ILT20 2026 salaries: Who are the highest-paid players in the UAE league?

The DP World International League Twenty20 (ILT20) 2026 concluded with a record-breaking player auction, as reported by Paul Radley on October 2, 2026. The league has become one of the most lucrative in the world, with local and Associate-nation players also receiving their share of the prize money. A total of $1 million was spent on 24 UAE players, with a minimum salary of $10,000.

Leading the pack in earnings was Fazalhaq Farooqi from Afghanistan, who secured the highest contract for $380,000, joining MI Emirates. Following closely, Liam Livingstone from England was snapped up by Gulf Giants for $350,000. Rahmanullah Gurbaz from Afghanistan held the third position with a $310,000 deal with Gulf Giants. Faf du Plessis from South Africa earned $300,000 with Dubai Capitals, while Alzarri Joseph from West Indies secured $230,000 with Gulf Giants.

The auction raised the bar for UAE cricketers, with Muhammad Waseem from UAE signing a $210,000 contract with MI Emirates. Richard Gleeson from England and Chris Jordan from MI Emirates earned $180,000 and $170,000 respectively. Other top earners included Allah Ghazanfar and David Payne from MI Emirates, Mohammad Nabi from Afghanistan, Paul Walter and Lizaad Williams from Sharjah Warriorz, and Alishan Sharafu from Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, all earning $110,000 each.