In a landmark moment for the DP World ILT20, Afghanistan's left-arm fast bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi became the most expensive player in the league's history. MI Emirates secured the 26-year-old pacer for a staggering $380,000 (approximately ₹3.66 crore) at the Season 5 Player Auction held in Dubai on October 1.
Farooqi's Record-Breaking Acquisition
Farooqi's record-setting bid surpassed the previous highest amount of $260,000 (around ₹2.50 crore), which was paid by MI Emirates for West Indies wicketkeeper-batter Andre Fletcher in Season 4. Farooqi's proven ability to take crucial wickets during both the powerplay and death overs made him one of the most highly coveted overseas players in the auction.
This historic purchase marked the third time the auction record was broken on the day, with England's Liam Livingstone briefly holding the top spot after being acquired by Gulf Giants for $350,000 (approximately ₹3.37 crore) earlier.
MI Emirates Strengthens Squad
Returning to MI Emirates for his fifth consecutive season, Farooqi was the biggest catch of the day as franchises fiercely competed for established T20 talent. Beyond Farooqi, MI Emirates strategically bolstered their squad. They retained UAE captain Muhammad Waseem using their Right to Match (RTM) card for $210,000 (approximately ₹2.02 crore).
The franchise further enhanced their bowling attack by adding England all-rounder Chris Jordan for $170,000 (approximately ₹1.63 crore) and Afghanistan spinner AM Ghazanfar for $150,000 (approximately ₹1.44 crore). Reports indicate that MI Emirates committed its entire $2 million (approximately ₹19.26 crore) purse during the intense auction.
Other Notable Signings in ILT20 Season 5 Auction
Several other prominent players also attracted significant bids:
- Liam Livingstone: The England all-rounder joined Gulf Giants for $350,000 (approximately ₹3.37 crore), making him the second-most expensive player.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Afghanistan's wicketkeeper-batter also moved to Gulf Giants via the RTM option for around $300,000 (₹2.89 crore).
- Faf du Plessis: Former South Africa captain signed with Dubai Capitals for the same price of $300,000.
- Babar Azam: Pakistan's star batter, one of the biggest names available, was secured by Desert Vipers for his base price of $80,000 (approximately ₹77 lakh).
The Growing Stature of DP World ILT20
The DP World ILT20, launched in 2023, has rapidly established itself as the UAE's premier franchise T20 league. It features a blend of global cricket stars and talented UAE-based players. Financially, the league has grown significantly, now ranking among the top T20 leagues globally, second only to the Indian Premier League (IPL).
With franchise salary caps of approximately $2 million (₹19.26 crore) and attractive tax-free earnings, the ILT20 has successfully drawn top international talent, often surpassing leagues such as South Africa's SA20 and Australia's Big Bash League in recent evaluations, solidifying its position as a lucrative destination for T20 cricketers.