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Talent Pathway “can be replicated globally” says Balqis Capital CEO

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Talent Pathway “can be replicated globally” says Balqis Capital CEO

The Desert Vipers Talent Pathway programme powered by Balqis Capital has had a successful lift-off in Dubai. 

The programme has been created to unearth local talent and prepare them for international competitions and Balqis Capital CEO Laura Mann, one of the driving forces behind it, believes this is a winning format which can be replicated globally.

“There are so many academies here which is fine,” she said. “But we wanted to create that club, that community, that has something different to what everybody else has to offer, which is what we have with our main business (Balqis Capital) on the investment side of things. We offer unique opportunities that nobody else does, like this cricket scheme.

 “We see this scaling, actually. I think if we can build on the core foundations of what we have built in a very short space of time and if we get the right partners and investors for the club in addition to what we do, I think this is a scalable business model. 

“Our plan is to replicate this here and potentially overseas as well with the same brand.”

The programme was established to identify cricket talent in the UAE with a focus on boys and girls aged 13 to 19, and to prepare them for the ILT20 Development Tournament, the DP World ILT20 and possibly the UAE national team. 

Training sessions have been ongoing since September and the talent on display is impressive. This initiative from Desert Vipers is yet another example of community engagement, providing local players with an opportunity to progress toward higher levels of competition.

The backroom staff is led by Jack Luffman, the Development lead for the Desert Vipers, and includes Arron Lilley, a former professional cricketer with Lancashire and Leicestershire, Clint Berkenshaw, Head of Cricket at Dubai College and an experienced coach in South Africa and the UAE, Mohammed Rizvi, a current player with Kent County Cricket Club in England and someone with a wealth of coaching experience in academies in the UK, and finally Chaya Mughal, the former UAE women’s captain. 

With sessions held bi-weekly in Dubai, the Talent Pathway Programme creates bespoke targets for each selected participant, chosen through comprehensive and competitive trials, with an emphasis on high performance. 

Jack Luffman said the programme had distinctive strengths.

“The idea of our Talent Pathway is all about high performance and trying to offer something that we believe is not on offer here in the UAE. 

“At the moment we are running the programme with about 18 to 20 students thanks to Balqis Capital, who have helped to invest in the project because, like the Vipers, they want to invest in youth and offer a pathway through to the DP World ILT20 main team.

“To begin with we have said to the students that, first of all, the Development Tournament comes along in about a year’s time which would be great for them to be involved in, and then hopefully in a couple of years’ time we will see one or two of the boys play in the main tournament.”

“What sets us apart is that not only will the Talent Pathway players get the traditional net sessions, but we have got strength and conditioning sessions which will involve international backroom superstars like strength and conditioning coach Daz (Darren) Veness who, apart from working with the Desert Vipers main team, has global experience including with the Indian Premier League (IPL) team the Gujarat Titans and with The Hundred side the Oval Invincibles as well as Surrey and Somerset County Cricket Clubs. 

“We are also going to offer some online cricket analysis sessions with renowned analyst Freddie Wilde, who has also worked with the Vipers main team, IPL side the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the England white ball team. 

“Alongside sessions on strategy, nutrition, and mental fitness, this comprehensive programme complements what students learn at school or within their academies or clubs, providing a distinct advantage. 

“And come tournament time, when all our big stars and big coaches are in town, these boys and girls will be able to get some expert coaching from the likes of Tom Moody and James Foster, and they will be getting exactly the same tips as these coaches would give the likes of international stars like Sam Curran, Lockie Ferguson and Fakhar Zaman. 

“So hopefully the boys and the girls will also get to rub shoulders with our first team stars at a couple of training sessions during the tournament, offering them an insight into what professional cricket and professional franchise cricket is all about.”

Head Coach Arron Lilley said he was especially excited about the opportunities on offer for budding female cricketers: “I think the end goal for anybody that trains and does cricket is to become professional, so hopefully we can have a couple of youngsters that go on and do that, whether that is a boy or a girl.

“Women’s cricket is evolving every year. So, I hope that within the next year or two, there will be an ILT20 women’s competition. This gives an opportunity for these girls in the UAE to put themselves on the big stage.

“Hopefully we can get these girls (in the Talent Pathway Programme) into a position where they can go straight into either the UAE team or the ILT20 team with the Vipers.”

