Latest news with #ILT20
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How do T20 league auctions work during a busy calendar? A behind-the-scenes look as ILT20 takes the big leap
ILT20 Auction With excitement building around the fourth season of the International League T20 (ILT20), all eyes are now on a major shift in the league's approach to squad building - the introduction of a player auction. For the first time since its inception, the UAE's marquee franchise league will hold an auction, scheduled for September, replacing the draft system used in the first three seasons. Auctions have become a signature feature of global T20 leagues, offering drama, intrigue, and promotional buzz ahead of a new season. Player prices, bidding wars, and squad strategies often capture fan and media attention - and ILT20 is now poised to enter that high-stakes space. The upcoming auction not only aims to refresh team compositions but also to reinforce the league's ambition of becoming one of the most global cricket competitions. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! But what does it take to organise such a complex event - from creating a player pool to planning logistics for a multi-national talent assembly? To understand the mechanics and ambitions behind the ILT20's first-ever auction, caught up with Mike Fordham, ILT20's Head of Cricket Operations. In an exclusive interview, Fordham walked us through every detail - from Right to Match to wildcard picks and UAE player development. Excerpts: What was the thought process behind introducing the auction format after three seasons of drafts? It was for a few reasons. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo Most of the players were originally signed on three-year contracts, and we're now at the end of that cycle. So, we felt it was a good opportunity to freshen things up and try something new. We also wanted to open up more opportunities to new players. One of our aims with ILT20 is to be the most global cricket league in the world. We felt an auction was a good way to attract talent from various parts of the world and give teams a chance to reshape their squads. This year, teams were allowed to retain or directly sign up to eight players — including a mix of international and UAE players. All six teams have filled those slots. They'll complete their squads at the auction and are also allowed to add two wildcard signings later. Some teams have already begun that process. The auction will also serve as the launchpad for Season Four, generating buzz and giving fans something to talk about. It's scheduled for September, ahead of the league's December 2 start. ILT20 2025 Retentions: Big Names Stay, Shocks & Surprises Unfold! What goes on behind the scenes to streamline the auction process, especially around building the player pool and aligning with player availability? A lot of preparation is involved, and we have a full team managing it. First, we're launching an online registration portal for players and agents to sign up for the auction. That will remain open for about five to six weeks, leading into late August. Once that closes, we'll finalise the player pool. Legal documents and contracts are also being prepared. Logistically, the auction will be a large event - venue selection, top-tier auctioneer, and specialised auction software are all being handled. We're working with a leading software firm to ensure everything runs smoothly. People will travel to Dubai for the event, so all associated logistics are also being looked after. We're confident our team will deliver. Will Right To Match (RTM) influence auction dynamics? And how do wildcard signings work? Wildcard signings occur outside the auction. Each team can sign two additional players beyond the 21-member squad at any point after the direct signing window. Some teams have started signing wildcards; others might wait closer to the season. RTM applies only to UAE players. We've been running a development tournament for the last two years, and this year's edition will happen just before the auction. Each franchise has a development team - Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, etc. If a UAE player from a development squad enters the auction and is bid on, the original franchise will have the final right to match. This helps reinforce investment in local talent and gives development squads a tangible reward for grooming players. Will ILT20 increase the number of UAE or associate players in the playing XI? Yes, this season we're mandating two UAE players and one associate player in the playing XI. That associate player can be from UAE or another associate nation like Namibia, Scotland, Netherlands, Nepal, or the USA. Cricket is growing rapidly, and we want to support that global expansion. Right now, cricket is a top global sport but only truly taken seriously in about a dozen countries. We want ILT20 to serve as a platform for emerging nations. Ideally, five years from now, we'd like to see more UAE and associate players in starting XIs, with overall playing standards continuing to rise. What are the unique challenges of organising an ILT20 auction compared to other leagues? The structure of auctions is generally similar across leagues, but ILT20 had some unique challenges. Until now, we didn't have a clearly defined window due to overlapping leagues during January. This season, we've moved it forward - starting early December and ending early January - to reduce conflicts. While the window isn't entirely clear, availability has improved, which should boost the talent pool. The auction should run smoothly, but the league's uniqueness lies in its international appeal. Players enjoy coming to the UAE, especially during the holiday season. Great weather, world-class facilities, and