Gulf Giants break ILT20 record twice in one auction night
Livingstone's $350,000 fee surpassed Gurbaz's earlier $310,000 record as Gulf Giants assembled an explosive batting group.
Gulf Giants set a new benchmark for the most expensive player in ILT20 history twice during the Season 5 Player Auction in Dubai. The Giants first exercised their Right-to-Match option to retain Rahmanullah Gurbaz for $310,000 before signing England all-rounder Liam Livingstone for $350,000.
Head coach Simon Helmot said the franchise had not planned to break the record twice in one night but was pleased with the quality added. The Giants also secured Alzarri Joseph for $230,000 along with Shamar Joseph, David Wiese, Ibrahim Zadran, Tabraiz Shamsi and Curtis Campher.
ILT20 Season 5 will be played from 22 November to 20 December 2026 across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.
CricHubb Take
The auction inflation shows that T20 leagues are now competing for the same elite talent pool, driving up prices for proven international performers.