Pakistan stars Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah have landed lucrative deals in the International League T20 (ILT20) 2025 auction, both joining the Desert Vipers for a hefty $80,000 each, roughly PKR 23 million.
Fakhar, who has already featured for the Vipers in a previous season, was the first overseas player picked in this year’s draft. Known for his aggressive stroke play at the top of the order, he’s expected to bring explosive starts for the franchise once again. Naseem Shah, meanwhile, will be making his debut appearance in the UAE-based league, adding youthful pace and firepower to the Vipers’ bowling attack.
The fourth edition of ILT20 will kick off on December 2, 2025, and run until January 4, 2026, with matches scheduled across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.
While Fakhar and Naseem grabbed the spotlight for Pakistan, several other names also stood out. UAE pacer Junaid Siddique turned heads by becoming the most expensive pick of the day at $170,000, signed by Sharjah Warriors. Afghanistan’s quick Naveen-ul-Haq was secured by MI Emirates for $100,000, highlighting the growing value of regional stars. Pakistan’s Usman Tariq also got a breakthrough, picked as a wildcard by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.
Interestingly, some seasoned campaigners didn’t find any takers. Big names such as Mohammad Amir, James Anderson, Jason Roy, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Shakib Al Hasan went unsold, a clear sign that franchises are shifting focus toward younger, in-form players.
With the Vipers securing both Fakhar and Naseem, fans can expect a strong Pakistani presence in this year’s league. The tournament itself has quickly grown in stature, attracting top international talent and offering a competitive platform just ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
