ILT20 goes ruthless as team salary caps slashed by 20% ahead of 2025–26 season

The UAE’s ILT20 league has reduced its team salary caps by 20% for the 2025-26 season following a decision to avoid direct scheduling conflicts with South Africa’s SA20 tournament. Notably, the ILT20 is planning to shift from direct player signings to an auction-based system for the upcoming season.

The ILT20 in the UAE will take place from December 2 to January 4. Notably, the schedule was adjusted to avoid overlapping with the 2026 T20 World Cup. In the first three seasons, the tournament’s schedule coincided with the SA20 league. The ILT20 will begin on the UAE’s National Day, December 2.

ILT20 Cuts Team Salary Caps by 20% Ahead of 2025-26 Season

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the player salary cap for each team in the upcoming ILT20 season has been reduced from $2.5 million to $2 million. The six franchises believe they had previously overspent on player wages.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

"ESPNcricinfo has learned that there is a belief among the six franchises that they have overspent on wages, and that many top players will still play in the league for slightly lower salaries thanks to a clearer window this year," the report read.

The ILT20 may indirectly benefit the Big Bash League (BBL) ahead of its upcoming player draft. The BBL has struggled to retain top international players, many of whom have left early for the UAE tournament or skipped the league.

ILT20 to Adopt Auction Model for 2025-26 Season

The report further added that the league is planning to switch from direct player signings to an auction system. The auction is set to take place in September, while teams finalize their retained players. Franchises can spend up to $250,000 on extra 'wildcard' signings beyond their auction budgets.

"ESPNcricinfo has learned that an auction is due to take place in September, with franchises in the process of working through their retentions in the meantime. Teams will still be permitted to spend an additional US$250,000 on additional 'wildcard' signings," the report further added.

The ILT20 depends on a long-term broadcasting agreement with India's Zee TV. However, the league has faced criticism for its policy that mandates just two local UAE players in each team’s playing XI. The Dubai Capitals are the current champions, following the Gulf Giants (2023) and the MI Emirates (2024).

The ILT20 League is Organized by the Emirates Cricket Board

The ILT20, organized by the Emirates Cricket Board, is a relatively new league that has quickly gained attention by allowing up to nine overseas players per team, more than most other leagues, which typically limit foreign players to three or four.

Since its debut in 2023, the tournament has been held during January and February. However, the 2026 T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place in February in India and Sri Lanka.

The 2024 ILT20 season featured notable performances from international stars such as James Vince, Nicholas Pooran, Sam Billings, Sikandar Raza, Alex Hales, Shimron Hetmyer, Trent Boult, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Also read: Watch: Mahela Jayawardene hijacks MI captaincy mid-match, leaves Jasprit Bumrah baffled