‘Feels Incredible’: DP World ILT20 auction sees Muhammad Rohid and Junaid Siddique lead UAE surge

DUBAI: UAE pace bowlers Junaid Siddique and Muhammad Rohid were among the most coveted cricketers at the DP World ILT20 Season 4 player auction on Oct. 1, landing blockbuster deals worth $170,000 with Sharjah Warriorz and $140,000 with MI Emirates respectively.

The pair ranked four and five on the list of the most expensive acquisitions of the league’s historic first auction. The demand extended to fellow pacers Wasim Akram ($55,000, Sharjah Warriorz) and Haider Razzaq ($50,000, Gulf Giants) as well, signaling a major milestone for cricket in the region. 

Junaid, who returns to the Warriorz set-up for a fourth season, was secured when the franchise exercised its only right-to-match option, snatching the 32-year-old away from the highest bidders, Gulf Giants. The right-arm pacer impressed at the Men’s T20 Asia Cup in the UAE, emerging as the third-highest wicket taker with nine, including two four-wicket hauls against Oman and Pakistan. 

“This is a very special moment for me,” Junaid said. “To be brought back by the Warriorz at the first auction gives me a lot of confidence, and it also shows how far UAE cricket has come. Opportunities like these are important because they give us local players the chance to share the stage with some of the best cricketers in the world. I want to make the most of it, contribute to my team, and show what UAE players are capable of.”

Rohid’s deal with MI Emirates, which was also the result of the right-to-match option, added further weight to the day’s narrative of local players making big strides. The 23-year-old pacer only made his UAE debut earlier this year, but is quickly making himself a fixture in the team, often sharing new-ball responsibilities with Siddique. The left-armer