Muhammad Waseem has become the most expensive UAE player in DP World ILT20 auction history after MI Emirates retained the opening batter for $210,000 ahead of the competition’s fifth season.
The franchise used its Right-to-Match option to keep Waseem, who has been one of the league’s leading batters since its launch.
He has scored 1,241 runs in 46 matches for MI Emirates, placing him third on the competition’s all-time run-scoring list. His 68 sixes are also the third-highest tally, behind Nicholas Pooran (84) and Alex Hales (69).
Waseem won the Blue Belt award as the league’s best-performing UAE player last season.
“I am extremely grateful to MI Emirates for showing such belief in me,” Waseem said.
“It is a proud moment for me and a reflection of the hard work that has gone into my journey. With that belief comes responsibility, and I want to repay the franchise by contributing to the team’s success and showcasing what UAE players can achieve.”
UAE players attract six-figure contracts
Waseem was one of several UAE cricketers to secure significant contracts at the Season 5 auction.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders signed Alishan Sharafu for $110,000 and fast bowler Muhammad Rohid for $95,000.
Sharafu will represent the Knight Riders for a fourth consecutive season. He believes the salaries now available to UAE players could encourage more young cricketers to pursue the sport professionally.
“This will mean a lot for younger players coming through, showing them that they can build a career in cricket and make a good living playing the sport here in the UAE,” Sharafu said.
Dubai Capitals secured left-arm spinner Aayan Khan for $95,000. The former Gulf Giants player has taken 24 wickets in 35 ILT20 matches, making him the competition’s leading UAE wicket-taker.
Desert Vipers signed Khuzaima Bin Tanveer for $75,000 and retained Vriitya Aravind for $70,000 following their title-winning campaign last season.
Aravind hopes the visibility of UAE players in the competition will encourage more children to take up cricket.
“I hope the growth of the game at this level translates to more interest in the game at the grassroots,” he said.
“The more they see local players competing and succeeding on a stage like this, the more they can believe that a career in cricket is within their reach.”
Top UAE player contracts for ILT20 Season 5
Player
Franchise
Contract
Muhammad Waseem
MI Emirates
$210,000
Alishan Sharafu
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
$110,000
Muhammad Rohid
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
$95,000
Aayan Khan
Dubai Capitals
$95,000
Khuzaima Bin Tanveer
Desert Vipers
$75,000
Vriitya Aravind
Desert Vipers
$70,000
Ibrar Ahmed
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
$46,000
Haider Ali
Dubai Capitals
$38,000
Zuhaib Zubair
Dubai Capitals
$26,000
The nine players listed above secured contracts worth a combined $765,000, with Waseem accounting for more than a quarter of that total.
International stars join ILT20 franchises
The auction also brought several established international players into the six squads.
Pakistan batters Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman joined Desert Vipers, alongside fast bowler Naseem Shah and all-rounder Shadab Khan.
Dubai Capitals signed former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis and England wicketkeeper Phil Salt, while Gulf Giants added Liam Livingstone and West Indies fast bowler Alzarri Joseph.
MI Emirates signed England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow and all-rounder Chris Jordan. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders added Moeen Ali and Colin Munro.
The fifth edition of the DP World ILT20 will run from November 21 to December 20, 2026, with six franchises competing for the title.