Dhairya Desai, a 16-year-old left-arm spinner and member of the first intake of the Talent Pathway Programme, said he hoped to further develop his abilities.

In addition to progressing his skills, he said he was interested in enhancing his mental resilience: “I wholeheartedly believe that the game is 90 per cent mental and 10 per cent dependent on your physical skills, bowling, batting, etc.

“I hope that the pathway gives me a little more insight, and maybe some more effective techniques on that side of the game (mental strength). The stuff that is off the field or the stuff that is internal and not necessarily the physical stuff.

“I am surprised with the personalised feedback I have been given at the Desert Vipers Pathway Programme. There are not a lot of places that give you so much personalised attention and feedback.

“I am already feeling the difference in my game. Coach Arron (Lilley) has been giving me a few batting tips related to my alignment when I am batting. So now I am able to play swing bowling better.

“With my bowling he has helped me improve my pace, which allows me to turn the ball at a faster pace and be more accurate. So, it is all about adding to my game and to what I already have which I think is a huge bonus for me.”

Celestino Shane Cardozo a 14-year-old budding fast bowler has set himself very clear targets: “One of my main goals is to definitely play for and represent the Desert Vipers in the main team,” he said.

“But right now, I am working on my pace. I have had the chance to work one-on-one with Coach (Arron) Lilley. He has helped me with my fast bowling and given me tips on how to improve my technique while I bowl.”

Festive Season Hospitality Packages for ILT20

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Festive Season Hospitality Packages for ILT20

It’s nearly that time of year, and while we prepare for our season (which is now unbelievably close), we’d love to share our hospitality offering over the festive period. Dubai International Stadium is a remarkable venue in its own right, but watching cricket (especially us) under the floodlights, in your own private suite, enjoying wonderful food, is an unforgettable experience! Join us. Details below.

Vipers reduce consumption by 35% in landmark plastic impact report

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Vipers reduce consumption by 35% in landmark plastic impact report

The Desert Vipers reduced its plastic consumption by a massive 35 per cent in season three of the DP World ILT20, compared to season two. This statistic headlines the second ground-breaking Plastic Impact Report for the cricket franchise that plays in the DP World ILT20, the United Arab Emirates’ own Twenty20 tournament.

It is an attempt by the Vipers to highlight how sports teams impact nature and where they can improve. The list of plastic usage measured includes performance and replica kit produced, plastic packaging of all food and drinks consumed, and a few miscellaneous items, including the team bus wrapping material. 

And to mark this progress in their sustainability strategy, the Desert Vipers have partnered with Coral Eyewear as Official Eyewear Supplier for the upcoming season four of the DP World ILT20.

The agreement means Vipers players will wear Coral Eyewear’s sunglasses this season, with the products made from recycled ocean plastic.

The Vipers’ Plastic Impact Report was first published after season two, with the aim of recording the team’s plastic usage in a transparent manner. This also became a central measure of the team’s sustainable actions undertaken during their journey towards reducing the team’s negative impact on the environment.

Apart from a reduced plastic consumption of 35%, the Desert Vipers also increased the amount of recycled content from 2% to a remarkable 88%.     

Some of the highlights from the report include:

●      Switching to 100% recycled materials in partnership with PALMFIT in performance and replica kit in a first in franchise cricket, a switch that also reduced emissions by 51%.

●      Continuing to bowl out single-use plastic water bottles from the team environment with the Bluewater Group, saving 14,400 bottles; and

●      Reducing performance and team kit by 24%, due to designing for longevity.

Ben Hardy-Jones, Business Sustainability Lead at Desert Vipers, said: “By transparently highlighting our impact on nature through publishing our plastic consumption, we aim to hold ourselves accountable and show where sports teams can make a difference to people and planet. 

“The first of these reports showed starkly that we had to make some changes with our kit, and our work over the past 18 months has yielded extraordinary results, thanks to the support of tremendous partners with more sustainable products. 

“We aim to avoid pointless plastic and show sport that there is a better way forward with reduced material consumption, so we hope that this ground-breaking report inspires others to make changes in their own lives.”

Coral Eyewear, the team’s newly appointed Official Eyewear Supplier, shares the Desert Vipers’ sustainability goals. 

