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Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, and Hasan Nawaz join Desert Vipers as only Pakistani picks in ILT20 2026

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The first-ever International League T20 (ILT20) auction stirred up plenty of buzz, but for Pakistani cricket fans, the spotlight fell on just one franchise: Desert Vipers. In a surprising turn, the Vipers were the only non-Indian franchise to invest in talent from Pakistan, picking up Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, and Hasan Nawaz. No other side showed interest in Pakistani players in ILT20, a move that left many wondering about the underlying dynamics of the auction.

While the tournament will welcome a host of global stars this December, Pakistan’s representation will rest entirely with these three players, raising both excitement and questions about why the rest of the league kept their distance.

Desert Vipers Make Bold Statement​


The Desert Vipers’ strategy couldn’t be clearer: they trust the impact Pakistani cricketers can bring to franchise cricket. Fakhar Zaman, who previously wore Vipers colors in the third edition, is back for another stint. The left-handed opener, known for his fearless stroke play, was picked up for $80,000. In his earlier campaign, Fakhar amassed 222 runs in nine matches, including two half-centuries that highlighted his ability to set the tone at the top.

Naseem Shah, valued at the same price, will make his ILT20 debut. The fiery pacer has already showcased his skills in the CPL, LPL, and BPL, and his presence in the UAE will add much-needed speed and aggression to the Vipers’ bowling attack. Completing the trio is Hasan Nawaz, a promising young middle-order batter, who was signed for $40,000. For a player still establishing his name internationally, the Vipers’ investment signals their belief in his potential.

This clear trust stands in contrast with other franchises’ approach. Notably, Pakistan’s wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris, dynamic opener Saim Ayub, and experienced all-rounder Imad Wasim all went unsold, as did spinner Mohammad Nawaz and emerging star Usman Tariq.

Pakistani Players in ILT20: Why the Snub Elsewhere?​


The limited uptake of Pakistani players in ILT20 has raised eyebrows. Nearly 300 players from more than 20 nations were up for grabs, including regional cricketers from the Gulf. While stars from Afghanistan, the West Indies, and England attracted heavy bids—such as Junaid Siddique for $170,000 and Andre Fletcher for $260,000—Pakistan’s pool remained largely overlooked.

Even some high-profile names couldn’t find a buyer. Mohammad Amir, once Pakistan’s leading left-arm pacer, went unsold. So did England legend James Anderson, who surprisingly entered the auction but failed to attract attention. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq fetched $100,000, highlighting the contrast in demand for Pakistani and Afghan talent.



 
Important Update

Mohammad Amir has told PakPassion that he opted to withdraw from the ILT20 2026 auction due to personal commitments and some contractual issues.

He probably got a low price offer which he found insulting. Pakistan's have been picked up at low prices this time i.e. $80,000 and that is because of the lack of competition in bidding where no other franchise was interested in them, they had no choice but to be picked up at the lowest bid.
 
I know it may come across as jealously, but I don't understand how a league with no indigenous players, limited fans in the country, not many TV viewers, can afford to pay players like Andre Fletcher for 200k and Junaid Siddiqui over 150k for a few weeks of non serious cricket is just crazy.

How is this sustainable?
 
He probably got a low price offer which he found insulting. Pakistan's have been picked up at low prices this time i.e. $80,000 and that is because of the lack of competition in bidding where no other franchise was interested in them, they had no choice but to be picked up at the lowest bid.
Wrong. He withdrew his name before auction.
 
I know it may come across as jealously, but I don't understand how a league with no indigenous players, limited fans in the country, not many TV viewers, can afford to pay players like Andre Fletcher for 200k and Junaid Siddiqui over 150k for a few weeks of non serious cricket is just crazy.

How is this sustainable?

Indian Paisa. Indian viewers are the only ones making the league run on its feet. It also helps that the franchises are named after the IPL franchises and hence these franchises are acting as subsidiaries to the IPL Franchises, this also enables the IPL franchise owners to have a bigger control over the players.

Corbin Bosch who signed a contract in the PSL where he was getting paid more in comparison to the IPL, opted to walk out on his PSL contract and play in the IPL at a lower price justified his decision saying he could not afford to upset his IPL Franchise bosses because they owned franchises in ILT20, CPL and SAT20.
 
Indian Paisa. Indian viewers are the only ones making the league run on its feet. It also helps that the franchises are named after the IPL franchises and hence these franchises are acting as subsidiaries to the IPL Franchises, this also enables the IPL franchise owners to have a bigger control over the players.

Corbin Bosch who signed a contract in the PSL where he was getting paid more in comparison to the IPL, opted to walk out on his PSL contract and play in the IPL at a lower price justified his decision saying he could not afford to upset his IPL Franchise bosses because they owned franchises in ILT20, CPL and SAT20.
Do the Indians really watch these leagues?

I find it hard to see how they can get enthused by seeing Abu Dhabi v Vipers with random players on both sides.

CPL and SA20 are different as they have a local flavour but leagues like Canadian league, US league and this league surely can't be making any money or engaging many people.
 
Do the Indians really watch these leagues?

I find it hard to see how they can get enthused by seeing Abu Dhabi v Vipers with random players on both sides.

CPL and SA20 are different as they have a local flavour but leagues like Canadian league, US league and this league surely can't be making any money or engaging many people.

India has 1.5 billion people, even if 1% of the population watches their favourite overseas players associated with these leagues it will be a big win for the ILT20, SAT20 and the Hundred e.t.c.
 
Do the Indians really watch these leagues?

I find it hard to see how they can get enthused by seeing Abu Dhabi v Vipers with random players on both sides.

CPL and SA20 are different as they have a local flavour but leagues like Canadian league, US league and this league surely can't be making any money or engaging many people.
Have seen people watching these matches at random bars and restaurants in big cities. Not like IPL but still decent eyeballs to keep the league afloat
 
I know it may come across as jealously, but I don't understand how a league with no indigenous players, limited fans in the country, not many TV viewers, can afford to pay players like Andre Fletcher for 200k and Junaid Siddiqui over 150k for a few weeks of non serious cricket is just crazy.

How is this sustainable?
It is a fixed league. Lot of suscipicious acts happen here in the league.
 
I know it may come across as jealously, but I don't understand how a league with no indigenous players, limited fans in the country, not many TV viewers, can afford to pay players like Andre Fletcher for 200k and Junaid Siddiqui over 150k for a few weeks of non serious cricket is just crazy.

How is this sustainable?
I'm surprised he didn't get picked. Probably not as surprised as he is, but surprised.

I guess none of the franchises thought he was worth the high price-tag
 
I know it may come across as jealously, but I don't understand how a league with no indigenous players, limited fans in the country, not many TV viewers, can afford to pay players like Andre Fletcher for 200k and Junaid Siddiqui over 150k for a few weeks of non serious cricket is just crazy.

How is this sustainable?
I always hear the rumours it's match fixing/spot fixing.
 
I always hear the rumours it's match fixing/spot fixing.
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Thsi T10 , ILT20 everything that happen here have a lot of shady things going on.
 
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