Babar Azam sold for base price in ILT20 season 5 auction

Dubai: During the DP World ILT20 Season 5 auction, Pakistani cricket sensation Babar Azam has been purchased for a base fee of $80,000 by the UAE-based franchise team, Desert Vipers. The right-handed batsman is presently engaged in Pakistan's President's Trophy Grade-I competition, maintaining his dedication to domestic cricket following a stellar performance in the 2023 Pakistan Super League.

Babar led his team, Peshawar Zalmi, to victory in the HBL PSL 11 in May, securing his first championship as a captain and his second overall, following their inaugural win in 2017. He was also the leading run-scorer in the tournament, tallying 588 runs, including two centuries, which earned him the captaincy of the PSL Team of the Tournament.

The 31-year-old has broadened his franchise cricket horizon by making his Big Bash League debut with Sydney Sixers during the BBL|15, signing as the Sixers' pre-draft overseas player. Babar contributed 202 runs at an average of 22.44 and a strike rate of 103.06 in 11 matches, including two half-centuries. His transfer to Desert Vipers enhances the ILT20 franchise with a seasoned top-order batsman boasting substantial international and franchise cricket credentials.

His arrival is anticipated to spark considerable enthusiasm among Pakistan and UAE-based cricket enthusiasts. The ILT20 Season 5 auction will witness the six franchises bolstering their squads in preparation for the fifth edition of the competition.