ILT20 Season 4: Full List of Retained Players and New Signings Revealed Ahead of Player Auction

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The countdown to the DP World International League T20 Season 4 has officially begun, with all six franchises confirming their list of retained players and new signings from the first phase of squad assembly in Dubai.

The player retention and new signing windows for the upcoming edition - set to begin on Tuesday, December 2, coinciding with UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) - have now closed. The remaining squad slots will be filled through the ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction, with dates to be announced shortly.

Featuring some of the biggest T20 superstars in world cricket, season four promises another thrilling month of cricket action, with 34 matches scheduled and the final on Sunday (January 4, 2026).

The six franchises have retained a strong core of players ahead of Season 4, ensuring continuity and stability in their line-ups. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have held on to match-winners like Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Phil Salt, and Charith Asalanka, while Desert Vipers have retained key performers such as Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lockie Ferguson, and Dan Lawrence.

Dubai Capitals continue with the services of Shai Hope, Rovman Powell, and Dasun Shanaka among others. Gulf Giants, the Season 1 champions, have stuck with James Vince, Gerhard Erasmus, and Blessing Muzarabani.

MI Emirates will once again feature Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kusal Perera, Romario Shepherd, and Muhammad Waseem, while Sharjah Warriorz retained experienced names like Tim Southee, Kusal Mendis, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore. These retentions reflect the franchises' intent to build on past performances while keeping their core units intact.

ILT20 Season 4: List Of Retained Players

New Signings For ILT20 2026

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders bolstered their top order by bringing in explosive T20 batters Alex Hales, Liam Livingstone, and Sherfane Rutherford. Desert Vipers added former ADKR opener Andries Gous to their setup.

Dubai Capitals strengthened their bowling attack with the inclusion of left-arm pacers Luke Wood and Muhammad Jawadullah, along with Afghanistan spinner Waqar Salamkheil.

Gulf Giants made some high-impact additions, signing Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai for his ILT20 debut, England's Moeen Ali, and the dynamic Rahmanullah Gurbaz.

MI Emirates enhanced their all-round options by acquiring England's Chris Woakes and Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis, who will make his ILT20 debut.

Meanwhile, Sharjah Warriorz went on a signing spree, bringing in Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raza, Sri Lanka's Maheesh Theekshana, Australia's Tim David, and USA pacer Saurabh Netravalkar, significantly improving both their batting firepower and bowling depth for Season 4.

What's Next?

The second phase of squad construction will take place during the ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction, where franchises will complete their 20-member squads. The auction details, including date, time, and format, will be released soon.