ILT20 mandates 4 Afghanistan, 1 Irish player in every squad

The International League T20 has mandated that each franchise must have at least four Afghanistan players and one Irish player in their squads. These five players must be accommodated within the quota of 11 overseas players permitted in the overall squad size of 21 to 23 players.

The directive comes ahead of Season 5, scheduled from November 22 to December 20. According to rules shared with franchises, the ILT20 stated: "Of the 11 minimum Full Member players, at least 4 must be from Afghanistan and at least 1 must be from Ireland."

As per new regulations, squads will comprise:

• 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 further player from an Associate nation (excluding UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait)
• Of the 11 minimum Full Member players: at least 4 from Afghanistan and at least 1 from Ireland

The ILT20 described these as "Mandatory Players."

The maximum salary cap per franchise is USD 2 million, with a mandatory minimum of USD 1.5 million spent on player salaries through retentions, direct signings, and the auction. The minimum individual salary is USD 10,000, with no maximum.

A Wildcard Player may also be added beyond the original squad of 21-23 players.

The reason for the mandate on Afghan and Irish players is not immediately known, but it may be linked to an arrangement involving the Emirates Cricket Board, the Afghanistan Cricket Board, and Cricket Ireland.

The six franchises are MI Emirates, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, Sharjah Warriorz, and Gulf Giants. Desert Vipers are the defending champions.