ILT20 cut team salary caps by 20% after avoiding clash with SA20

The International League T20 (ILT20) has reduced team salary caps by 20% ahead of the 2025–26 season while bringing the maximum spend per franchise down to US$2 million from the previous cap of US$2.5 million used in the league’s first three editions.

The decision follows a scheduling adjustment that will see the UAE-based tournament avoid a direct clash with South Africa’s SA20, which has competed for the same pool of international talent. The 2025-26 ILT20 season will now run from December 2 to January 4 which will overlap only briefly with the SA20.

As per an ESPNcricinfo report, the franchises believe they have overspent on player wages in previous seasons. But, they remain confident that many star players will continue to participate in the ILT20, even at slightly reduced salaries, due to the more favorable window. ILT20 chief executive David White remarked that the scheduling change would allow the league to "access a bigger pool of players".

The ILT20 is also expected to introduce an auction model for the upcoming season, replacing the direct signing approach used for the first three seasons. The auction is scheduled for September, with teams currently working through player retention. In addition to the main cap, franchises will be allowed to spend an extra US$250,000 on wildcard signings.

The ILT20’s wage cap reduction could also benefit Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), which has struggled to retain top overseas players in recent years. Many international stars have either skipped the BBL or left midway to participate in the ILT20. With the ILT20 reducing its salary cap, the BBL hopes to improve its player retention in the upcoming season.

The ILT20’s business model is heavily supported by a long-term broadcast deal with Zee TV. However, the league has faced criticism for the limited representation of local players, only two UAE players are involved in each playing XI. Dubai Capitals are the defending champions, with Gulf Giants (2023) and MI Emirates (2024) having won the previous editions.