Their eco-friendly sunglasses are created from waste plastic in the oceans. This partnership between the Desert Vipers and Coral Eyewear therefore goes beyond just reducing plastic consumption.

Instead, it also positively removes plastic which has already been created and is polluting our oceans, with an estimated 171 trillion pieces of plastic waste floating on the surface of the world’s oceans in 2013.

George Bailey, Founder of Coral Eyewear, said: “We are delighted to be joining the Desert Vipers as their Official Eyewear Supplier for Season 4 of DP World ILT20, providing our high-quality, recycled sunglasses made from rescued fishing nets. 

The Vipers’ focus on eliminating plastic and prioritising nature aligns perfectly with our organisation, and we cannot wait to see the team wearing Coral Eyewear on and off the pitch.”

Jana Janotova, Senior Programme Coordinator, Sports for Nature at International Union for Conservation of Nature, further added: 

“Pollution is one of the key threats to nature and biodiversity, and plastics, impacting nature everywhere from mountain tops to the ocean, are its key component. Addressing plastic pollution is not an individual sport – we need a diverse and comprehensive team composed of governments, the private sector, civil society, NGOs, and individuals on side if we are to reverse the negative trends. And sport organisations can and should play a key role in this “team”. 

Desert Vipers, as cricket’s first Sports for Nature Framework signatory, are leading by example in this regard. They have taken the principles outlined in the Sports for Nature Urban Playbook and ran with it, producing a world-leading report which will inspire others to take action. We look forward to seeing their plastic impact in Season 4, as they continue to push boundaries in championing nature”.

The report comes as the IUCN World Conservation Congress has just concluded      in Abu Dhabi, and Desert Vipers gear up for season four of DP World ILT20, which this term will include a first annual report to the  Sports for Nature Framework, where Desert Vipers are cricket’s first signatory. 

The full report can be found here: https://www.thedesertvipers.com/sustainability/desert-vipers-plastic-report/

Desert Vipers Plastic Impact Report – Season 3

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Desert Vipers Plastic Impact Report – Season 3

Please find our Plastic Impact Season 3 Report below. Phil Oliver: “As cricket’s first signatory to the IUCN Sports for Nature Framework, we take our commitment to nature seriously, and I am therefore delighted to be able to share this report on how we’re taking steps as a franchise to reduce the environmental impact from one of the worst offenders for nature: plastic”.

McCone Properties announced as lead headwear partner

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McCone Properties announced as lead headwear partner

The Desert Vipers are pleased to announce McCone Properties, one of Dubai’s premier property agencies, as their lead headgear partner for a period of one year. 

Under this agreement, players will feature the McCone logo on their matchday headgear which includes helmets, caps and hats.

The commercial partnership between the Desert Vipers and McCone Properties is founded on a mutual commitment to engaging with the local community in the UAE. The Desert Vipers have established a robust schools and community outreach programme, as well as a recently-introduced talent pathway initiative. These efforts are designed to foster strong local connections and contribute meaningfully to the community.

McCone Properties have developed a comparable real estate strategy, originating as a small-scale family enterprise led by Sam and Johanna McCone which has now expanded into one of the leading agencies in Dubai. Their objective has been to provide local residents in the UAE with straightforward and transparent solutions for renting and purchasing homes at optimal value.

Today with over a decade of local experience under its belt, McCone Properties is a well-regarded agency in Dubai’s highly competitive real estate landscape. 

McCone offers a range of property related services in Dubai, in sales, rentals, short-term stays, mortgage arrangements and conveyancing. They have also introduced the McCone Private Office, creating real estate solutions for  high-net-worth individuals and family offices.

McCone Properties are living up to their tagline ‘Taking the opportunity to create an impact’ through this new partnership with the Desert Vipers. It gives one of Dubai’s leading property entities the chance to expand their brand visibility internationally through multiple channels, including television coverage of the tournament, prominent in-stadia branding and collaborations in marketing strategies and local activations. 

The Desert Vipers CEO Phil Oliver welcomed the new partner and underlined the team’s commitment to supporting local brands

“We are delighted to bring McCone Properties on as our lead headgear partner,” he said. 