family-friendly environments make it attractive. We're leveraging that to build a strong product, and the auction is a vital part of that journey. EPIC IS BACK! ILT20 set for explosive return on December 2, 2025 Will teams focus more on availability or squad dynamics during the auction? It's a mix. Ideally, teams want players available for the full season. But if a world-class player is only available for part of it, they might still sign him to get off to a strong start. For example, Sharjah Warriors have signed Tim David , one of the world's best T20 batters. He'll play the first half before joining the Big Bash League in Australia. Teams will replace such players mid-season if needed. International commitments - like England-Australia Test series (Ashes) - also impact availability. Teams are used to managing this and franchise cricket operates with that flexibility. Players are accustomed to flying in and out on short notice. What can fans expect from the auction? Will it be live-streamed or offer new innovations? We're working on plans to stream the auction live on our digital platforms. It should be an exciting event for fans to watch as teams finalise their squads. There will likely be surprises and new elements. The RTM for UAE players will be an interesting dynamic. Additionally, we're introducing players from other Gulf countries, making the tournament more pan-Middle Eastern. Overall, we hope the auction provides something fresh for ILT20 and a reason for fans to stay engaged as the season build-up begins. How has ILT20 contributed to UAE's cricket growth, particularly in player development and infrastructure? Development of local players has been a core objective. Any league, in any sport, must build a strong local base - it can't be just about overseas stars. The UAE has long had a talented pool, partly due to its diverse population. Now, we're seeing sustained progress. Take Aayan Khan, for example. He's been part of Gulf Giants since Season One and has worked closely with top professionals like James Vince and Chris Jordan, under Andy Flower. That exposure is invaluable. Each franchise has a minimum of four UAE players per squad - 24 in total across the league - working with coaches like Tom Moody , James Foster, and Dwayne Bravo. That elevated their performance. The UAE's recent win over Bangladesh in a bilateral series speaks volumes. Players like Muhammad Waseem (MI Emirates) are now winning ICC Player of the Month awards. This progress is directly linked to ILT20's environment. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'Not lifting the trophy is frustrating, but we're close': Tom Moody opens up on Desert Vipers' retentions, ILT20's evolution and road ahead
Desert Vipers have twice finished runners-up in ILT20. (Creimas) The International League T20 (ILT20) - UAE's premier franchise league - has taken a major step towards its fourth season with the announcement of player retentions. Each team was permitted to retain up to eight players ahead of the first-ever ILT20 auction, scheduled for September. Among them, Desert Vipers made the most significant move, retaining seven players from their 2025 squad - the most by any franchise - and signing USA wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous as their lone direct addition. The decision aligns with their philosophy of continuity and consistency. The Vipers' retained list includes Lockie Ferguson (captain), Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga, Max Holden, Dan Lawrence, David Payne, and Khuzaima bin Tanveer, one of UAE's fast emerging bowlers. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! In an exclusive interview with Tom Moody, the team's Director of Cricket, admitted that whittling down the squad to meet the retention cap was a challenge, especially given the team's emphasis on stability and squad cohesion over the years. 'It's a very difficult process, particularly given the philosophy that we've tried to carry through from year one and that's to try to have some sort of continuity and consistency with our squad. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo To build that familiarity around the environment that we're building,' he explained. 'Unfortunately, you have to make some difficult decisions.' Tom Moody with Desert Vipers captain Lockie Ferguson in ILT20. (Creimas) Ferguson will continue as captain despite missing a few games last season due to rotation and fitness. Moody emphasised that his off-field value and leadership made him the ideal candidate. 'We think the leadership role is more than someone that is available 100% of the time. There's no guarantee the captain or any player for that matter is going to be available for 100% of the time. What Lockie could offer from a leadership perspective outweighed the fact that he might miss a game or two.' Backing Ferguson is Curran, who stepped in as captain during Lockie's absence and has impressed the management with his on-field maturity. 'Sam has got a lot of great leadership qualities and we enjoyed him taking over the reins for those few games,' Moody said. Auction focus: Pakistan players, local talent in sight Lockie Ferguson has been retained by the Desert Vipers for the fourth season of ILT2. (Creimas) The upcoming ILT20 auction will be the first of its kind for the league, and Moody's experience with player auctions in the IPL and other global leagues will be invaluable. He laid out a clear strategy - fill remaining gaps and build on existing relationships. 'We'll be looking in the auction for obvious talent that fits the voids that we have in our squad.' The Vipers have previously featured a number of Pakistan players, and Moody confirmed they remain part of the franchise's recruitment radar. 