UAE Cricketers Earn Record Deals as DP World ILT20 Boosts Local Talent

UAE cricketers are attracting increased investment from franchises in the DP World International League T20 (ILT20), with players welcoming the growing opportunities to compete alongside international stars and build professional careers.

The trend was highlighted at the Season Five Player Auction, where opener Muhammad Waseem became the highest-priced UAE player in the competition’s history after MI Emirates secured him for $210,000 through their Right-to-Match option.

Other UAE players also attracted significant bids. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders secured Alishan Sharafu for $110,000 and fast bowler Muhammad Rohid for $95,000, while Dubai Capitals acquired spinner Aayan Khan for $95,000. Desert Vipers signed Khuzaima Bin Tanveer for $75,000 and wicketkeeper-batter Vriitya Aravind for $70,000.

Waseem’s record deal reflects his consistent performances across four seasons with MI Emirates. He has scored 1,241 runs in 46 matches, making him the league’s third-highest run-scorer. His 68 sixes rank behind only Nicholas Pooran, with 84, and Alex Hales, with 69.

The opener also won the Blue Belt, awarded to the competition’s best UAE player, last season.

Waseem said he was grateful to MI Emirates for the confidence shown in him and described the contract as recognition of his hard work. He added that he wanted to repay the franchise’s trust by contributing to the team’s success and demonstrating what UAE cricketers could achieve.

Sharafu, who will represent Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for a fourth consecutive season, said the investment in local players was encouraging.

He said the league provided an opportunity for UAE cricketers to learn from some of the world’s leading players, adding that the financial rewards could encourage younger generations to pursue cricket as a career.

Rohid also welcomed the backing from Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, saying the UAE had considerable fast-bowling talent that deserved opportunities at the highest level. He said he planned to improve his game by learning from experienced teammates and demonstrating the ability of UAE pace bowlers.

Khan has taken 24 wickets in 35 matches for the Gulf Giants, making him the leading wicket-taker among UAE bowlers in the league. He described the growing investment as a positive sign for the future of cricket in the country and a reflection of progress in developing local talent.

Aravind, who was part of the Desert Vipers squad that won the title last season, said he was eager to contribute to another successful campaign. He also expressed hope that the growing visibility of UAE players would encourage more participation at grassroots level.

He said seeing local cricketers compete successfully could help young players believe that a professional career in the sport was within reach.

The investment in UAE players aligns with the Emirates Cricket Board’s long-term vision for developing the domestic game and creating clearer pathways to professional cricket.

The fifth edition of the DP World ILT20 will run from November 21 to December 20, 2026, bringing together international stars and emerging local talent.