“From year one of the DP World ILT20 we have shown our commitment to supporting local businesses here in the UAE through our collaborations and partnerships. They are a homegrown business here in Dubai just like the UAE’s own T20 tournament – the DP World ILT20 and we are excited at the various opportunities this partnership presents to us as we build our roots here in the UAE.

“With a Television viewership of over 300 million across the globe, the DP World ILT20 offers great commercial value. We believe the McCone Properties logo being prominently displayed on the Desert Vipers’ players’ helmets and headgear will allow for valuable brand exposure and benefit both partners.”

Sam McCone, Managing Partner of McCone Properties said he believed this partnership was well grounded in shared values and principles: “Dubai thrives on ambition and world class performance; the ILT20 embodies that energy. Our partnership with Desert Vipers represents McCone Properties commitment to support local initiatives and showcases our pride in the recognition of both cricket and the UAE on a global platform

McCone Properties Director Amna Umer Sultan added: “The ILT20 is a Dubai born and grown tournament that captures the city’s dynamic global spirit.

“As a fellow Dubai grown company it aligns perfectly with our vision at McCone Properties and we are proud to stand behind the Desert Vipers for our first ever sporting sponsorship.”

“100 percent we have the squad to win it” – Andries Gous fired up

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“100 percent we have the squad to win it” – Andries Gous fired up

USA wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous, the Desert Vipers’ direct signing for season four of the DP World ILT20, told the Vipers Voices podcast he was confident the team could win the upcoming edition of the tournament after two runners-up finishes in season one and season three.

“I think with the squad that has been built, we can definitely win it,” he said. “It is so hard because you basically build a squad to get you to the play-offs. And then the game is just so special. Anything can happen once you get to that stage.

“We 100 per cent have got the squad to get us into that final stage. And then we just have to play better cricket than the other team on that night.”

Gous has plenty to look forward to in addition to the DP World ILT20, with three momentous international cricketing events on the horizon. First up, he is hoping to play a part in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, with the USA guaranteed a spot in the mega-event after reaching the second round of the tournament in 2024.

Then, in 2027, there is the 50-over Men’s ICC Cricket World Cup in Southern Africa, including matches in South Africa, the country of Gous’ birth, with the USA in contention for a place in the Qualifier that is a pathway to the main event. Then finally, in 2028, there is the Olympics Games in Los Angeles where, once again, the USA national cricket team stands a chance to be included since they are the host nation.

Gous told Vipers Voices the cricketing calendar for the USA was a huge incentive for him to do well at the DP World ILT20.

“The USA squad has not yet been announced for the T20 World Cup,” said Gous. “But if I am lucky enough to get selected again then playing in that tournament in India and Sri Lanka will be really special. 

“I think if we are in India’s pool it will be even better.  Playing in the World Cup in India and to see the thousands of fans watching cricket would be a really good experience.”

The following year, 2027, offers Gous and the USA an incredible opportunity to play in the 50-over Men’s ICC Cricket World Cup via the Qualifier and the player said he was especially excited at the prospect of playing in the country of his birth.

“That is something I am really looking forward to,” he said. “South Africa is a great place to play and what a special country it is. It would be good to show people how beautiful South Africa can be and I know it is going to be good for cricket in the country as well.  There is no reason why the USA cannot qualify. But if we want to play (in the 50-over Cricket World Cup), we have got to beat a few big teams as well. 

“It is something we are really working together on as a team. The preparation for the 50-over competition began last year so that we can get to that stage where we can qualify.”

Andries Gous of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders celebrates after scoring a fifty during the match 3 of the DP World International League T20 between the Desert Vipers and the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates on the 21st January, 2024. Photo by CREIMAS / ILT20 RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Completing Gous’s potential international trilogy is the possibility of that spot at the 2028 Olympic Games with Los Angeles staging the sporting jamboree, and cricket included after a gap of more than 100 years.

The USA could feature as the host nation and Gous said: “Playing in LA at the Olympics is something that I think only a few can ever dream about. 

“It would be a really cool thing to happen, especially now that cricket is a part of the Olympics. It is something I think the whole country could get really excited about.”

For Gous, the DP World ILT20 and the Desert Vipers have played a key part in his rise to international level with the USA.

Why? Because in season two of the tournament, and with Gous still qualifying for his adopted national side, he produced a superb, match-winning performance, scoring 95 runs off 50 balls for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders against the Vipers in Dubai.

