The International League T20 (ILT20) Season 5 player auction has concluded with significant gains for Afghanistan players. A total of 25 players from Afghanistan have been selected in six ILT20 franchise squads. Each team was required to include four Afghanistan players in their squads. The auction has raised the profile of Afghanistan cricket, with top players earning substantial amounts.
Fazalhaq Farooqi, a left-arm fast bowler, topped the players' list with a record signing amount of USD 380,000. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, an opening batter, also broke the USD 300,000 barrier with a deal worth USD 310,000 with the Gulf Giants. These figures reflect the growing recognition of Afghanistan players in the international cricket scene.
The ILT20 has been instrumental in providing opportunities for players from Afghanistan and other Associate Member countries. The league's playing conditions for Season 5 require each playing 11 to have a minimum of two Afghanistan players. This strategic approach aims to promote the growth of cricket in Afghanistan and other emerging cricket nations.
The success of Afghanistan players at the ILT20 Season 5 player auction is a result of a partnership between the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and the International League T20/Emirates Cricket Board. This partnership aims to provide sustained and long-term opportunities for Afghanistan players. ACB CEO Naseeb Khan expressed his delight at the auction's outcomes, highlighting the increased profile of Afghanistan cricket.
The Gulf Giants, Desert Vipers, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates, and Sharjah Warriorz have all signed Afghanistan players. The Gulf Giants spent the most on Afghanistan players, with a total of USD 395,000. MI Emirates also made significant investments, spending USD 540,000 on Fazalhaq Farooqi, Allah Ghazanfar, and Faridoon Dawoodzai.
Afghanistan players have been signed at various price points, reflecting their skills and potential. For instance, Arab Gul was signed by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for USD 80,000, while Mohammad Nabi was signed by Sharjah Warriorz for USD 140,000. These signings demonstrate the diverse talent pool of Afghanistan cricket.
The ACB CEO, Naseeb Khan, attributed the success to the partnership with the ILT20 and Emirates Cricket Board, praising Khalid Al Zarooni and Mubashshir Usmani for their vision and support. The partnership is expected to continue providing opportunities for Afghanistan players and inspiring a new generation of cricket stars.
Key points
- Fazalhaq Farooqi was signed for a record amount of USD 380,000.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz was signed for USD 310,000 with the Gulf Giants.
- A total of 25 Afghanistan players have been selected in six ILT20 franchise squads.
