Brief
Muhammad Waseem becomes most expensive UAE player in ILT20 auction
MI Emirates used its Right‑to‑Match option to keep Waseem, while other franchises also invested heavily in local talent.
By Felo News Desk · Published
UAE cricketer Muhammad Waseem was retained by MI Emirates for US$210,000 at the DP World ILT20 Season 5 player auction, making him the most expensive UAE‑born player in the league’s history, Gulf News reported.
What happened
The Season 5 auction took place on 1 October at the ICC Academy Indoors in Dubai. MI Emirates exercised its Right‑to‑Match option to keep opener Waseem, paying a record US$210,000. Other franchises also signed UAE players: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders secured Alishan Sharafu for US$110,000 and fast bowler Muhammad Rohid for US$95,000; Dubai Capitals bought Aayan Khan for US$110,000; Desert Vipers signed Khuzaima Bin Tanveer for US$75,000 and Vriitya Aravind for US$70,000.
What the reports add
Gulf News noted that Waseem’s total of 1,241 runs in 46 matches makes him the third‑highest run‑scorer in ILT20 history and that his 68 sixes rank him third for sixes hit, behind Nicholas Pooran (84) and Alex Hales (69). The outlet also highlighted that Sharafu will be with Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for a fourth season, while Rohid described the franchise’s faith as a “proud moment”. Aayan Khan, who moved to Dubai Capitals, has taken 24 wickets in 35 matches – the most by a UAE bowler in the competition.
What was said
Waseem told Gulf News, “I am extremely grateful to MI Emirates for showing such belief in me. It is a proud moment for me and a reflection of the hard work that has gone into my journey.” Sharafu added, “It is very encouraging to see UAE players attracting this level of investment and trust from the franchises.” Rohid said, “It is a proud moment for me to receive this kind of faith … I want to keep improving my game.” Khan remarked, “The growing investment in UAE players is a tremendous sign for the future of cricket in the country.”
How it came about
The record‑breaking bids followed a series of high‑value purchases at the same auction, including Fazalhaq Farooqi’s US$380,000 deal, which broke earlier records set that day for Rahmanullah Gurbaz (US$310,000) and Liam Livingstone (US$350,000). The ILT20 auction, announced on 30 September, allowed each franchise a base purse of US$1.3 million, with the option to spend up to US$2 million.
Key facts
- Muhammad Waseem was retained by MI Emirates for US$210,000, the highest fee ever for a UAE player in ILT20. (gulfnews.com)
- Waseem has scored 1,241 runs in 46 matches, ranking third in ILT20 run‑scoring history. (gulfnews.com)
- Alishan Sharafu was signed by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for US$110,000. (gulfnews.com)
- Aayan Khan moved to Dubai Capitals for US$110,000 after taking 24 wickets in 35 matches. (gulfnews.com)
- The Season 5 auction took place on 1 October at the ICC Academy Indoors in Dubai. (gulfnews.com)
Timeline
- 2026-09-30 — DP World ILT20 Season 5 auction announced with $1.3 million base purse per franchise.
- 2026-10-01 — Season 5 player auction held at ICC Academy Indoors, Dubai.
- 2026-10-01 — Fazalhaq Farooqi set a new ILT20 auction record at $380,000.
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Muhammad Waseem Sets Record as UAE Players Shine in ILT20 Season 5 Auction”
