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Ahead of the upcoming season of the 2026 International League T20 (ILT20), the league hierarchy has issued some guidelines for all the participating teams. Guidelines have been issued regarding the team building process.
As per the latest guidelines, each ILT20 franchise will be required to secure at least 4 players from Afghanistan and one player from Ireland. Teams will be allowed to sign a maximum of 11 foreign players, which will include 4 cricketers from Afghanistan and one cricketer from Ireland.
Updated guidelines ahead of 2026 ILT20 season
These instructions have been issued ahead of the fifth edition of the franchise league. This year’s ILT20 is scheduled to begin on November 22 and the final match will take place on December 20. There will be 6 teams in the competition.
New Rules#ILT20 pic.twitter.com/7P2F7vvx8V
– Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) June 3, 2026
Teams that will feature in the ILT20: Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (owned by Kolkata Knight Riders), Desert Vipers (owned by Lancer Capital), Dubai Capitals (owned by GMR Group), Gulf Giants (owned by Adani Sportsline), MI Emirates (owned by Reliance Industries/Mumbai Indians), Sharjah Warriors (owned by Capri Global).
ILT20 issues a detailed guideline on player signings
Cricbuzz reported that these new rules were issued before Season 5. Along with the 5 Afghans, every franchise will also have to secure at least one Irish cricketer. As per the report, ILT20 officials have issued the following rules, which will be effective from the upcoming season:
- 11 full member players
- 4 UAE players (including at least 1 capped player and at least 1 under-23 player)
- 2 GCC players (one from Saudi Arabia and one from Kuwait)
- 1 additional player from an Associate Nation (other than players from UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait)
- Of the 11 minimum full member players, at least 4 must be from Afghanistan and at least 1 from Ireland.
The report also sheds some light on the salary range. In the upcoming season of ILT20, the maximum salary cap for a franchise can be US$2 million, and a minimum of US$1.5 million on player salaries selected through retention, direct signings and auctions.
“According to the ILT20 notes accessed by Cricbuzz, the maximum salary cap for a franchise is USD 2 million, with each team mandatorily required to have a minimum of USD 1.5 million on the salaries of players selected through retention, direct signings and auctions. The minimum individual salary level for all players will be USD 10,000. As per the report, there is no maximum individual player salary.”
Signing using wildcards
The salary cap rules may differ if any of these franchises wish to include a wildcard player. Franchisees are also allowed to make signings through wildcards. The salary cap may be increased for wild card category players. In a team of 21-23 players, one can be added using this condition.
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