ILT20 Season 5 auction: Muhammad Waseem becomes most expensive UAE player at $210,000

Mixed · 2Muhammad Waseem became the most expensive UAE player in the history of the DP World ILT20 at the Season 5 Player Auction, when MI Emirates retained him for $210,000 using their Right-to-Match option. 1 2 Mixed · 2Other UAE players also drew significant bids: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders signed Alishan Sharafu for $110,000 and fast bowler Muhammad Rohid for $95,000, Dubai Capitals took Aayan Khan for $95,000, and Desert Vipers signed Khuzaima Bin Tanveer for $75,000 and Vriitya Aravind for $70,000. 1 2 Mixed · 2Three more UAE players were listed among the top signings: Ibrar Ahmed (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, $46,000), Haider Ali (Dubai Capitals, $38,000) and Zuhaib Zubair (Dubai Capitals, $26,000). 1 2

Mixed · 2Both outlets point to Waseem's record over four seasons: 1,241 runs in 46 matches for MI Emirates, making him the third-highest run-scorer in ILT20 history, and 68 sixes, behind only Nicholas Pooran (84) and Alex Hales (69). He was also named best UAE player last season, winning the Blue Belt. 1 2 Mixed · 2Waseem said he was grateful to MI Emirates for their belief in him, called it a proud moment and said he wanted to repay the franchise by contributing to the team's success. 1 2 Mixed · 2Sharafu, who will play for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for a fourth successive season, said the investment would show young players they can build a career in UAE cricket; Rohid pointed to opportunities for emerging UAE fast bowlers. 1 2

Mixed · 2Khan, who has taken 24 wickets in 35 matches for Gulf Giants, the highest tally by a UAE bowler in the league, called the investment a tremendous sign for the future of the game, while Aravind, part of the Desert Vipers squad that won the title last season, hoped it would raise grassroots interest. 1 2 Mixed · 2Both outlets link the demand for UAE players to the Emirates Cricket Board's long-term plans for the domestic game. Season 5 runs from 21 November to 20 December 2026. 1 2