Babar Azam ILT20 2026 Team and Price
Babar Azam will play for Desert Vipers in ILT20 2026. The defending champions bought the former Pakistan captain for $80,000, his base price, in Round 3 of the Season 5 auction in Dubai on 1 October 2026. His first game for the Vipers is the season opener against MI Emirates at Dubai International Stadium on Saturday 21 November at 6:30pm UAE time. Here is everything about his team, his price, his role and his full match schedule.
Babar joins a squad that already won the title last season. You can see the whole Desert Vipers 2026 squad and fixtures on our team page, compare his fee with the biggest buys of the auction, or check every signing in the ILT20 Season 5 auction results.
Babar Azam ILT20 2026 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Team | Desert Vipers |
| Price | $80,000 |
| How he was signed | Base price in Round 3 of the auction |
| Auction date | 1 October 2026, ICC Academy Dubai |
| Role | Top order batter |
| First match | Sat 21 November vs MI Emirates, Dubai |
| League games | 10 (6 in Dubai, 2 in Abu Dhabi, 2 in Sharjah) |
| Team owner | Lancer Capital |
How Desert Vipers Signed Babar Azam
Babar was one of the headline names in the auction pool, but he did not cause a bidding war. Desert Vipers picked him up in Round 3 at his $80,000 base price, which many fans called one of the bargains of the day. The champions then went after the rest of the Pakistan stars in the pool. Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan all joined at $80,000 each, so the Vipers built a full Pakistan core for $320,000 in total.
Even after those four signings the Vipers finished with $456,000 left, more than any other franchise. That money gives them room to bring in replacements if anyone gets injured during the season.
Is $80,000 a Bargain for Babar?
By ILT20 standards it is a very low price for a player of his name. Fazalhaq Farooqi set the league record at $380,000, Liam Livingstone went for $350,000 and Faf du Plessis for $300,000. Babar cost less than a quarter of Farooqi’s fee and less than half of what MI Emirates paid for UAE captain Muhammad Waseem ($210,000).
The reason is simple. $80,000 was the top base price bracket, and teams that already had openers in place did not bid. Desert Vipers had the money and the need, and they got him without a fight.
What Role Will Babar Play for Desert Vipers?
Babar is a former Pakistan captain in all three formats and one of the most consistent top order batters in T20 cricket. He likes to bat through the innings, and that should suit the Vipers well. Expect him to open with Fakhar Zaman or Andries Gous, who holds the highest score in ILT20 history with 120 not out.
With Babar holding one end, hitters like Shimron Hetmyer and Dan Lawrence can attack in the middle and death overs. In chases he is likely to be the anchor that the rest of the batting plays around.
Will Babar Captain Desert Vipers?
The Vipers have not named their Season 5 captain yet. Lockie Ferguson led them last season, and Sam Curran captained them in the final they won. Babar’s leadership experience with Pakistan makes him one of the options, but nothing has been confirmed.
Babar Azam ILT20 2026 Schedule
These are the ten league games Babar is set to play for Desert Vipers. All times are UAE time.
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 21 Nov | MI Emirates | Dubai International Stadium | 6:30pm |
| Mon 23 Nov | Sharjah Warriorz | Sharjah Cricket Stadium | 6:30pm |
| Wed 25 Nov | Dubai Capitals | Dubai International Stadium | 6:30pm |
| Sat 28 Nov | MI Emirates | Zayed Cricket Stadium | 2:00pm |
| Sun 29 Nov | Gulf Giants | Dubai International Stadium | 6:30pm |
| Wed 2 Dec | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | Zayed Cricket Stadium | 2:00pm |
| Fri 4 Dec | Sharjah Warriorz | Sharjah Cricket Stadium | 6:30pm |
| Sun 6 Dec | Dubai Capitals | Dubai International Stadium | 6:30pm |
| Sat 12 Dec | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders | Dubai International Stadium | 6:30pm |
| Sun 13 Dec | Gulf Giants | Dubai International Stadium | 6:30pm |
The top four teams reach the playoffs, and the final is at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday 20 December.
Babar Knows UAE Conditions Well
The UAE was Pakistan’s home for international cricket for about a decade, so Babar played a lot of his early cricket in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. He knows how dew helps chasing sides in evening games in Dubai and how the Abu Dhabi pitch slows down for the spinners. That experience should help him settle quickly in a league where most games start at 6:30pm.
The Pakistan Group at Desert Vipers
- Babar Azam Top order batter, $80,000
- Fakhar Zaman Opening batter, $80,000
- Naseem Shah Fast bowler, $80,000
- Shadab Khan Leg spin all rounder, $80,000
Pakistan fans will have plenty to watch this winter. The four players are likely to play most games together, which gives the Vipers a settled core that already knows each other well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which team is Babar Azam playing for in ILT20 2026?
Desert Vipers, the defending ILT20 champions.
What is Babar Azam’s price in the ILT20 2026 auction?
$80,000. Desert Vipers signed him at his base price in Round 3.
When is Babar Azam’s first ILT20 2026 match?
Saturday 21 November against MI Emirates at Dubai International Stadium, starting 6:30pm UAE time.
Is Babar Azam the captain of Desert Vipers?
Not yet confirmed. The Vipers have not announced their captain for Season 5.
How many matches will Babar Azam play in ILT20 2026?
Desert Vipers have ten league games, and more if they reach the playoffs.
Which other Pakistan players are in the Desert Vipers squad?
Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan, all signed for $80,000 each.
Last updated: 8 October 2026