'We've had a number of Pakistan players involved with us and we've enjoyed a good relationship with them both on and off the field. They'll be a playing group that we'll be looking at closely.' The team is also closely monitoring UAE players. 'We could only retain one UAE player, and we believe Bin Tanveer is a really exciting talent. We'll be certainly looking closely at ones we've had an ongoing relationship with.' Moody warned that the auction could present unexpected challenges, but said the key lies in staying flexible and avoiding emotional decisions. 'Auction can be volatile. Players attract more attention than expected, and prices go up. It's important that you remain focused on your plan and not get caught too much in the emotion... and be well prepared with other options.' As for the Vipers' repeated heartbreaks in finals, Moody prefers to see the glass half full. Desert Vipers have retained Sam Curran for the next season of ILT20. (Creimas) 'Not taking that final step is frustrating. I'd be reluctant to think that we need to do too many things differently because I think once you as a franchise, both on and off the field, get a lot of the things right to put yourself in that consistent position of playing finals, I think it's a matter of time that you jump that final hurdle,' Moody said. 'We only have to look at the last final. It's the smallest of margins that can turn a final one way or the other... not getting too caught up in those setbacks and disappointments is important. If anything, we should celebrate that we're consistently putting ourselves in a position to win trophies.' With a solid core, measured planning, and a clear developmental pathway in place, the Desert Vipers are not just chasing silverware - they're shaping their identity as one of ILT20's most consistent teams. ILT20's impact and the Vipers' bigger picture Moody credited the ILT20 with raising the standard of cricket in the UAE, likening its role to what the IPL did for India in its early years. 'I've personally seen the development of young players with the exposure and experiences that they've had in the first three seasons. We've seen a lot of players really develop underneath our feet.' The ILT20 Development Tournament has become a key scouting ground for franchises, offering local talent a stage to perform under pressure. 'It enables us to do the necessary scouting with them performing right in front of us.' Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Al Etihad
08-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Tom Moody sees growth and ambition for Desert Vipers and UAE cricket
9 July 2025 00:50 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)Desert Vipers coach Tom Moody is optimistic about both his team's trajectory in the International League T20 (ILT20) and the wider development of UAE cricket, citing progress in player maturity, strong franchise stability and a consistent upward guided the Vipers to two finals in the three seasons of the UAE's flagship franchise cricket tournament, the veteran Australian coach also conceded that the franchise has done everything and yet, fell short of winning the title.'We had the opportunity to reflect on what we've done well. And there are a lot of things that we've done well. You don't reach two finals in three years without getting a lot of things right,' Moody said.'As we look to continue to evolve and grow as a franchise, that's exactly what we're intending to do in Season 4 and beyond – evolve both on and off the field.'This season the league has advanced as it vies for better positioning in a crowded cricket calendar and the T20 World Cup happening next year in India in that time frame. A few more tweaks are also being introduced for ILT20 4.A strong proponent of the ILT20, Moody said. 'The ILT20 as a whole has got a big advantage that it is contained in one geographical spot. So when it comes to logistics, travel, training and recovery – all those types of things – we're pretty central. Our circus is very much contained, and that's a huge plus for a positive environment. A lot of players and coaches like the consistency of that.'All six participating franchises have announced a few players they would retain, and Vipers, known for including a quartet of Pakistani players last season as the only franchise to sign the countrymen, have not yet expressed intention to retain any of them early rest of the five franchises have Indian owners and so Vipers remain the only avenue for players from Pakistan and Bangladesh. To a question from Aletihad on the luxury of exclusivity on such player options, Moody, chose to play with a straight bat.'Everyone's got the opportunity to pick from the global cricketing pool,' he said. 'We have enjoyed the relationships we've had with a few Pakistan players over the last couple of years. We pick what we feel is the most fitting players and skill sets that we need for our squad.'Moody did take note of the development in UAE's local talent. 'The exposure that the UAE players have got from the beginning to this point now, we've seen a huge uptick not only in skill improvement but also in performing under pressure,' he said.'There is improvement, both mentally and technically. And I'm sure that this upward curve is only going to continue... patience is required,' Moody said. 'We've only really seen the rise of UAE cricket over recent years. What we're seeing is significant growth and players continuing to develop with exposure, particularly through the ILT20 and the various development tournaments.'For UAE cricket to take the next leap, Moody believes consistent performances from the national side players in the ILT20 will in due course attract attention on the world stage. 'Once the consistency of performances in existing tournaments is there, naturally the opportunities will continue to be given to the UAE to take that next step up.'On action elsewhere, Moody last week questioned India's chances in the second Test against England, which India won, thanks to Shubhman Gill's team having more all-rounders than specialist batsmen. Comparing the argument with the demand for all-rounders in T20 leagues, Moody said: 'In Tests, you're dealing with ever-changing conditions, over five days of cricket. And you want more specialists in those positions, whereas in T20 cricket, having the depth is an option that provides you with the opportunity to pivot a lot quicker in the shorter format.' Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Gulf Today
