David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen and Finn Allen confirmed in ILT20 pre-auction signings

On August 3, the six ILT20 franchises completed their pre-auction signings for the UAE T20 competition's fifth season, announcing Finn Allen, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen among the overseas recruits. The confirmations form part of preparations for the 34-match tournament scheduled for November and December 2026.

New Zealand opener Finn Allen has been picked by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, while both David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen have signed for Gulf Giants; Marcus Stoinis will return to Dubai Capitals after a three-year absence. Each franchise was permitted to sign up to four overseas players before the auction, with remaining squad slots to be decided at the Season 5 Player Auction in Dubai on October 1.

Allen, aged 27, arrives with recent international form that includes a 33-ball century in New Zealand's T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against South Africa. He has accumulated 1,663 runs in 62 T20Is at a strike rate of 170.73.

Miller brings extensive T20 experience, having scored 2,804 runs in 140 T20Is for South Africa. Klaasen has reached 1,000 T20I runs in 58 appearances and, according to the announcement, remains one of the most sought-after hitters in the format, particularly against spin.

Marcus Stoinis, a member of Australia's 2021 T20 World Cup-winning side, has played 87 T20Is, scored 1,416 runs at a strike rate of 146.28 and taken 53 wickets; he joins a Dubai Capitals squad that will also include Rovman Powell, Mustafizur Rahman and new signing Noor Ahmad. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders have retained Sunil Narine and brought back Jason Holder.

Desert Vipers have retained Shimron Hetmyer, Andries Gous and Dan Lawrence and added Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb-ur-Rahman; Gulf Giants have kept Azmatullah Omarzai and Blessing Muzarabani alongside their headline signings. MI Emirates will continue with Nicholas Pooran, Rashid Khan and Romario Shepherd and have added Sherfane Rutherford, while Sharjah Warriorz have signed Adam Milne, James Vince and Waqar Salamkheil.

The signings follow a closely contested Season 4 in which Desert Vipers claimed their maiden ILT20 title, defeating MI Emirates by 46 runs in the final in Dubai after defending 182 for four following a restriction of their opponents to 136. Sam Curran's unbeaten 74 helped seal the championship and he was awarded the tournament's MVP and Best Batter prizes. In Qualifier 1, Andries Gous scored an unbeaten 120 off 58 balls against MI Emirates to post 233 for one, then the second-highest total in ILT20 history, and at the time the tournament's highest individual score.

The six franchises will finalise squads at the October 1 auction in Dubai; players may register for the auction until September 12, and each team will be allowed one additional wildcard.