DUBAI (Sports Desk): Growing confidence among franchises in local cricketers at the player auction for the fifth edition of the DP World ILT20 has raised fresh hopes for the future of cricket in the United Arab Emirates.
During the auction, MI Emirates used their Right to Match option to retain Muhammad Waseem for $210,000. This is the highest amount ever paid for a UAE player in the history of the league.
Waseem’s return to the team at a record price is being viewed as a proud moment for Emirati cricket. Expressing gratitude to MI Emirates for their confidence in him, he said the deal recognised both his hard work and journey, as well as the abilities of UAE players. He added that the trust placed in him also brought greater responsibility and that he was keen to play a significant role in the team’s success.
Several other local players also secured impressive deals at the auction. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders signed Alishan Sharafu for $110,000 and Muhammad Rohid for $95,000, while Dubai Capitals brought Aayan Khan into their squad for $95,000. Desert Vipers selected Khuzaima bin Tanveer for $75,000 and Vritya Aravind for $70,000.
Muhammad Waseem’s record in the league has also been impressive. He has scored 1,241 runs in 46 matches for MI Emirates and ranks third among the league’s highest run-scorers. His tally of 68 sixes is another notable achievement. Last season, he was named the Best Emirati Player and awarded the Blue Belt.
Alishan Sharafu, who will represent Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for the fourth consecutive season, said investment in local players at this level was encouraging for young cricketers. He noted that the league offered local players an excellent opportunity to play alongside internationally renowned cricketers and learn from them.
Muhammad Rohid described the confidence shown in him by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders as a matter of pride. He said the UAE had a strong pool of fast bowlers and that competitions such as the ILT20 provided them with an important platform to demonstrate their abilities.
Aayan Khan, the UAE bowler with the highest number of wickets in the league, said increased investment in local players was a positive sign for the future of cricket in the country. He is determined to improve his performances further for Dubai Capitals in the fifth edition.
Vritya Aravind of Desert Vipers described winning the title last season as a memorable experience and said he wanted to be part of another successful campaign. He added that seeing young local cricketers succeed at this level boosted their confidence that cricket could be pursued as a professional career in the UAE.
The growing demand for Emirati players in the DP World ILT20 also aligns with the Emirates Cricket Board’s long-term strategy, which aims to provide better opportunities for local talent, improve players’ skills and strengthen the UAE’s position in international cricket.
The fifth edition of the league will be held from November 21 to December 20, 2026, with local and internationally renowned players set to take the field at venues across the United Arab Emirates.