ILT20Breaking NewsCricket NewsCricket Squad AnnouncementsICC AnnouncementsInternational CricketInternational LeagueInternational MatchesPlayer AnnouncementsT20T20 Cricket NewsT20 LeaguesT20I Series
ILT20 Season 4 Squad Announcements: Woakes, Kamindu Join MI Emirates as Hales, Livingstone Sign for ADKR
Big International Names Join Franchises Ahead of Historic ILT20 Auction
The buzz for Season 4 of the International League T20 (ILT20) has officially begun as organizers revealed the first phase of player signings and retentions on Monday, July 7. With teams preparing for the inaugural auction system, several top-tier international cricketers have either been retained or directly signed by the six participating franchises.
A major highlight includes the addition of England’s Chris Woakes and Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis to the MI Emirates squad. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) have brought in Alex Hales, Liam Livingstone, and Sherfane Rutherford to bolster their top-order firepower.
MI Emirates Secure Woakes and Kamindu as Key Additions
Strong Core Around Woakes, Kamindu, and Perera
The MI Emirates franchise, backed by the owners of Mumbai Indians, continues to build a balanced unit by signing Chris Woakes, a versatile English all-rounder, and Kamindu Mendis, a promising Sri Lankan talent known for his ambidextrous bowling and middle-order stability.
The duo joins a core squad that already includes Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kusal Perera, Romario Shepherd, Tom Banton, and Muhammad Waseem, who has been retained from the previous season.
These additions reflect MI Emirates’ intent to strengthen both experience and depth ahead of a crucial season, especially with the auction mechanism being introduced for the first time in ILT20.
Also Read: MI Emirates Full Squad & Performance Review – ILT20 2023
ADKR Add Explosive English Duo and Caribbean Firepower
The Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have pulled off a massive coup by signing Alex Hales and Liam Livingstone, two of the most aggressive white-ball batters in modern cricket. They also added Sherfane Rutherford, who brings Caribbean flair and finishing ability.
These signings complement their retained lineup featuring Andre Russell, Phil Salt, Charith Asalanka, Sunil Narine, and Alishan Sharafu, giving ADKR a dynamic mix of experience and explosive batting prowess.
Dubai Capitals Boost Squad with English and Afghan Talent
Defending champions Dubai Capitals have added Luke Wood, Waqar Salamkheil, and Muhammad Jawadullah to a roster already featuring retained stars such as Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Gulbadin Naib, Rovmann Powell, and Shai Hope.
Wood, known for his left-arm pace and swing, and Salamkheil, a young Afghan wrist spinner, bring versatility to a squad looking to defend its title in a more competitive environment this year.
Desert Vipers, Gulf Giants, and Sharjah Warriorz Make Strategic Moves
Balanced Signings Across the Board
-
Desert Vipers have retained Wanindu Hasaranga, Dan Lawrence, and Lockie Ferguson, while adding Sam Curran and Andries Gous.
-
Gulf Giants bring in Moeen Ali, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz alongside retained players like James Vince and Mark Adair.
-
Sharjah Warriorz added Maheesh Theekshana, Sikandar Raza, Saurabh Netravalkar, and Tim David, with Kusal Mendis, Tim Southee, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore retained.
ILT20 Season 4 Set for December 4 Start with Historic Auction
First-Ever Player Auction Adds Intrigue
For the first time in ILT20 history, teams will participate in a player auction, moving away from the previous direct-signing format. Each franchise can sign or retain up to eight players directly, and then complete their 23-man squad through the auction pool.
The salary cap for each team is $2 million, ensuring a competitive balance across franchises. The league will span from December 4, 2025, to January 2, 2026, featuring 34 matches across UAE venues.
To track auction updates, official rules, and fixtures, visit the ILT20 Official Website.
