The fifth season of the International League T20 (ILT20) is set to be a blockbuster one, with a few international stars set to make their tournament debuts and a number of familiar faces returning to the tournament. The new season will begin on November 22, and franchises have already made big decisions ahead of the player auction. The season 5 player auction will be held in Dubai on October 1.
The most notable additions are South African batters David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen, who will enter the ILT20 for the first time after joining the Gulf Giants. New Zealand's explosive batter Finn Allen is also set to make his ILT20 debut, joining Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. The franchise has retained stars Sunil Narine and Jason Holder.
Australia's Marcus Stoinis also returns to the competition following a three-year absence. He will represent the Dubai Capitals. The Capitals have also roped in Afghanistan spinner Noor Ahmad.
The defending champions, Desert Vipers, have decided to retain a strong core. However, they have made an addition by bringing in Afghanistan's Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who played for Dubai Capitals last season.
Pre-Auction signings
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders - Finn Allen, Jason Holder, Matthew Tromp and Sunil Narine
Desert Vipers - Andries Gous, Dan Lawrence, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman and Shimron Hetmyer
Dubai Capitals - Marcus Stoinis, Mustafizur Rahman, Noor Ahmad and Rovman Powell
Gulf Giants - Azmatullah Omarzai, Blessing Muzarabani, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen
MI Emirates - Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan, Romario Shepherd and Sherfane Rutherford
Sharjah Warriorz - Adam Milne, James Vince, Waqar Salamkheil and Sikandar Raza