The DP World ILT20 kicked off its fourth season with a bang on Wednesday, October 1, hosting its first-ever Player Auction in Dubai, and the money flowed.

West Indies’ explosive batter Andre Fletcher commanded the mega-payday of the event, securing a stunning $260,000 bid from MI Emirates to retain him for a fourth consecutive season. Closely following the record was England’s talented pacer Scott Currie, snapped up by Dubai Capitals for a cool $250,000.

UAE Pacers Steal the Show

Beyond the big international names, the most thrilling part of the day was the massive demand for local talent, marking a huge milestone for UAE cricket. Homegrown pacers were the ‘flavour of the auction,’ drawing six-figure bids:

• Junaid Siddique was secured by Sharjah Warriorz for an impressive $170,000 (via Right-to-Match).
• Muhammad Rohid drew a blockbuster $140,000 from MI Emirates (also via RTM).
• Wasim Akram also joined the Warriorz for a healthy $55,000.

This unprecedented investment showcases the league’s commitment to building a strong foundation for the sport in the region. Even breakout stars from the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament secured deals, including pacer Haider Razzaq ($50,000 to Gulf Giants) and all-rounder Sanjay Pahal ($10,000 to Desert Vipers).

Historic Associate Signings

The auction also celebrated diversity in cricket, with Faisal Khan making history as the first player from Saudi Arabia to be bought at the auction, joining the Desert Vipers. Kuwait and other associate nations saw numerous players, including Meet Bhavsar (Gulf Giants) and Adnan Idrees (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), find spots across the six franchises.

Tournament Ready for UAE National Day

The auction finalised the squads, ensuring each team secured a minimum of 19 players, including at least four from the UAE and required representation from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

The DP World ILT20 Season 4 is set to light up the UAE sporting calendar starting on a significant date: Tuesday, December 2 (UAE National Day/Eid-Al-Etihad). The 34-match tournament promises high-octane action, culminating in the final on Sunday, January 4, 2026.