Babar Azam is set to make his debut in the International League T20 (ILT20) after being signed by Desert Vipers during the league’s Season 5 auction in Dubai. The Pakistan batter was acquired for $80,000, matching the highest base-price category set for players entering the auction.
The auction took place at the ICC Academy Indoors in Dubai, where more than 200 cricketers from 23 countries were included in the player pool. They were divided into three starting price brackets of $80,000, $40,000 and $10,000.
The ILT20 signing gives Babar another opportunity to expand his experience across global franchise cricket. Earlier this year, he led Peshawar Zalmi to the PSL 11 championship, his first PSL title as captain, while also finishing the tournament as its leading run-scorer with 588 runs, including two centuries.
His international franchise journey also recently took him to Australia, where he represented the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League. Babar featured in 11 matches during BBL|15 and scored 202 runs, including two half-centuries.
Babar will not be the only Pakistani international representing Desert Vipers in the upcoming ILT20 season. The franchise also secured Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan, with the Pakistani players joining at their respective base prices.
The auction saw five Pakistan players find teams. Usman Tariq was picked by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for $80,000, while four Pakistan internationals were signed by Desert Vipers. The franchise has previously featured several Pakistani players and retained a strong connection with the country’s cricket talent.
Babar Azam is set to make his debut in the International League T20 (ILT20) after being signed by Desert Vipers during the league’s Season 5 auction in Dubai.
Babar Azam is set to make his debut in the International League T20 (ILT20) after being signed by Desert Vipers during the league’s Season 5 auction in Dubai. The Pakistan batter was acquired for $80,000, matching the highest base-price category set for players entering the auction.
The auction took place at the ICC Academy Indoors in Dubai, where more than 200 cricketers from 23 countries were included in the player pool. They were divided into three starting price brackets of $80,000, $40,000 and $10,000.
The ILT20 signing gives Babar another opportunity to expand his experience across global franchise cricket. Earlier this year, he led Peshawar Zalmi to the PSL 11 championship, his first PSL title as captain, while also finishing the tournament as its leading run-scorer with 588 runs, including two centuries.
His international franchise journey also recently took him to Australia, where he represented the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League. Babar featured in 11 matches during BBL|15 and scored 202 runs, including two half-centuries.
Babar will not be the only Pakistani international representing Desert Vipers in the upcoming ILT20 season. The franchise also secured Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan, with the Pakistani players joining at their respective base prices.
The auction saw five Pakistan players find teams. Usman Tariq was picked by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for $80,000, while four Pakistan internationals were signed by Desert Vipers. The franchise has previously featured several Pakistani players and retained a strong connection with the country’s cricket talent.
