ILT20 makes Afghanistan and Ireland player recruitment mandatory for 2026 auction

The International League T20 has introduced new squad rules requiring each franchise to sign at least four players from Afghanistan and one from Ireland ahead of the October 1 auction. Teams must also include a minimum of two Afghanistan players in their playing XI for every match. The changes follow concerns over player availability after several boards restricted participation in overseas T20 leagues.

Each squad must have between 18 and 23 players, including 11 from Full Member nations. At least four UAE players, one from Kuwait, one from Saudi Arabia and one additional player from an ICC Associate nation are also mandatory. The Afghanistan Cricket Board and Cricket Ireland have reached agreements with the league to allow their players.

The rules aim to maintain commercial value by ensuring a steady supply of Full Member talent despite scheduling clashes with the SA20 and Big Bash League.