Babar Azam joins Desert Vipers at ILT20 2026/27 auction
Babar Azam was bought by Desert Vipers at the ILT20 auction. Imran Tahir went unsold as franchises spent from USD 1.3 million purses.
Babar Azam was bought by Desert Vipers at the ILT20 2026/27 player auction held in Dubai on Thursday. The Pakistan batter joins a squad that already includes Andries Gous, Dan Lawrence, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman and Shimron Hetmyer. Imran Tahir went unsold in the auction.
Each franchise entered the auction with a purse of USD 1.3 million in addition to any remaining amount from USD 700,000 allocated for pre-signings. MI Emirates started with the largest purse at USD 1.39 million, followed by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at USD 1.365 million. Dubai Capitals and Sharjah Warriors entered with the smallest purses at USD 1.3 million each.
Teams must spend at least USD 1.5 million and their squads must comprise a minimum of 18 and a maximum of 23 players. Over 400 players from 23 countries were registered for the auction, including T20 stars Faf du Plessis, Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone.
CricHubb Take
Babar Azam's move to Desert Vipers gives the franchise a proven T20 anchor to complement their existing overseas firepower, but the unsold status of experienced spinner Imran Tahir suggests teams are prioritising younger or cheaper options in the spin department.