Photo via Wisden

Explained: Why buying Afghanistan and Ireland players is mandatory at the ILT20 2026 auction

Ahead of the upcoming International League T20 player auction, franchises must adapt to new roster guidelines designed to secure reliable player availability. Every participating side is now required to draft a minimum of four players from Afghanistan and at least one representative from Ireland.

These adjustments stem from previous scheduling conflicts with overlapping competitions and stricter clearance policies from several national cricket boards. To protect its commercial value, tournament organizers secured formal arrangements with Irish and Afghan cricket officials by guaranteeing squad positions for their athletes.

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