And Gous said he believed that innings played a pivotal role in his selection to the USA national team three months later, ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. 

“I think it was a special innings because there was much more on the line for me than people might know,” said Gous. “I was one of the first guys representing the United States of America in the DP World ILT20, so it was pretty big. I had not played for the USA at that stage, and the World Cup was coming up a few months later. 

“It meant it was important for me to really make a good mark to be picked for that USA team and that was a really important season for me before all my international cricket started. Added all together, it meant I was very happy I got to play that innings.”

Gous repaid the faith of the USA selectors by playing a series of impactful knocks at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the USA and Caribbean last year. 

That included 35 off 26 balls in the USA’s sensational victory against Pakistan and, recalling that day, Gous said: “It was incredible and just for us to be playing in a World Cup was really surreal.

“The fact that all our games were played in America was really awesome. And then going out there, beating Pakistan, just put the cherry on the top. And then to go to the second round, when nobody really gave us a chance, was amazing. 

“The good thing was we never disappointed anyone. We played really good cricket. We competed in every single game we played, even against India. I think we as America won a lot of hearts in world cricket and hopefully, in the future to come, we can just do better.”

Looking ahead to season four of the DP World ILT20, Gous said he was excited to reunite with skipper Lockie Ferguson, and keen to continue learning from the highly successful roster of players.

“I have played with Lockie Ferguson at Washington Freedom (in Major League Cricket) for two years and what a great man he is,” said Gous. “I am really excited to be joining up with him again. 

“Sam Curran is also someone I am excited to learn from. He had a fantastic season for the Vipers last year and has had a really good year in any cricket he has played. I think it will be really good to see how he goes about his business.

“And Fakhar Zaman is a really special cricketer. He can take a game away from anyone. So, it will be good to get a chance to bat alongside him as well. 

“I have played with Naseem Shah (at Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League) and he is a really good guy. I think he is one of the funniest cricketers you will ever meet too. He is a world-class bowler and he is going to be good for the Vipers.”

Mental fitness with the Vipers in Chandigarh and Dubai

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Mental fitness with the Vipers in Chandigarh and Dubai

Sanjeevan Sandhu

Thank you Chandigarh!

What an experience to connect with the athletes and coaches at Cricket with Nagesh. Special thank you to Nagesh Sir himself, who was kind enough to be a brilliant host. From the initial contact to the organisation of session to the introduction and to finish with the cap presentation, wowie…

What stood out from our time with these aspiring cricketers was the ability to grasp opportunities. On one hand, this is such an exciting time to be an aspiring athlete: the quality of facilities; the amount of coaches; quality of coaches; earning potential; access to self-analysis through media; opportunity to consume content of those at the highest level; information regarding nutrition, mobility, the mind and beyond. On the other hand, it is the most challenging time to be an aspiring athlete – the amount of those playing sport / amount of academies / scrutiny of social media, parental pressure and beyond. It’s a double-edged sword and we believe that being in a healthy frame of mind tilts the odds in your favour.

The session format was fluid. There was an introduction from Nagesh Sir and then he handed it over to me. We started with a general intro to mental fitness with some case studies of certain exercises that male and female athletes use to increase the likelihood of skill execution under pressure. After 5-7 minutes, the floor was open for a Q&A.

The main themes were dealing with rejection, a string of poor performances, parents expectations, online mockery and practicing with purpose. Many students shared about their experiences in selection matches and how that was the most pressure they’d ever felt and how to replicate this so they are better prepared for next time. Here, we dived deeper into practice and how confidence must come from evidence and the best place to get that evidence is in practice. The athletes I’ve worked with who are most consistent, are surprise surprise, specific with their practice. Yes, volume is crucial in the development phase, but once the skill has been acquired and realised, the dynamics of practice should also upgrade.

For these aspiring athletes, it’s about replicating match situations, setting fields in the nets, having consequence (out is out etc.) and accepting a battle won or lost. One of the greatest strengths of pathway cricket in India is the amount of games played. Still, it is common to hear stories of multiple matches played across one day. The ones who will progress to the next level, are likely to be those who practice with purpose.

