Desert Vipers CEO says Babar Azam was top priority at ILT20 auction
Desert Vipers CEO Phil Oliver says Babar Azam was a top priority at the ILT20 auction, secured for US$ 80,000.
Desert Vipers CEO Phil Oliver said Babar Azam was a high priority for the franchise before the ILT20 2026/27 auction. He noted that Babar is the highest run-scorer in men's T20 Internationals with 4,596 runs and leads the PSL charts with 4,380 runs. Oliver said Babar's style of play suits the UAE conditions and called him a key pickup for the top order.
The Vipers secured Babar for US$ 80,000 at the auction. Oliver added that the franchise also picked Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah at the same price. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders signed only one Pakistani player, Usman Tariq.
Babar, 31, has not played T20 Internationals for Pakistan since the T20 World Cup earlier this year and was not selected for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.
CricHubb Take
Babar's move to the Desert Vipers keeps him in high-level T20 competition while he waits for a Pakistan recall that has not come since the World Cup. The franchise's decision to buy him early and at a modest price suggests they see his experience as a stabilising force in the top order rather than a gamble on form.