The DP World ILT20 Season 5 auction saw all six franchises strengthen their squads ahead of the new season. MI Emirates were the biggest spenders, investing USD 2 million in their auction signings, while Gulf Giants spent USD 1.972 million and Dubai Capitals used USD 1.834 million.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders also made several important additions to their squad. The franchise spent USD 1.549 million at the auction, bringing in 18 players, while also keeping four players through retentions or direct signings. Their squad includes experienced international names such as Moeen Ali, Gulbadin Naib, Andre Fletcher, Colin Munro and Kieron Pollard, along with several emerging players.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Retained Players & Direct Signings
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Finn Allen | Retained/Direct Signing |
| Jason Holder | Retained/Direct Signing |
| Matthew Tromp | Retained/Direct Signing |
| Sunil Narine | Retained/Direct Signing |
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders: Auction Buys
The Knight Riders spent a total of USD 1,549,000 on their auction signings. Alishan Sharafu was their most expensive purchase at USD 110,000, followed by Amshi De Silva at USD 100,000 and Muhammad Rohid at USD 95,000.
| Player | Auction Price |
|---|---|
| Alishan Sharafu | USD 110,000 |
| Amshi De Silva | USD 100,000 |
| Muhammad Rohid | USD 95,000 |
| Moeen Ali | USD 80,000 |
| Arab Gul | USD 80,000 |
| Usman Tariq | USD 80,000 |
| Gulbadin Naib | USD 75,000 |
| Ibrar Ahmed | USD 46,000 |
| Andre Fletcher | USD 40,000 |
| Ajay Kumar | USD 40,000 |
| Colin Munro | USD 40,000 |
| Michael Pepper | USD 40,000 |
| Qais Ahmad | USD 38,000 |
| Jakeem Pollard | USD 10,000 |
| Abdul Mannan Ali | USD 10,000 |
| Ravija Sandaruwan | USD 10,000 |
| Abdullah Tarakhail | USD 10,000 |
| Lorcan Tucker | USD 10,000 |
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Complete Squad
Finn Allen, Jason Holder, Matthew Tromp, Sunil Narine, Alishan Sharafu, Amshi De Silva, Muhammad Rohid, Moeen Ali, Arab Gul, Usman Tariq, Gulbadin Naib, Ibrar Ahmed, Andre Fletcher, Ajay Kumar, Colin Munro, Michael Pepper, Qais Ahmad, Jakeem Pollard, Abdul Mannan Ali, Ravija Sandaruwan, Abdullah Tarakhail, Lorcan Tucker.
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Total Auction Spend
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders spent USD 1,549,000 at the ILT20 Season 5 auction. Their spending was below MI Emirates, Gulf Giants, Dubai Capitals and Sharjah Warriorz, while Desert Vipers spent USD 1.544 million.
The franchise used the auction to add experience as well as new talent. Players such as Moeen Ali, Gulbadin Naib, Andre Fletcher and Colin Munro bring extensive T20 experience, while the younger additions give the team more options across different roles.