We finished with a team pic and the youngsters ran out. The batters strapped themselves up, the bowlers marked their run ups, explained their fields, eventually they both haggled to an agreeable scenario and then it became time to play!

What a thrill to be back delivering in Dubai!

Dubai has such a special energy – whether it’s the diverse nationalities, the wide-laned roads, the sunshine and the feeling that people want to make things happen.

The latter was definitely the case for our session with the team at Tish Tash. A special shoutout to Cheryl for hosting us and ensuring everything from the intro meet to the date to the title to the IT set up to the session itself went smoothly! We missed Laura and Tash and hope to see them next time.

It was amazing to work with an all-female team who are doing brilliant work across the Middle East and beyond. It was exciting to learn more about how they support clients and see first-hand the importance they place on well-being. It’s clearly more than a tickbox exercise. Right from the outset, the team were engaged and curious and welcoming, of course! It was an open discussion where the team felt comfortable to ask questions infront of their peers and ensure they get from the session exactly what they wanted to.

Time flew by and I really appreciate the quality of conversation that we had. Themes that stood out were regarding overthinking, self-talk, filling your own bucket while supporting others and simple tools to catch yourself in a negative loop before things get out of hand.

A highlight for was definitely when we explored the concept of gratitude expression. It’s so important to remember that when we do this exercise, we do it for the right reasons, and the right reasons are because it helps us feel good, in a healthy way and it could make somebody else smile. If we end up thinking about others messaging us back or we have some other expectation it gets very difficult and that’s the opposite of the intention behind expressing gratitude.

A brilliant experience and I look forward to going back very soon to work with Tish Tash and one of their public events at the end of the month.

World Mental Health Day. Speak up; every voice matters

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World Mental Health Day. Speak up; every voice matters

Don’t just be fit. Be mentally fit. Jack Luffman, our development lead, educates on mental health during one of our schools programmes. (Contact us if you’d like a session)

Vipers join hands with RAW Coffee Company for season

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Vipers join hands with RAW Coffee Company for season

The Desert Vipers will be enjoying a caffeine buzz in more ways than one during the upcoming season four of the DP World ILT20 after agreeing a partnership with the Dubai-based RAW Coffee Company (RCC). The two-year agreement sees RAW Coffee Company become an Official Supplier to the cricketing franchise and the team’s Official Coffee Partner.

As part of the arrangement, RAW Coffee Company will supply a barista and a coffee machine at the team hotel for the duration of the tournament. The Desert Vipers’ newest commercial partner has already hosted players and coaches from the team’s Development Pathway programme at its 13,500 square feet working roastery café in Al Quoz, Dubai, ahead of the new season of the DP World ILT20.

RAW Coffee Company is also developing a drink for the players that will give them a caffeine boost with the aim of assisting athletic performance. The company sources, roasts, and supplies premium coffee to businesses and consumers in the United Arab Emirates. It also trains coffee professionals and home enthusiasts in the art of coffee, with a core focus on ensuring that the sourcing of its beans is ethical and sustainable.

Desert Vipers CEO Phil Oliver said he was delighted the franchise has joined forces with RAW Coffee Company.

“This is a terrific partnership as the Desert Vipers and RAW Coffee Company champion the same values, especially when it comes to sustainability,” Oliver said. “This agreement also means we are working with and supporting a UAE business, in keeping with other aspects of what we are doing – putting down roots in the country and being present across the year and not just during the duration of the tournament.

“The social aspect of coffee is very important too, and that is something RAW Coffee Company has bought into in our partnership by supplying a barista and coffee machine at the team hotel throughout the tournament. We have been proud that in the three seasons of the DP World ILT20 we have created a terrific team spirit within the franchise, and having a focal point for players, staff and families to get together every day with our own coffee club will only enhance that family feeling.”

Matt Toogood, CEO of the RAW Coffee Company, said the partnership reflects both organizations’ shared philosophy of connection, sustainability, and excellence.

“Cricket and coffee share a universal language of bringing people together. This collaboration is built on shared values – community, authenticity, and a deep commitment to doing things responsibly. As a UAE-grown company, we’re proud to support a team that not only plays at the highest level but also invests in building something lasting for the region. We see this as the start of a meaningful, long-term partnership that celebrates quality, integrity, and the energy that drives performance.”

