Gulf Giants break ILT20 auction record twice in stunning spending spree

Dubai: The DP World ILT20 Player Auction witnessed an unprecedented spending spree by the Gulf Giants, as they broke the tournament's record for the most expensive player twice within a single day. The franchise first used their Right-to-Match option to retain Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz for USD 310,000, claiming him as the most expensive player in ILT20 history at the time.

However, England all-rounder Liam Livingstone swiftly became the latest headline name to join the Gulf Giants, with the team securing his services for USD 350,000 and setting a new auction record. This means that the Gulf Giants have been at the center of two record-breaking deals during an extraordinary auction afternoon. Season 1 winners, Gurbaz is one of Afghanistan's most explosive white-ball batters, and he will continue with the Giants after exercising their Right-to-Match option.

Retaining him for USD 310,000 initially saw him become the top-priced player in the auction's price list, before Livingstone surpassed that figure by USD 40,000. The 32-year-old all-rounder, known for his power-hitting and ability to contribute with the ball, is one of the most sought-after players in the shortest format. The Gulf Giants' double swoop has produced two auction records in quick succession, underscoring the franchise's ambition ahead of the upcoming ILT20 season.

With the auction still ongoing, there could be more major moves before the day's action comes to an end.