All six teams competing in Season 4 of the International League T20 (ILT20) have named their first batch of retained and signed players, but no Pakistani cricketers appear on the lists.
Desert Vipers, who previously had several Pakistani stars, also left them out of their initial squad. However, Director of Cricket Tom Moody said the franchise still plans to consider Pakistani players seriously in the upcoming September auction.
Moody explained that with only eight retention slots, it was impossible to keep everyone. “It was a challenge,” he said. “We’ve built a strong core over three seasons, and continuity matters to us. But we also value our link with Pakistani cricketers. There’s no mistaking their talent.”
Played in the UAE, the ILT20 has become one of the biggest T20 leagues outside India and Australia. Top names like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Sam Curran, Moeen Ali, and Wanindu Hasaranga will play in Season 4. Luke Wood, Waqar Salamkheil, and Chris Woakes have also signed up.
Despite Pakistan’s deep T20 talent pool, no player has joined any squad so far. This surprises many, given the past impact of Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, and Mohammad Amir in the league.
For now, there are no Pakistani players in ILT20 Season 4, but that could change soon. The player auction in September gives teams a chance to fill open spots with Pakistan’s top talent.
The new December–January schedule might also help. Many Pakistani players could be free, even if some join Australia’s Big Bash League. Franchises will decide who to draft and how to shape their final squads.
Until then, fans will wait and hope Pakistani cricketers earn the spots they deserve in one of T20 cricket’s rising leagues.
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