🏏 Fakhar Zaman Signed, Ravi Ashwin Goes Unsold in First-Ever ILT20 Auction ILT20 2025 Full Breakdown
🌍 ILT20 Auction 2025 Creates Shockwaves
The first-ever ILT20 auction 2025 was nothing short of dramatic. Fans around the world tuned in as cricket stars from Pakistan, India, England, Afghanistan, and beyond went under the hammer. While Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman and rising pace sensation Naseem Shah secured lucrative contracts, some legendary names like Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Amir, and James Anderson shockingly went unsold.
This mega event has set the stage for the fourth edition of the International League T20 (ILT20), starting December 2, 2025, with Desert Vipers facing Dubai Capitals in the opening clash.
In this detailed blog, we’ll cover:
✅ Fakhar Zaman’s Desert Vipers return.
✅ Ravi Ashwin and other big names going unsold.
✅ The rise of Naseem Shah and Hasan Nawaz.
✅ Record signings: Andre Fletcher, Scott Currie, Junaid Siddique.
✅ Full insights into what this auction means for ILT20’s future.
🏆 Fakhar Zaman Returns to Desert Vipers
Pakistani opener Fakhar Zaman has been retained by Desert Vipers for his second season, signed for $80,000.
📊 Fakhar’s ILT20 Stats (Edition 3):
- Matches: 9
- Runs: 222
- Average: 27.75
- Strike Rate: 134.54
- Fifties: 2
Zaman’s explosive batting at the top order makes him one of the most dangerous players in T20 leagues. His ability to attack in the powerplay overs gives Desert Vipers an edge. Fans will be eager to see if he can convert starts into big scores this season.
💡 Fakhar Zaman ILT20 2025, Desert Vipers squad, Pakistan players ILT20 auction.
⚡ Naseem Shah’s Debut – A Pace Weapon for Vipers
Another exciting signing was Naseem Shah, also bought by Desert Vipers for $80,000. Known for his fiery pace and wicket-taking ability, Naseem is set to make his ILT20 debut.
He has already proven himself in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Lanka Premier League (LPL), and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). With international experience under his belt, Naseem’s addition strengthens Desert Vipers’ bowling attack massively.
🔥 Expect fireworks when Naseem pairs with global pacers in the league.
🌟 Hasan Nawaz – Pakistan’s Emerging Talent
Pakistan’s young middle-order batter Hasan Nawaz was also signed by Desert Vipers for $40,000. Known for his aggressive batting in the domestic circuit, Nawaz now has the chance to prove himself on an international stage.
This signing shows ILT20’s commitment to backing emerging Pakistani cricketers alongside established stars.
❌ Ravi Ashwin Goes Unsold – The Shock of the Auction
One of the biggest surprises was Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s veteran spinner, going unsold. Despite being one of the most successful bowlers in cricket history, franchises opted for younger spinners and all-rounders.
Reasons Ashwin may have gone unsold:
- Age factor – teams prefer younger, more agile T20 specialists.
- Recent form – limited T20 appearances.
- Team combinations – franchises prioritized all-rounders or pacers.
Still, Ashwin’s absence from ILT20 headlines shocked fans worldwide.
💡 Ravichandran Ashwin ILT20 auction unsold, ILT20 2025 surprises, Ashwin T20 future.
💥 Other Big Stars Who Went Unsold
- Mohammad Amir (Pakistan) – Former left-arm pace spearhead.
- James Anderson (England) – Test legend, but T20 stocks low.
- Imad Wasim (Pakistan) – Experienced all-rounder surprisingly unsold.
- Mohammad Nawaz (Pakistan) – T20 regular, yet not picked.
- Usman Tariq (Pakistan) – Despite 20 wickets in CPL 2025, no bids.
This shows that ILT20 teams leaned towards current T20 form and younger talent over big reputations.
💰 Record Signings – Fletcher, Currie, Siddique
The ILT20 auction also witnessed massive buys:
- Andre Fletcher (West Indies) → Bought by MI Emirates for $260,000 (most expensive).
- Scott Currie (England) → Signed by Dubai Capitals for $250,000.
- Junaid Siddique (UAE) → Picked by Sharjah Warriors for $170,000.
- Liam Dawson (England) → Signed by Gulf Giants for $170,000.
- Muhammad Rohid (UAE) → Bought by MI Emirates for $140,000.
- Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan) → MI Emirates’ $100,000 signing.
💡 This highlights ILT20’s growing role as a global cricket hub, where both established stars and local UAE players earn big contracts.
📅 ILT20 2025 Tournament Details
- Edition: 4th
- Start Date: December 2, 2025
- Opening Match: Desert Vipers 🆚 Dubai Capitals
- Venue: UAE
The tournament promises thrilling contests as top franchises battle for the title with a mix of international stars and local UAE talent.
🧩 Cricketory Insights – What This Auction Means
- Pakistan’s Strong Presence – Fakhar, Naseem, and Hasan’s signings confirm Pakistan players’ high demand.
- Indian Players Struggle – With Ashwin and others unsold, Indian participation remains limited.
- UAE Talent Rising – Junaid Siddique & Muhammad Rohid fetched huge sums, showing franchise faith in local talent.
- Changing T20 Dynamics – Teams now prefer young, power-hitting batters and fast bowlers over aging legends.
- ILT20’s Growth – The auction proves ILT20 is now a major global league alongside IPL, PSL, and BBL.
🔮 Predictions for ILT20 2025
- Fakhar Zaman will likely finish among top 5 run-scorers.
- Naseem Shah could be a contender for the highest wicket-taker.
- Andre Fletcher may dominate as the league’s most destructive batter.
- Desert Vipers emerge as early favorites with strong batting + bowling.
📲 Social Media Buzz & Trending Hashtags
Fans around the globe lit up social platforms after the auction:
- #ILT20Auction
- #FakharZaman
- #RaviAshwin
- #NaseemShah
- #ILT20League
- #DesertVipers