The ILT20 is all set for its fourth edition, and this year, it’s garnering considerable attention, especially due to the increased participation of Indian players. While it wasn’t as popular as the IPL, Big Bash, SA20, or The Hundred initially, this UAE-based tournament has now carved a niche for itself—and the upcoming season promises to be the most exciting yet.
For the first time, the league will conduct a full player auction, scheduled for January to avoid clashing with the ICC T20 World Cup (scheduled for February-March 2026). With its unique structure, the International League, i.e., ILT20, mandates that each team must include UAE players, along with players from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, thus creating a larger pool of emerging talent.
For the first time, the International League T20 will have a full auction system, boosting competition and creating an IPL-style bidding war for global cricket stars. The ILT20 2025 schedule has been shifted to January to avoid clashes with the ICC T20 World Cup 2025, allowing more fans and players worldwide to participate. With his experience, versatility, and stellar performances in T20 leagues worldwide, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin will be the most sought-after player at the auction.
Wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has been signed by Sharjah Warriors, replacing Sri Lankan star Kusal Mendis, giving the team an experienced finisher for crunch situations. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have added Piyush Chawla as a wildcard pick, further strengthening their spin department alongside Jason Holder. Former IPL stars Ankit Rajpoot and Siddharth Kaul are among the fast bowlers in the auction pool, offering franchises depth and variety in their bowling attack.
Priyank Panchal, who recently retired from cricket after representing Gujarat, is also part of the auction. His experience batting at the top of the order could be attractive to franchises looking for batting stability. Every ILT20 2025 franchise will be required to include at least four players from the UAE, two players from Kuwait, and two players from Saudi Arabia in their squad. This will promote regional cricket development and provide more opportunities for local players.
Teams can select wildcard players beyond the $2 million budget. Under the flexible rules of the ILT20, franchises can select two wildcard players in addition to their $2 million auction budget, giving teams greater flexibility in squad building. With Indian players like Ashwin, Karthik, Chawla, Rajpoot, Kaul, and Panchal participating, the ILT20 2025 boasts the highest number of Indian players in the tournament’s history, making it a must-watch T20 league.
With several experienced players having wrapped up their domestic careers, this league has become a fresh opportunity to showcase their skills on the franchise circuit. Robin Uthappa, Yuvraj Singh, and Aravinda Jayasundara have already played in the league, and an even stronger lineup is expected for the upcoming season. Among the confirmed signings, wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has joined Sharjah Warriors, replacing Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis.
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Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have added Piyush Chawla as a wildcard option, further strengthening their spin bowling department after the arrival of Jason Holder. Meanwhile, experienced off-spinner R Ashwin is expected to be one of the most sought-after players at the auction. The list doesn’t end there. Punjab’s Siddharth Kaul is another fast bowling option for the franchises. Gujarat batter Priyank Panchal, who retired this year, is also available for the auction, adding further depth to the batting lineup.
The ILT20 rules permit each franchise to assemble a 19-member squad, comprising a minimum of four UAE players, two Kuwaiti players, and two Saudi Arabian players, with a maximum of 11 players from full-member ICC countries. In addition, teams are permitted to select two wildcard players outside their $2 million budget. With these rules and the presence of well-known Indian names, the ILT20 auction is poised to become one of the most anticipated events in the T20 franchise cricket calendar.