MI Emirates have unveiled their powerful squad for ILT20 Season 4 (2025-26), assembling a lineup packed with international T20 stars and rising talents. Known for their star-studded squads, Emirates once again enter the tournament as one of the strongest contenders, boasting batting depth, all-round balance, and world-class pace options.
With Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Shakib Al Hasan, and Andre Fletcher adding experience and firepower, MI Emirates look ready to challenge for the title in the UAE.
MI Emirates Squad for ILT20 2025-26
| Player Name | Role | Signing Type |
|---|---|---|
| Jonny Bairstow | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Retained |
| Muhammad Waseem | Batter (UAE) | Retained |
| Tom Banton | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Retained |
| Chris Woakes | All-rounder (Pace) | Retained |
| Romario Shepherd | All-rounder | Retained |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Bowler (Pace) | Retained |
| Kamindu Mendis | All-rounder (Spin) | Retained |
| AM Ghazanfar | Bowler (Spin, UAE) | Retained |
| Muhammad Rohid | All-rounder (UAE) | Auction – $140k |
| Jordan Thompson | All-rounder | Auction – $48k |
| Naveen-ul-Haq | Bowler (Pace) | Auction – $100k |
| Andre Fletcher | Batter / Wicketkeeper | Auction – $260k |
| Nosthush Kenjige | Bowler (Spin) | Auction – $10k |
| Mohamed Shafeeq | Bowler (Pace, UAE) | Auction – $10k |
| Zain Ul Abidin | Batter (UAE) | Auction – $10k |
| Usman Khan | Batter (UAE) | Auction – $10k |
| Ackeem Auguste | Batter | Auction – $10k |
| Arab Gul | All-rounder (UAE) | Auction – $10k |
| Tajinder Dhillon | Batter / All-rounder | Auction – $10k |
| Zahoor Khan | Bowler (Pace, UAE) | Auction – $10k |
| Shakib Al Hasan | All-rounder (Spin) | Auction – $40k |
💰 Total Spent at Auction: USD 1,868,000
Key Updates for ILT20 2025-26 – MI Emirates
- Batting Firepower: Jonny Bairstow, Tom Banton, and Andre Fletcher ensure explosive starts.
- All-round Strength: Shakib Al Hasan, Romario Shepherd, Jordan Thompson, and Chris Woakes give balance.
- Pace Attack: Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Zahoor Khan form a strong pace battery.
- Local Talent Boost: Muhammad Rohid, Arab Gul, and Usman Khan bring UAE depth and adaptability.
Squad Analysis – MI Emirates
Strengths
- Explosive Top Order: Bairstow, Banton, Fletcher, and Waseem provide a dangerous batting unit.
- All-round Options: Shakib, Shepherd, Woakes, Thompson, and Mendis give plenty of flexibility.
- Strong Bowling Attack: Naveen-ul-Haq and Farooqi lead a pace-heavy attack, backed by Shakib and Kenjige in spin.
Weaknesses
- Overseas Dependence: Heavy reliance on international stars to carry key roles.
- Inexperienced Local Core: While UAE talent is present, their lack of experience at top level may be tested.
Can MI Emirates Dominate ILT20 2025-26?
With a squad full of match-winners, MI Emirates look like one of the most dangerous teams of the season. If their overseas stars click and local talents step up, they could easily push for the championship. Fans should expect six-hitting power, fiery pace, and thrilling contests whenever MI Emirates are in action.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is the captain of MI Emirates for ILT20 2025-26?
The official announcement is awaited, but Kieron Pollard previously captained MI Emirates; leadership for this season may be decided closer to the tournament.
Q2: How much did MI Emirates spend at the ILT20 auction?
They spent USD 1,868,000 at the player auction.
Q3: Which big international players are in the squad?
The squad includes Jonny Bairstow, Andre Fletcher, Shakib Al Hasan, Chris Woakes, and Romario Shepherd.
Q4: Where will MI Emirates play their ILT20 matches?
Matches will be played across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
Q5: Do MI Emirates have UAE-based players?
Yes, players like Muhammad Waseem, Muhammad Rohid, Zahoor Khan, and Usman Khan represent UAE talent.
