Reports: Babar Azam rejects lucrative half million USD ILT20 contract

Babar Azam has been exceptional for all the teams he has played for around the world. He is regarded as one of the finest batters in modern-day cricket. Therefore, there's always a lot of interest among the fans to know about his upcoming stints in T20 leagues. After the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to allow its players to take part in the second season of International League T20 (ILT20), fans were curious to find out which team the 28-year-old would be playing for.

The cricket lovers in the UAE would have also been excited to see the Pakistan captain playing in the three beautiful stadiums in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. However, as per reports, Babar might skip the second season of ILT20, which is scheduled to take place in January-February 2024. The right-handed batter has apparently declined a whopping half million USD ILT20 contract due to issues regarding terms of payment and image rights disputes.

Due to payment terms and a difficulty with image rights, Babar Azam's prospective PKR 150 million ILT20 deal is canceled.
Via - Saleem Khaliq pic.twitter.com/m59kCBCaZV

— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) August 25, 2023

As per sources within Pakitan cricket, the ILT20 organisers were mulling over roping in Babar Azam as a brand ambassador of the league apart from being a player. Instead of plying his trade in ILT20, Babar will be seen in action in the Bangladesh Premier League, which is set to begin on January 10, 2024.

Shaheen Shah Afridi set to be the highest-earning cricketer in ILT20

The Desert Vipers signed Shaheen Shah Afridi for a three-year deal with a lucrative package of $400,000 and additional image rights compensation. As a result, the left-arm seamer became the highest-earning cricketer in the six-team league. It is interesting to note that there is a unique clause in Shaheen's contract. If any team secures the services of a player for a higher monetary value than the Pakistan pacer ahead of the third season, Shaheen's paycheck will see an automatic increment.

The second season of ILT20 will be played in the window of January 19-February 18 next year. The organisers are hoping to make the upcoming season 'bigger and better' than the first one.