UAE fast bowlers Junaid Siddique and Muhammad Rohid emerged as headline-makers at the inaugural DP World ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction, landing two of the biggest deals of the day.
Siddique was picked up by the Sharjah Warriorz for USD 170,000 after the franchise used its sole Right-to-Match option to outbid the Gulf Giants. Moments later, MI Emirates secured the promising left-arm pacer Rohid for USD 140,000 through the same mechanism. Both players ranked among the top five signings of the auction.
“This is a very special moment for me,” said Siddique, who returns for a fourth season with the Warriorz. “Being brought back at the first auction gives me a lot of confidence and reflects how far UAE cricket has progressed. Opportunities like these allow local players to compete alongside top international cricketers.”
Rohid, who debuted for the UAE earlier this year, sees the move as a chance to build on recent gains.
“It feels incredible to be picked up by MI Emirates again. I’ve grown a lot over the past two seasons, and this gives me the chance to keep improving. I hope young cricketers in the region see what’s possible.”
Siddique made an impression during the Men’s T20 Asia Cup, finishing as the tournament’s third-highest wicket-taker with nine scalps. Rohid has already taken 19 wickets in 15 ILT20 appearances.
Wasim Akram and Haider Razzaq, standout performers in the 2025 DP World ILT20 Development Tournament, were both rewarded with significant deals. Akram joined Sharjah Warriorz for USD 55,000, while Razzaq signed with the Gulf Giants for USD 50,000.
Razzaq, the tournament’s top wicket-taker, welcomed the opportunity, saying:
“The development tournament gave us a platform to show our skills under pressure. Now that I’m with the Giants, I want to keep learning and improving.”
All-rounder Sanjay Pahal, who earned Player of the Tournament honors, also earned a deal with the Desert Vipers worth USD 10,000.
Additional Emirati players secured deals across franchises, including Asif Khan (USD 26,000, Gulf Giants), Ibrar Ahmed (USD 22,000, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders via Right-to-Match), and newcomers like Ethan D’Souza and Abdul Salam Khan.
ILT20 Season 4 Begins on UAE National Day
The fourth edition of the DP World ILT20 will begin on Tuesday, December 2, in conjunction with UAE National Day. The 34-match tournament concludes on Sunday, January 4, 2026, and will feature six franchises with star-studded international and regional squads.
The strong showing by UAE players marks a significant step forward. With top-tier contracts and growing experience, local talent is poised to play a central role in the upcoming season.
