20 sale.

Salary Caps & Squad Retentions

Due to shortened schedules and previous franchise overspending, ILT20 has reduced the team wage cap by 20% before the auction, from US$2.5 million to US$2.0 million. Following the auction, each team may also sign up for US$250,000 in wildcards.

Each team could keep up to eight players, a combination of previous acquisitions and retentions, while using the auction to fill the remaining 20 spots on the roster.

Season 4 squads so far:

• Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Alex Hales, Alishan Sharafu, Andre Russell, Charith Asalanka, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Sherfane Rutherford, and Sunil Narine.
• Desert Vipers: Andries Gous, Dan Lawrence, David Payne, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Lockie Ferguson, Max Holden, Sam Curran, and Wanindu Hasaranga.
• Dubai Capitals: Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Gulbadin Naib, Luke Wood, Muhammad Jawadullah, Rovmann Powell, Shai Hope, and Waqar Salamkheil.
• Gulf Giants: Aayan Afzal Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Blessing Muzarabani, Gerhard Erasmus, James Vince, Mark Adair, Moeen Al, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
• MI Emirates: AM Ghazanfar, Chris Woakes, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Perera, Romario Shepherd, Tom Banto, and Muhammad Waseem.
• Sharjah Warriorz: Johnson Charles, Maheesh Theekshana, Tim Southee, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Maheesh Theekshana, Saurabh Netravalkar, Sikandar Raz, and Tim David.

What Happens Next

• The last day for players to register is September 10, 2025.
• The player auction, which will reveal 78 places across six franchises with a US$4.8 million reward, will take place in Dubai on September 30.
• Teams may sign additional players during the post-auction wildcard window, up to a US$250K cap.
• December 2025–January 2026 is the whole season 4 play window, which is planned to minimize conflicts with SA20 and World Cup duties. 

 

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