Pakistan’s cricketers have consistently been sought after for overseas T20 leagues, and their absence in the Indian leagues has driven franchises to pursue top talents from the subcontinent. Babar Azam is a prime example, captivating fans with his elegant strokeplay in tournaments like the Caribbean Premier League, Big Bash League, Lankan Premier League, and more. However, his admirers in the UAE may be disheartened by his likely absence from the upcoming season of the ILT20.
Media reports suggest that the Pakistan captain is inclined to skip the second edition of the ILT20, scheduled for January-February 2024. Babar’s decision reportedly stems from disputes over image rights and disagreements related to payment terms in the whopping half-million USD ILT20 contract he was offered.
Furthermore, there were discussions within the ILT20 organizing committee about appointing Babar as the league’s brand ambassador. However, his decision to opt-out means that he will instead feature in the Bangladesh Premier League, which is slated to commence on January 10 next year.
Babar’s absence in the ILT20 would elevate his teammate, Shaheen Shah Afridi, to the position of the league’s highest-earning cricketer. The left-arm quick has secured a lucrative deal worth $400,000, along with additional compensation for image rights, after being signed by the Desert Vipers. An interesting clause in Afridi’s contract stipulates that if any other team signs a player for a sum greater than what the Pakistan speedster is earning, his own paycheck will automatically receive an upward revision.
Building on the tremendous success of its inaugural season earlier this year, the ILT20 organizers are determined to make the upcoming edition even grander. The tournament is scheduled to be held from January 19 to February 18 next year.
In conclusion, Babar Azam’s decision to decline the lucrative ILT20 contract due to image rights disputes and payment disagreements has created anticipation and excitement surrounding his participation in the Bangladesh Premier League, while also reshuffling the earnings hierarchy in the ILT20. The league organizers are determined to elevate the tournament’s stature in its second edition, promising an even more spectacular show for fans.
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