Afghanistan and Ireland players are set for a significantly expanded presence in the ILT20 after the league introduced new squad-building requirements that will guarantee places for both nations across all six franchises in Season 5. The move, which could reshape recruitment strategies ahead of the tournament’s November start, requires every team to include at least four Afghanistan players and one Ireland player within its overseas contingent, according to a report by Cricbuzz journalist Vijay Tagore.
New recruitment rules reshape squad planning
The changes are expected to have a direct impact on recruitment strategies across the league, particularly as teams balance overseas talent with mandatory regional representation. Under the updated regulations, franchises will continue to operate with squads comprising between 21 and 23 players.
In addition to the Afghanistan and Ireland quotas, teams must also include four UAE players, including at least one capped international and one under-23 player. Every squad must also feature two GCC players, with one player each coming from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, alongside an additional player from another Associate nation.
In a note issued to franchises, ILT20 organisers stated: “Four Afghanistan players, one Ireland player, four UAE players and two GCC players (one from Saudi Arabia, one from Kuwait) required in each squad shall be referred to as ‘Mandatory Players.'”
Opportunity for Afghanistan and Ireland talent
The policy creates guaranteed opportunities for cricketers from Afghanistan and Ireland across all six franchises. With both countries continuing to strengthen their presence in global cricket, the new requirement could provide a larger platform for emerging players to gain experience alongside established international stars.
The measure is also likely to increase demand for talent from both nations during retention periods, direct signings and player auctions. While the immediate reason behind the decision has not been officially explained, the report indicated the move may be linked to arrangements involving the Emirates Cricket Board, Afghanistan Cricket Board and Cricket Ireland.
Salary cap and Wildcard provisions confirmed
Alongside the squad regulations, franchises have been provided with updated financial guidelines for the upcoming season. The maximum player salary cap remains set at US$2 million, while teams must spend at least US$1.5 million on player acquisitions through retentions, direct signings and the auction process.
The regulations also establish a minimum individual player salary of US$10,000, although no upper limit has been placed on what a player can earn.
Franchises will also retain the ability to strengthen their squads through a separate Wildcard mechanism. In the same note, organisers said: “In addition to the above squad composition, one additional Wildcard Player may be added to the squad, beyond the original squad of 21-23 players.”
That provision allows teams to recruit an extra player outside the standard squad limit, with the Wildcard salary sitting separately from the main player purse.
Season 5 preparations continue
The upcoming edition will once again feature MI Emirates, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, Sharjah Warriorz and Gulf Giants. Desert Vipers enter the season as defending champions after securing the title in the league’s most recent campaign.
With the new player quotas now in place, franchises will head into the recruitment cycle knowing that Afghanistan and Ireland talent will play a significantly larger role in shaping squad lists for ILT20 Season 5.
