Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Desert Vipers Sign Three Pakistan Stars At Base Price
The ILT20 held an auction to choose players for its fifth season.
Desert Vipers bought three famous Pakistan cricketers: Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Fakhar Zaman.
Each player was sold for the starting price of PKR 2.2 crore, or about ₹76 lakh.
No Indian-owned team tried to buy them.
Babar is a highly recognized batter with international and franchise cricket experience.
He recently helped Peshawar Zalmi win the Pakistan Super League 11 title.
Naseem is a fast bowler, while Fakhar is a left-handed batter.
The three players are expected to make Desert Vipers stronger.
Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Fakhar Zaman were sold at their base price in the ILT20 Season 5 auction.
Desert Vipers signed all three Pakistan players for PKR 2.2 crore each, approximately ₹76 lakh.
No Indian-owned franchise placed a bid for the three Pakistan stars.
Babar Azam recently led Peshawar Zalmi to the Pakistan Super League 11 title and scored 588 runs.
The signings strengthen Desert Vipers’ Pakistan contingent and top order ahead of the fifth ILT20 season.
- Who
- Desert Vipers signed Pakistan cricketers Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Fakhar Zaman.
- What
- The three players were sold at their base price in the ILT20 Season 5 auction.
- When
- The auction took place ahead of the fifth ILT20 season; the article does not provide an exact date.
- Where
- The auction concerned the UAE-based ILT20 franchise Desert Vipers.
- Why
- Desert Vipers signed the players to strengthen its squad, including its top order, for the upcoming season.
- Tournament
- ILT20 Season 5
- Signing team
- Desert Vipers
- Players signed
- Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Fakhar Zaman
- Price per player
- PKR 2.2 crore, approximately ₹76 lakh
- Bidding outcome
- All three players were sold at their base price
- Other bidders
- No Indian-owned franchise showed interest
- Babar’s recent PSL record
- 588 runs, including two centuries, for Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 11