Bangladeshi Stars Shine in ILT20 Auction
Bangladesh star cricketers—Shakib Al Hasan and Taskin Ahmed are set to feature in the next edition of International League T20 (ILT20), as they have been signed by their respective franchises during the ILT20 auction on October 1. This years auction brought plenty of surprises, excitement, and big-name signings but for the Bangladeshi fan the main attraction was the successful acquisition of the star-duo in the United Arab Emirates’ premier T20 competition.
Although ace-allrounder Shakib Al Hasan initially went unsold in the first round, he eventually found a franchise in MI Emirates, who snapped him up during the second call for USD 40,000. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s pace powerhouse Taskin Ahmed was signed by Sharjah Warriors for USD 80,000, rewarding his recent form and international experience. Both signings have fueled excitement among Bangladeshi fans who are eager to see their star players in action in one of the most competitive franchise leagues in the world.
ILT20: A Rising Global Tournament
The ILT20 launched in 2023, has quickly established itself as one of the most popular franchise competitions. The league, sanctioned by the Emirates Cricket Board, features six teams: MI Emirates, Dubai Capitals, Sharjah Warriors, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, and Gulf Giants.
Played across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, the tournament attracts top-tier international cricketers from around the globe. Backed by strong financial investment and global media coverage, the ILT20 has positioned itself as a premier destination for cricketers looking to showcase their skills in the Middle East.
Past Champions
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2023: Gulf Giants were crowned the inaugural ILT20 champions after defeating Desert Vipers in the final. James Vince’s captaincy and Chris Lynn’s batting heroics defined their campaign.
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2024: MI Emirates emerged victorious, powered by consistent performances from Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran, cementing their dominance in the league’s second season.
As per reports, the ILT20 is preparing to expand into Saudi Arabia after a major partnership with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation (SACF). Under the agreement, SACF has officially sanctioned the ILT20 as a men’s and women’s competition, paving the way for matches to be staged in the Kingdom in future.
Shakib Al Hasan: A Veteran of Global Leagues
Shakib’s signing by MI Emirates in the ILT20 auction may not have carried the biggest price tag, but it represents yet another chapter in his long and decorated career in franchise cricket. Known as one of the finest all-rounders in modern cricket, Shakib has plied his trade in almost every major league around the world.
The Bangladesh veteran has played in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he represented franchises such as Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad. His clever left-arm spin, ability to bowl in powerplays, and reliable batting in the middle order made him one of the most sought-after overseas professionals. Beyond the IPL, Shakib has also played in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) for Barbados Tridents and Jamaica Tallawahs, and in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Karachi Kings.
Shakib also had stints in the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia and even represented Dubai Capitals in the Global T20 competition, showcasing his adaptability across different conditions. He also played for Bangla Tigers in Abu Dhabi T-10. His move to MI Emirates for the ILT20 adds another franchise to his impressive resume. With his vast experience and versatility, Shakib will look to prove his worth once again on the global stage.
Taskin Ahmed: A Rising Force in Franchise Cricket
Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed has long been seen as one of Bangladesh’s most promising pacers. Known for his sharp pace, ability to extract bounce, and improving variations at the death, Taskin has become an integral part of Bangladesh’s white-ball setup. His signing by Sharjah Warriors in the ILT20 auction for USD 80,000 marks a significant recognition of his growth as a cricketer.
While Taskin has not been as widely featured in global franchise leagues as Shakib, he has begun to establish himself in tournaments outside Bangladesh. His performances in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) for franchises like Dhaka Dynamites and Rangpur Riders highlighted his potential early in his career. In recent years, Taskin has improved his consistency and fitness, enabling him to secure opportunities abroad.
Though he had many opportunities from other franchise competition but could not feature due to injuries, national commitment or NOC issues within the board.
The ILT20 provides Taskin with the perfect platform to showcase his talent on a bigger stage, playing against and alongside world-class international cricketers. His role with Sharjah Warriors will likely focus on providing breakthroughs with the new ball and restricting opposition batters in the death overs. For a player who has battled injuries in the past, this is a golden opportunity to establish himself as a global franchise star.
Mustafizur Rahman Joins Dubai Capitals
Another Bangladeshi star, Mustafizur Rahman, will also be part of the upcoming ILT20 season. The left-arm pacer, renowned for his deceptive cutters and ability to thrive in T20 cricket, was confirmed as a replacement signing by Dubai Capitals. He takes the place of England’s Luke Wood, and his arrival is expected to bolster the Capitals’ bowling attack.
Mustafizur has significant franchise cricket experience, including memorable seasons in the IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he was instrumental in their 2016 title win. He has also featured in the PSL, CPL, and BPL, consistently proving himself as a reliable bowler in pressure situations. His participation in the ILT20 further extends Bangladesh’s footprint in the tournament.
Other Auction Highlights
The ILT20 auction was not just about Bangladeshi stars. Several high-profile international players also went under the hammer.
Andre Fletcher (MI Emirates, USD 260,000), Scott Currie (Dubai Capitals, USD 250,000) and Liam Dawson (Gulf Giants, USD 170,000) were among the top signings at the ILT20 Player Auction.
Veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik sealed a move to Sharjah Warriors, while seasoned off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin surprisingly went unsold despite being listed at USD 120,000. These outcomes highlighted the unpredictable nature of franchise auctions, where team composition, balance, and player availability often shape decisions more than star power alone.
Significance of Bangladeshi Participation
The signings of Shakib, Taskin, and Mustafizur in the ILT20 auction hold great significance for Bangladesh cricket. Their participation not only raises the profile of Bangladeshi players internationally but also provides invaluable exposure to competitive T20 environments.
For Shakib, it is another opportunity to extend his legacy as one of the most experienced all-rounders in franchise cricket. For Taskin, it is a chance to prove his worth against top-tier opposition and solidify his place as Bangladesh’s pace spearhead. And for Mustafizur, it is yet another platform to demonstrate his craft in the shortest format.
The trio’s presence will also inspire younger Bangladeshi players to aspire for opportunities in leagues beyond the BPL, strengthening the country’s cricket ecosystem.
The ILT20 auction has once again underlined the global demand for Bangladeshi cricketers. Shakib’s move to MI Emirates, Taskin Ahmed’s signing with Sharjah Warriors, and Mustafizur Rahman’s inclusion in Dubai Capitals reflect the growing stature of Bangladesh players in franchise cricket.
With Gulf Giants and MI Emirates already crowned past champions, the competition for the 2025 title is set to intensify. For Bangladesh’s representatives, this is more than just another league—it’s a chance to cement their names among the standout performers of the ILT20.