By Zainab Shafiq 
The first-ever International League T20 (ILT20) auction stirred up plenty of buzz, but for Pakistani cricket fans, the spotlight fell on just one franchise: Desert Vipers. In a surprising turn, the Vipers were the only non-Indian franchise to invest in talent from Pakistan, picking up Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, and Hasan Nawaz. No other side showed interest in Pakistani players in ILT20, a move that left many wondering about the underlying dynamics of the auction.
While the tournament will welcome a host of global stars this December, Pakistan’s representation will rest entirely with these three players, raising both excitement and questions about why the rest of the league kept their distance.
Desert Vipers Make Bold Statement
The Desert Vipers’ strategy couldn’t be clearer: they trust the impact Pakistani cricketers can bring to franchise cricket. Fakhar Zaman, who previously wore Vipers colors in the third edition, is back for another stint. The left-handed opener, known for his fearless stroke play, was picked up for $80,000. In his earlier campaign, Fakhar amassed 222 runs in nine matches, including two half-centuries that highlighted his ability to set the tone at the top.
Naseem Shah, valued at the same price, will make his ILT20 debut. The fiery pacer has already showcased his skills in the CPL, LPL, and BPL, and his presence in the UAE will add much-needed speed and aggression to the Vipers’ bowling attack. Completing the trio is Hasan Nawaz, a promising young middle-order batter, who was signed for $40,000. For a player still establishing his name internationally, the Vipers’ investment signals their belief in his potential.
This clear trust stands in contrast with other franchises’ approach. Notably, Pakistan’s wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris, dynamic opener Saim Ayub, and experienced all-rounder Imad Wasim all went unsold, as did spinner Mohammad Nawaz and emerging star Usman Tariq.
Pakistani Players in ILT20: Why the Snub Elsewhere?
The limited uptake of Pakistani players in ILT20 has raised eyebrows. Nearly 300 players from more than 20 nations were up for grabs, including regional cricketers from the Gulf. While stars from Afghanistan, the West Indies, and England attracted heavy bids—such as Junaid Siddique for $170,000 and Andre Fletcher for $260,000—Pakistan’s pool remained largely overlooked.
Even some high-profile names couldn’t find a buyer. Mohammad Amir, once Pakistan’s leading left-arm pacer, went unsold. So did England legend James Anderson, who surprisingly entered the auction but failed to attract attention. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq fetched $100,000, highlighting the contrast in demand for Pakistani and Afghan talent.
Also, see:
Mohsin Naqvi Forced to Congratulate India for Asia Cup 2025 Win: Sources