The inaugural International League T20 (ILT20) auction marked a significant moment for Pakistani cricket, with some players securing lucrative contracts, while others went unsold. Desert Vipers emerged as the top recruiters of Pakistani talent, acquiring Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah for USD 80,000 each. Fakhar, making history as the first major overseas player selected in the auction, will return to the Vipers for another season, while Naseem Shah is set to make his ILT20 debut.
Desert Vipers also signed emerging talent Hasan Nawaz for USD 40,000 in the accelerated round. MI Emirates made headlines by picking Usman Khan for his base price of USD 10,000, a notable selection given his absence from the international circuit and the general reluctance of Indian-owned teams to recruit Pakistani players.
Uncapped mystery spinner Usman Tariq also secured a spot in the league, joining Abu Dhabi Knight Riders as a wildcard selection after impressing in the Caribbean Premier League.
However, several big names like Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, and Mohammad Haris went unsold, despite being listed in the USD 80,000 category.
The players selected in the ILT20 auction are:
- Fakhar Zaman (Desert Vipers) – USD 80,000
- Naseem Shah (Desert Vipers) – USD 80,000
- Hasan Nawaz (Desert Vipers) – USD 40,000
- Usman Khan (MI Emirates) – USD 10,000
- Usman Tariq (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) – Wildcard
With the ILT20 season set to begin on December 2, 2025, Pakistani players Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, and Usman Tariq will represent the country in the league, marking a new chapter for Pakistani cricketers in franchise cricket.
