The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) has confirmed that the player auction for Season 4 will take place on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in Dubai.
Each of the six participating franchises will be able to select 13 additional players, completing their squads ahead of the tournament’s December start.
In total, 78 players will be added across teams through the auction. Players interested in registering must do so by Wednesday, September 10, via the official registration portal, which opens on August 1.
Budget and squad rules
Teams will have a combined auction purse of USD 4.8 million (around Dhs 17.6 million). This budget includes any remaining funds from each team’s earlier direct signings. Details such as team-wise budgets, auction order, and the full player list will be released closer to the event.
The player auction represents the second phase of squad selection. Earlier in July, each team confirmed their retained and newly signed players, with eight players per squad already secured.
Commenting on the announcement, David White, CEO of DP World ILT20, said: “We are delighted to confirm the DP World International League Season 4 Player Auction date – Tuesday, 30 September. The auction is a big milestone for the league as we continue to grow as a world-class T20 tournament. The auction will be a great opportunity for our franchises to add local and international firepower to their Season 4 squads.”
White also highlighted how upcoming tournaments will provide UAE players key exposure ahead of the auction.
“For the UAE players, the ACC Asia Cup 2025 – September 9-28 in the UAE – is a massive opportunity for making a global impression ahead of the Player Auction. The players will have incredible exposure in the continental championship where they will be pitted against some of the top-ranked T20 teams.”
“We are also set to play the third edition of the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament from later this month which – alongside the Asia Cup – is another platform for the local players to impress ahead of the Player Auction.”
Current squad updates
The following players have already been signed or retained by the six ILT20 teams for Season 4:
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Alex Hales, Alishan Sharafu, Andre Russell, Charith Asalanka, Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Sherfane Rutherford, Sunil Narine
Desert Vipers: Andries Gous, Dan Lawrence, David Payne, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Lockie Ferguson, Max Holden, Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga
Dubai Capitals: Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Gulbadin Naib, Luke Wood, Muhammad Jawadullah, Rovmann Powell, Shai Hope, Waqar Salamkheil
Gulf Giants: Aayan Afzal Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai, Blessing Muzarabani, Gerhard Erasmus, James Vince, Mark Adair, Moeen Ali, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
MI Emirates: AM Ghazanfar, Chris Woakes, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Perera, Romario Shepherd, Tom Banton, Muhammad Waseem
Sharjah Warriorz: Johnson Charles, Maheesh Theekshana, Tim Southee, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Saurabh Netravalkar, Sikandar Raza, Tim David
Season 4 of the DP World ILT20 will kick off on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, coinciding with UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad). The tournament will feature 34 matches across six teams, concluding with the final on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
