Dubai, 31 July 2025: The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) has confirmed that the Season 4 Player Auction will be held on Tuesday, 30 September in Dubai. This marks a key milestone for the rapidly growing T20 league, ahead of its Season 4 launch in December.
The six ILT20 franchises will each have the opportunity to add 13 players to their squads through the auction, bringing the total number of players drafted on the day to 78. The auction represents the second phase of squad building, following the recent completion of retentions and direct signings.
Player registration open until 10 September
Players interested in entering the Season 4 Player Auction can register at registration.ilt20.ae (link live from 1 August). The deadline for registration is Wednesday, 10 September.
USD 4.8 million purse across six teams
Franchises will share a total auction purse of USD 4.8 million, with individual team budgets reflecting their direct signing and retention activity. Auction rules, player lists, and bidding order will be released soon.
CEO David White: Auction is key to league’s growth
“The auction is a big milestone for the league as we continue to grow as a world-class T20 tournament,” said DP World ILT20 CEO David White. “It’s a great opportunity for our franchises to add international and local firepower to their squads.”
White also emphasized the significance of the ACC Asia Cup 2025 (9–28 September in the UAE) and the ILT20 Development Tournament as platforms for UAE-based players to showcase their talent ahead of the auction.
ILT20 Season 4 opening on UAE National Day
The DP World ILT20 Season 4 kicks off on Tuesday, 2 December 2025 — UAE National Day — and will run through to the final on Sunday, 4 January 2026. The six-team, 34-match tournament is expected to feature a mix of global stars and rising local talent.
Current squad line-ups ahead of the auction
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
Alex Hales, Alishan Sharafu, Andre Russell, Charith Asalanka, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Sherfane Rutherford, Sunil Narine
Desert Vipers
Andries Gous, Dan Lawrence, David Payne, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Lockie Ferguson, Max Holden, Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga
Dubai Capitals
Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Gulbadin Naib, Luke Wood, Muhammad Jawadullah, Rovmann Powell, Shai Hope, Waqar Salamkheil
Gulf Giants
Aayan Afzal Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Blessing Muzarabani, Gerhard Erasmus, James Vince, Mark Adair, Moeen Ali, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
MI Emirates
AM Ghazanfar, Chris Woakes, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Perera, Romario Shepherd, Tom Banton, Muhammad Waseem
Sharjah Warriorz
Johnson Charles, Maheesh Theekshana, Tim Southee, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Saurabh Netravalkar, Sikandar Raza, Tim David
The Season 4 Player Auction promises to be a high-stakes, high-impact event as ILT20 continues to establish itself as a premier global T20 league.
