UAE’s ILT20: Desert Vipers rope in Babar Azam for $80,000

Babar Azam has been picked by defending champions Desert Vipers for the fifth edition of the UAE’s International League T20 (ILT20).

He was signed for his base price of $80,000 during the player auction held at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Thursday. The move will mark Babar’s first appearance in the UAE-based T20 league.

England’s Liam Livingstone was among the other major names sold at the auction, with Gulf Giants securing him for $350,000. The franchise also signed Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz for $310,000.

Dubai Capitals acquired former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis for $300,000, while MI Emirates retained UAE international Muhammad Waseem for $210,000.

The fifth ILT20 season is scheduled to run from November 21 to December 20. Matches will be played at Dubai International Stadium, Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Cricket greats AB de Villiers, Allan Donald, Brett Lee and Shoaib Malik were also present at the auction in Dubai.