Fazalhaq Farooqi breaks ILT20 record with $380,000 MI Emirates deal

The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) Season 5 Player Auction concluded on Thursday, 1 October, at the ICC Academy Indoors in Dubai, setting new financial benchmarks for the UAE-based competition. Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi emerged as the most expensive player in the league's history after MI Emirates secured his services for $380,000. Record-Breaking Bids in Dubai Farooqi’s historic price tag led a flurry of high-value transactions that saw the previous record of $260,000 surpassed multiple times within hours. England’s Liam Livingstone was signed by the Gulf Giants for $350,000, while Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz was retained by the same franchise via a Right to Match (RTM) card for $310,000, following an initial bid by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. Earlier in the session, South African veteran Faf du Plessis briefly held the record with a $300,000 move to Dubai Capitals. Domestic talent also saw unprecedented valuations. Muhammad Waseem became the costliest UAE player in the league’s history, with MI Emirates exercising their RTM option at $210,000. Other significant UAE signings included Alishan Sharafu for $110,000 and Aayan Khan for $95,000. Squad Compositions and Star Arrivals In a surprising turn for the market, several high-profile stars were acquired at their base prices. Pakistan captain Babar Azam joined the Desert Vipers for $80,000, where he will play alongside teammates Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah, who were also signed for the same amount.…