ILT20 Players Salaries 2025: Top Earnings Revealed
The International League T20 (ILT20) has become one of the most anticipated cricket tournaments in the world, drawing attention from fans in the UAE, India, Pakistan, and beyond. As we approach the ILT20 UAE 2025, cricket enthusiasts are eager to learn more about the event, from player salaries to team structures and the match schedule.
This page provides a detailed guide to everything you need to know about ILT20 UAE 2025, including player earnings, team insights, and why this league continues to grow in popularity across South Asia and the Middle East.
ILT20 Teams Breakdowns for Season 2025
| Team | City | Home Ground | Owner | Captain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | Abu Dhabi | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium | The Knight Riders Group | Sunil Narine |
| Dubai Capitals | Dubai | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | GMR Group | David Warner |
| Desert Vipers | Sharjah | Sharjah Cricket Stadium | Lancer Capital LLC | Colin Munro |
| Sharjah Warriors | Sharjah | Sharjah Cricket Stadium | Capri Global | Tom Kohler-Cadmore |
| Gulf Giants | Dubai | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | Adani Sportsline | James Vince |
| MI Emirates | Abu Dhabi | Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium | Indiawin Sports | Nicholas Pooran |
Key Highlights of ILT20 UAE 2025:
- Global Talent Pool: Players from across the world, including India, Pakistan, England, and South Africa.
- Massive Fanbase: Millions of viewers across UAE, India, and Pakistan, making it one of the most-watched leagues.
- High Player Salaries: Competitive contracts that rival other T20 leagues like the IPL and PSL.
- Strategic Venues: Matches will be hosted in iconic stadiums across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
ILT20 UAE 2025 Player Salaries and Earnings
One of the hottest topics surrounding the ILT20 UAE 2025 is the player salaries. The league has made headlines for offering lucrative contracts, competing with global cricket leagues.
Top Salary Categories in ILT20:
ILT20 Players Salaries Comparison With League Players
With a staggering USD 450,000 per season on offer, the international competition T20 (ILT20) in the United Arab Emirates is poised to overtake the Indian Premier League as the second-most lucrative T20 competition, according to several players.
The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is supporting the league with its permission, but they do not own it. Khalid al-Zarooni, the vice chairman of the ECB, and Mubashir Usmani, the general secretary of the board, are leading the charge. With a possible total wage ceiling of USD 2.5 million per club, the league is set to debut in January 2025.
David Warner, who reportedly plans to forego Australia’s BBL in favour of the ILT20 in the UAE, is reportedly connected to the league due to the possibility of receiving such a large sum of money.
To give you an idea of how much money these leagues pay their top players, the IPL has a player salary of over $2 million per season, the PSL pays USD 200,000 per season, the Hundred pays USD 164,000 per season, and the BBL pays roughly USD 238,000 per season to its most expensive international player.
Play is set to take place throughout the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from January 19th to February 17th in the UAE league, which has six teams with 18 players each. For a total of thirty-four games, each side will face off against every other side twice during the league stage and then four times during the playoffs.
The Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders are three of the six ILT20 franchises whose owners also have a stake in Indian Premier League teams. Lancer Capital, headed by Avram Glazer—a Manchester United shareholder—the Adani Group—an Indian conglomerate—and Capri Global—own the other three clubs.
The following is a breakdown of how much different leagues pay their best cricket players:
This revelation has also given rise to some additional speculations, such as the one that David Warner would forego the BBL this season in order to play in the UAE T20 league instead. Now, six franchises have confirmed their participation in the ILT20 2025. There will be a total of 34 games, and every club will have two opportunities to compete.
Additionally, franchises can get a loyalty incentive of more than $500,000 in some instances. This brings us to the maximum payment a player can receive, which is a whopping $450,000.
Franchise Salary Caps
Each franchise in ILT20 operates under a salary cap of $2.5 million, which includes player contracts, loyalty bonuses, and other incentives. This cap ensures:
Player Composition and Quotas
ILT20 mandates specific quotas to ensure diversity and the development of local talent:
In the playing XI, franchises must include at least one UAE player and one associate nation player, ensuring representation and exposure for lesser-known cricketing nations.
Factors Influencing Player Salaries
Several factors determine a player’s salary in ILT20, including:
- Performance History:
Players with consistent performances in international and T20 leagues command higher salaries. - T20 Specialization:
Power hitters, spin specialists, and death-over bowlers are highly sought after. - Marketability:
Players with strong fan followings and commercial appeal often secure marquee contracts. - Team Requirements:
A team’s strategy and composition significantly influence salary offers.
Additional Player Benefits in ILT20
Apart from lucrative salaries, ILT20 players enjoy various perks, including:
- Tax-Free Income:
Salaries earned in the UAE are tax-free, maximizing players’ earnings. - World-Class Facilities:
Training grounds, accommodation, and logistics are handled professionally. - Short Tournament Duration:
The compact schedule allows players to participate without affecting other commitments. - High Visibility:
Matches are broadcast globally, enhancing players’ profiles and career opportunities.