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Vipers retain Curran, Hasaranga for 4th edition of ILT20
The Desert Vipers are pleased to announce a list of seven retained players and one direct signing for the fourth edition of the UAE's DP World ILT20 tournament. Captain Lockie Ferguson leads the roster of returning players, which also includes all-rounder Sam Curran and Sri Lanka's spin maestro Wanindu Hasaranga, an ever-present for the Vipers across the history of the tournament. Director of Cricket Tom Moody welcomed the retained players on behalf of the Desert Vipers but also made it clear that although no Pakistani players featured in that retained list, they were certainly a part of the team's wider strategy. 'Yes absolutely (we can expect Pakistani players to feature for the Vipers in season four),' he said. 'I am sure now with an auction process that is happening in September, that we will see a few Pakistan players nominate for that auction. 'And we would be very keen to have a look at what talent is applying for that auction. We have got a good relationship with Pakistan and Pakistan cricketers and there is no mistaking their talent. 'If we can build our squad with two or three Pakistan players, we certainly will do, because they bring so much both on and off the field.' Speaking about how the retained players were selected, the Director of Cricket said it was not easy to pick and choose: 'We have built a long association with a core group in the first three years of the ILT20 and, we pride ourselves on trying to have that continuity and consistency with our playing group, but to be restricted to eight players was a challenge.' Moody did confirm that Lockie Ferguson was being retained as captain of the team, as the management felt he was a huge success in season three and had impressed with his game awareness and player-management both on and off the field. 'We knew going into season three and even going into season four, that with Lockie, there was a strong chance he was not going to be able to play every game (because of injuries or the need to rest),' he said. 'We pride ourselves on having a squad that can accommodate the rotation of our fast bowlers, particularly ones that have got a history of picking up a niggle here or there. But Lockie's leadership last season was brilliant. 'His connection with the players was second to none, as was his understanding of the game – after all, he has been around a long time. 'The players certainly embraced Lockie's leadership style. And he did not let us down one little bit, both on and off the field.' Also retained is all-rounder Sam Curran, who was chosen as player of the tournament in season three of the DP World ILT20 for his consistent performances with the bat and ball. Curran was an easy pick, said Moody, with the duo having a long and successful working relationship across continents and leagues. 'Sam is a complete player and we are delighted to have him back with the franchise because he brings so many good qualities, whether it be leadership, his all-round talent on the field or his real competitive spirit out in the middle.
BBC News
07-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Curran & Salt retained in ILT20 as Livingstone & Woakes sign up
England opener Phil Salt and all-rounder Sam Curran have been retained for the fourth season of the International League T20, while Liam Livingstone, Luke Wood and Chris Woakes have also been signed. Curran, who finished as the fifth-highest run-scorer last year and averaged 55.28, remains at Desert Vipers after being named player of the averaged 37.50 in three matches and stays with Abu Dhabi Knight Riders alongside West Indies' Andre Russell and Sunil Narine. All-rounder Livingstone is also part of the Knight Riders squad, as is Alex Hales who has moved from Banton, who finished as the second-highest run-scorer with 493 last year, will stay at MI Emirates and be joined by Woakes, who played for Sharjah Warriorz in seamer Wood has played for Vipers before but is set to represent Dubai Capitals alongside Shai Hope and Rovman Powell of West Indies. The fourth season of the ILT20 will run from 2 December to 4 January. Player retentions for season fourAbu Dhabi Knight Riders: Alishan Sharafu, Andre Russell, Charith Asalanka, Phil Salt and Sunil Vipers: Dan Lawrence, David Payne, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Lockie Ferguson, Max Holden, Sam Curran and Wanindu Capitals: Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Gulbadin Naib, Rovman Powell and Shai Giants: Aayan Afzal Khan, Blessing Muzarabani, Gerhard Erasmus, James Vince and Mark Emirates: AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kusal Perera, Romario Shepherd, Tom Banton and Muhammad Warriorz: Johnson Charles, Kusal Mendis, Tim Southee and Tom signings for season fourAbu Dhabi Knight Riders: Alex Hales, Liam Livingstone and Sherfane Vipers: Andries Capitals: Luke Wood, Waqar Salamkheil and Muhammad Giants: Azmatullah Omarzai, Moeen Ali, Rahmanullah Emirates: Chris Woakes and Kamindu Warriorz: Maheesh Theekshana, Sikandar Raza, Saurabh Netravalkar and Tim David.
