Watch: Babar Azam sold to Desert Vipers at base price of ₹76.2 Lakh in ILT20 2026 auction

Pakistan star Babar Azam has been sold to Desert Vipers for ₹76.2 lakh in the DP World ILT20 Season 5 auction. The UAE-based franchise secured the services of the right-handed batter at his base price.

Babar was one of the biggest names in the auction and brings plenty of international and franchise cricket experience to Desert Vipers. The 31-year-old is currently playing in the President’s Trophy Grade-I in Pakistan as he continues his domestic commitments.

Babar is also coming off an impressive PSL campaign, where he captained Peshawar Zalmi to the HBL PSL 11 title in May. He scored 588 runs, including two centuries, and finished the tournament as the leading run-scorer. He was also named captain of the PSL Team of the Tournament.

Watch the Babar Azam auction moment here:

Babar Azam sold to Desert Vipers at base price of ₹76.2 lakh in ILT20 2026 auction

Babar Azam has also played in the Big Bash League, making his debut for Sydney Sixers in BBL Season 15. He scored 202 runs in 11 matches, including two half-centuries, at an average of 22.44. However, he was sold at his base price in the ILT20 2026 auction.

Babar's signing is expected to strengthen the Desert Vipers' top order ahead of the upcoming ILT20 season. The Pakistan star will bring valuable international and franchise cricket experience to the UAE-based team.

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Along with Babar, Pakistan fast bowler Naseem Shah and left-handed batter Fakhar Zaman were also signed by Desert Vipers at their base prices. The three players will give the franchise a strong Pakistan presence in ILT20 Season 5.

Babar Azam's ILT20 auction details: Base price, bidding and Desert Vipers' squad move

Babar Azam entered the ILT20 auction with a base price of ₹76.2 lakh, with Desert Vipers opening the bidding for the former Pakistan captain. No other franchise followed with a bid, allowing the Vipers to sign Babar at his base price.

The move will mark Babar's first appearance in the ILT20. The 31-year-old will add experience and quality to the Desert Vipers' top order as the defending champions prepare for the fifth season of the tournament. ILT20 Season 5 will run from November 22 to December 20, 2026, with 34 matches scheduled across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

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Babar's auction price was lower than some of the other big names at the event, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz receiving bids of up to ₹2.95 crore and Faf du Plessis being sold for ₹2.85 crore. Babar will now join the Desert Vipers alongside Pakistan stars Naseem Shah and Fakhar Zaman, who were also picked up by the franchise at their base prices of ₹76.2 lakh each.

What Babar Azam's Desert Vipers signing means for ILT20 2026 and fan reactions

Babar Azam's move to Desert Vipers is expected to add more experience and quality to their top order. His arrival also gives the franchise another major Pakistan star ahead of ILT20 Season 5.

The signing could also attract more attention from Pakistan and UAE-based cricket fans. Babar has a large following, and his maiden ILT20 appearance is likely to be one of the talking points of the upcoming season.

Fans have also reacted to Babar's move on social media. Many were excited to see the Pakistan star join Desert Vipers, while some were surprised that he was picked at his base price of ₹76.2 lakh. The signing has already created plenty of discussion among cricket fans ahead of the new ILT20 season. Here is how the fans reacted on X: