The MI Emirates franchise has finalized its squad for the fifth season of the International League T20 (ILT20) following the Season 5 Player Auction held in Dubai on Thursday.
During the auction, the team acquired Sri Lankan international player Kusal Perera for $40,000 USD. A fast bowler from South Africa, Lizaad Williams, was also selected for $110,000 USD.
Additionally, English international player Chris Jordan was signed for $170,000 USD, bringing significant international and T20 experience, and the final selection of the auction was Englishman Jonny Bairstow for $80,000 USD.
These new players join a roster that previously included Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan, Romario Shepherd, and Sharfane Rutherford.
Key Deals and Returns
Among the most significant acquisitions is the return of Fazalhaq Faruqi for $380,000 USD, making him the most expensive player in ILT20 history. Muhammad Wasim returned via the Retention Mechanism (RTM) option for $210,000 USD, becoming the most expensive player acquired for the UAE-based team at the ILT20 auction. Zakhor Khan also rejoined the team for $30,000 USD.
Faruqi, Wasim, and Zakhor have been part of MI Emirates since the first season of ILT20 and will continue their collaboration with the franchise for the fifth consecutive season, highlighting their long association with the team.
The franchise also utilized the RTM option for Afghan international player Allah Ghazanfar, bringing back the highly-rated young spinner for participation in Season 5.
The assembled squad combines a mix of international experience, T20 format expertise, and rising talent as MI Emirates prepares for Season 5.
The MI Emirates team will commence its campaign in ILT20 Season 5 in November 2026.
Rules and Regulations
The International League T20 (ILT20) is sanctioned by the Cricket Council of Emirates and features six franchise teams. ILT20 allows for more foreign players than most T20 leagues, permitting up to nine overseas players in the playing XI. Furthermore, each team is required to include at least one UAE player and one player from an Association member country in the starting lineup.
Earlier that day, the franchise appointed Mark Boucher as the head coach of MI Emirates for ILT20 Season 5. Boucher returns to the Mumbai Indians setup, bringing strong ties to the organization and extensive experience in international and franchise cricket.
Boucher first joined Mumbai Indians as head coach in 2023 before leading MI New York, where he guided the team to a championship title in 2025. A former South African international player and experienced wicketkeeper, Boucher possesses vast playing and coaching experience, along with a deep understanding of the culture and values connecting the organization's teams worldwide.
MI Emirates Squad (Season 5)
The squad includes: Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan, Romario Shepherd, Sharfane Rutherford, Fazalhaq Faruqi, Muhammad Wasim, Zakhor Khan, Kusal Perera, Chris Jordan, Jonny Bairstow, Allah Ghazanfar, James Cole, Lizaad Williams, Asu Traba, Mohamed Shafiq, Zayn Ul Abidin, Jordan Thompson, Ross Edera, Wasim Akram, Faridun Daudzai, Sanjaya Krishnamurthy, Raizala Nadir Nazar Shah.