All major T20 leagues create buzz for their exorbitant player deals. And the UAE’s International League T20 (ILT20) is no exception.
The league has attracted top talent from around the world. Overseas players are always in high demand. But teams can’t fill in their squads with overseas players alone.
So there’s, obviously, a limit on the number of players the ILT20 can have in their squads.
That brings us to the big question:
What’s the squad size in the ILT20?
The ILT20 teams can have a minimum of 19 players in their squad by the end of the auction. And the maximum player limit is set at 21.
In the minimum squad limit, teams need to have a certain number of players for each category.
The player categories are:
- Overseas players from ICC Full Member teams
- UAE players (local)
- Kuwait players
- Saudi Arabia players
- Overseas players from other ICC Associate Member teams
The ILT20 teams can sign a minimum of 11 players from ICC Full Member teams. When it comes to locals, four UAE players are a must in each squad.
To give more opportunities to Gulf players, the ILT20 mandates franchises to buy one player each from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. And to have more representation from associate nations (other than Kuwait and Saudi Arabia), teams need to sign a minimum of two such players.
So an ILT20 team can buy 19 to 21 players through retention, pre-signing, and auction. But the number can reach 23.
How so?
Well, the ILT20 allows franchises to add two wildcard players. But the additions come with some rules.
Check overseas player limit in other T20 leagues here
How Many Overseas Players Are Allowed in IPL Teams?
How Many Overseas Players Are Allowed in a WPL Team?
How Many Overseas Players are Allowed in a BBL Squad?
How Many Overseas Players Are Allowed in a CPL Team?
Wildcard Player Rule in the ILT20
While the wildcard signings aren’t mandatory, teams can add two such players outside the auction.
How does the wildcard player signing work in the ILT20?
Teams can add wildcard players either before or during the season. So teams can even bring in a wildcard midway through the season.
To give you an example, MI Emirates signed England’s Will Jacks as a wildcard just before the playoffs in the 2025 season. So teams have a complete free hand in this aspect.
Interestingly, the amount to sign the wildcard player doesn’t count towards the salary cap. But the signing amount can’t be more than 10 per cent of the total salary cap.
Once a franchise signs a wildcard player, they can’t replace them with another one. So, teams need to be careful with their signings.
So, what’s the playing XI composition in the ILT20?
The playing XI rules in the ILT20 are way different from other major T20 leagues. Since the local talent pool isn’t significant, the ILT20 allows teams to field a minimum of two UAE players throughout a match.
The other nine spots? Teams can slot in nine overseas players in the rest of the XI. Among the nine spots, teams must include one associate player. And the other eight overseas players can be from full member nations.
So the final starting XI composition comes down to nine overseas and two UAE players.
The final mix, though, can change as per each team’s strategy. Some may choose to field all four UAE players, with the other seven being overseas players.
Read Next | What are the Match Fees for IPL Players?
