Aayan Khan
Player Information
Aayan Khan Player Overview
Aayan Khan, also known by his full name Aayan Afzal Khan, is a UAE international bowling all-rounder who joins Dubai Capitals for DP World ILT20 Season 5. A right-handed batter and slow left-arm orthodox spinner, Aayan has already established himself as one of the most successful UAE bowlers in ILT20 history despite being only 20 years old at the start of the 2026 season.
Dubai Capitals secured Aayan for US$95,000 at the Season 5 Player Auction. He arrives after spending the first three seasons of his ILT20 career with Gulf Giants, giving the Capitals a local player with substantial experience in the competition.
Playing Style
Aayan’s main strength is his slow left-arm orthodox spin. He can operate through the middle overs, where his control and ability to take wickets can make it difficult for batters to build momentum. His economy rate across his first 35 ILT20 appearances was below seven runs per over, an impressive return in a high-scoring T20 competition.
He is also a capable right-handed lower-order batter. That combination makes Aayan more than a specialist spinner and provides Dubai Capitals with additional depth when selecting their playing XI.
Which Team Does Aayan Khan Play for in ILT20?
Aayan Khan plays for Dubai Capitals in DP World ILT20 Season 5. The Capitals acquired him for US$95,000 during the Season 5 Player Auction, making him one of the most valuable UAE players signed at the auction.
The move marks the first change of franchise in his ILT20 career. Aayan represented Gulf Giants from the league’s inaugural season and developed into one of their most reliable local bowling options before joining Dubai Capitals for 2026.
Aayan Khan ILT20 Career
Aayan enters Season 5 with a proven ILT20 record. Across his first 35 appearances for Gulf Giants, he took 24 wickets. That tally made him the leading wicket-taker among UAE bowlers in the competition heading into the 2026 season.
His best ILT20 bowling figures are 4 for 16. Across those 35 matches, his bowling economy stood at 6.59, demonstrating his ability to combine wicket-taking with control.
Aayan also experienced championship success early in his franchise career as part of the Gulf Giants setup that won the inaugural DP World ILT20 title in 2023.
UAE International Career
Aayan made his T20 international debut for the United Arab Emirates against Bangladesh in Dubai on 25 September 2022. His ODI debut followed against Nepal on 14 November 2022, beginning a rapid progression into the UAE senior side while he was still a teenager.
He has since represented the UAE across both white-ball formats and developed into an important spin-bowling option. His international experience includes ICC Cricket World Cup League 2, T20 internationals and major qualification competitions.
UAE Under-19 Captaincy
Aayan’s development has also included leadership at youth level. Emirates Cricket selected him to captain the UAE at the 2023 ACC Men’s U19 Premier Cup before he again led the national Under-19 side at the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup in Dubai later that year.
Those responsibilities came after he had already represented the UAE at the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2022. His progression from youth cricket into the senior international and ILT20 environments has made him one of the notable young players in UAE cricket.
Recent UAE Performances
Aayan remained active for the UAE throughout 2026. In September, he produced a five-wicket performance in ODI cricket, taking 5 for 34 against Oman. He also returned 3 for 18 against Malaysia in a T20 international during the same month.
Before the ILT20 auction, he represented Gulf Giants Development in the 2026 DP World ILT20 Development Tournament, continuing his involvement in the UAE domestic pathway before securing his move to Dubai Capitals.
What Aayan Khan Adds to Dubai Capitals
Aayan gives Dubai Capitals a proven local spin option with considerable ILT20 experience. His record of 24 wickets in 35 league appearances means the Capitals are adding a player who already understands the tournament, venues and demands of bowling against international-quality batting lineups.
His presence also complements Afghanistan wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad. The two offer contrasting left-arm spin styles, giving Dubai different tactical options depending on the opposition and conditions.
Aayan Khan in ILT20 Season 5
Season 5 begins a new chapter in Aayan Khan’s ILT20 career after three seasons with Gulf Giants. His move to Dubai Capitals comes with an established league record and growing international experience for the UAE.
Dubai Capitals begin their campaign against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at Dubai International Stadium on 22 November 2026. For Aayan, the season provides an opportunity to build on his position as the ILT20’s leading UAE wicket-taker while contributing to a Capitals side aiming to challenge for another title.