Noor Ahmad joins the Vipers for Season 4 of DP World ILT20

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Noor Ahmad joins the Vipers for Season 4 of DP World ILT20

The Desert Vipers have signed Afghanistan wrist spinner Noor Ahmad for season four of the DP World ILT20. The left-armer, 20, will step in for Wanindu Hasaranga, with the Sri Lankan all-rounder expected to have domestic commitments during the tournament.

Despite his age, Noor brings with him vast experience of franchise cricket around the world and will be a significant asset to the Vipers during the upcoming campaign.

That experience includes the latest edition of the Indian Premier League where he took 24 wickets for Chennai Super Kings, making him the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament, one wicket behind Gujarat Titans’ Prasidh Krishna.

Noor was also player of the tournament in the 2024 Caribbean Premier League where he topped the wicket-taking table with 22 victims for first-time winners St Lucia Kings.

Season four of the DP World ILT20 will be Noor’s second time in the tournament as he played for the Sharjah Warriorz in season one, featuring in seven matches.

Commenting on his call-up, Noor said: “I am excited for this opportunity to play for the Desert Vipers and I am very thankful for the faith shown in me by the team’s coaching and management staff, especially Tom Moody and James Foster.

“The Vipers have a fantastic squad full of high quality in every department, and I am looking forward to being part of the group and contributing to the success of the side.

“I played in the first season of the competition and so I know what to expect from conditions and with two other Afghanistan players in the squad – fellow spinner Qais Ahmad and fast bowler Faridoon Dawoodzai – there will be some familiar faces for me as soon as I walk through the door.

“I cannot wait to get to Dubai and start the tournament.”

Noor has been capped by Afghanistan in both white ball international formats, and has played 13 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 22 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for his country.

He was part of the squads that took part in the ICC men’s T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and the United States of America (USA) in 2024 and the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates in 2025.

Noor’s economy rate in T20Is is an exceptional 6.08 runs per over.

Tom Moody, the Desert Vipers Director of Cricket, said: “We are thrilled to have secured the services of Noor Ahmad, who is clearly one of the leading spin bowlers in world cricket at the moment.

“We are obviously sad to miss Wanindu Hasaranga as he has been a Viper since day one. He is an outstanding all-round cricketer, and we know what the Vipers means to him.

“But Noor’s wealth of experience around the globe in franchise cricket will certainly be something we will benefit from.

“Also, his experience of the UAE and the DP World ILT20 venues is something that will put him in a strong position and will add a lot of value to us as a franchise.

“Noor joins two other Afghanistan cricketers that we secured in the recent auction – Qais Ahmad and Faridoon Dawoodzai – so we are thrilled to complete a hat-trick of Afghanistan players representing us in season four of the DP World ILT20.”

Noor has played two seasons at the SA20, the South Africa Twenty20 competition, for the Durban Super Giants, and earlier this year he played for the Texas Super Kings in Major League Cricket in the USA.

The spin bowler has also played in the Lanka Premier League, the Pakistan Super League, the Big Bash League in Australia and The Hundred in England and Wales, emphasising his global experience.

The Desert Vipers will begin their campaign in season four of the DP World ILT20 with the opening match of the tournament, against Dubai Capitals in a repeat of season three’s final. That match will take place at the Dubai International Stadium on December the 2nd.

The Desert Vipers have reached the final of the competition twice in three seasons, also playing in the ultimate match in season one. 

Players recruited at the auction: 

Bilal Tahir (KUW)
Faisal Khan (KSA)
Fakhar Zaman (PAK)
Faridoon Dawoodzai (AFG)  
Hassan Nawaz (PAK)
Matiullah Khan (UAE)
Naseem Shah (PAK)
Sanjay Pahal (UAE)
Thomas Bruce (SCO)
Tawanda Muyeye (ENG)
Vriitya Aravind (UAE) 
Qais Ahmad (AFG)

Retained players:
Lockie Ferguson (capt) (NZ)
Dan Lawrence (ENG)
David Payne (ENG
Khuzaima Bin Tanveer (UAE)
Max Holden (ENG)
Sam Curran (ENG)

Direct Signing:
Andries Gous (USA)

Wild card signing:
Shimron Hetmyer (WI)

Replacement signing (for Wanindu Hasaranga):
Noor Ahmad (AFG)

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