Thursday Nov 12, 2026
Thursday Nov 12, 2026
Tuesday, 6 October 2026 04:59 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Kusal Perera (left) and Dasun Shanaka in demand for both tournaments
Sri Lanka had mixed fortunes at the Abu Dhabi T10 player draft held in Abu Dhabi and the ILT20 player auction held in Dubai.
The Abu Dhabi T10 saw eight Sri Lankan players being drafted by five franchises.
Wicket-keeper/batter Kusal Perera out of favour with the national selectors was still able to attract much attention being picked by Emirates Eagles, Yas Lions opted for Dasun Shanaka and Eshan Malinga, while Royal Desert Champions grabbed three Lankans – Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana and Dushmantha Chameera. Arabian Aces chose young all-rounder Dunith Wellalage, and UAE Bulls picked Nuwan Thushara.
Galle born fast bowler but now resident in the USA, Amshi de Silva was picked by Arabian Aces.
Eight teams will compete in the Abu Dhabi T10 League from 7-20 November.
Kusal Perera also caught the attention in the ILT20 player auction with MI Emirates snapping him up for $40,000.
Dasun Shanaka who entered the auction at $80,000 after his recent heroics in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) drew a lot of interest with Dubai Capitals finally retaining him for $100,000.
The biggest disappointment for Sri Lanka was that two of their match-winners Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga both went unsold.
The ILT20 is scheduled to run from 22 November to 20 December in the UAE.
