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Reflections on Season 3

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Reflections on Season 3

Season 3 of DP World ILT20 was a whirlwind of a tournament, with Desert Vipers four balls away from winning the entire thing. After falling short of our own expectations in Season 2, it was exactly the response needed, with players, coaches, and management staff giving it their all throughout a busy five weeks.

I (Ben Hardy-Jones, Sustainability Lead) arrived in Dubai in early January at our team base, JA Resorts. It was fantastic to be back for my second season with a professional cricket team and really special to be back in JA Resorts, which is a superb place to spend the winter. On the pitch we had some fantastic achievements from several key players, including Sam Curran, Mohammad Amir, Alex Hales, Max Holden, and so on. However, we don’t often hear about what happens off the pitch, so this blog is going to pick out some of my personal highlights from the season. In addition, it will provide some reflections upon where we can improve going forwards – because sports is all about improvements, and it will finish with a nod to what’s next over the coming months in the off-season before Season 4.

Season Highlights

Highlight 1: Sustainability Match

For me, the key highlight of the season was our flagship Sustainability Match held on the 18th of January at Dubai International Stadium versus Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.

Our inaugural Sustainability Match took place last year, and this year was an opportunity to build upon initiatives from last year. This year the focus was on three things:

The day was a fantastic success, beginning with activities in the Fan Zone with our Sustainability Impact Partner, Carrefour MAF, where we also undertook a ‘Wake and Shake’ with some of our Schools Programme participants.

After the activities in the Fan Zone, the management team headed up to the Grand Lounge hospitality area, where we networked with sustainability professionals from a range of industries. Some of these guests were attending their first ever cricket game, while some were massive fans, so it was brilliant to be able to share the celebrations around cricket and sustainability and chat to people in a very informal way about the work that we’re doing.

Of course, we managed to win on the pitch, which is always fantastic, with Luke Wood the Player of the Match (and so winning the WOODen trophy—a personal favorite moment of mine) taking the Catch of the Season with David Payne. This allowed them to both win a bicycle as part of the League’s sponsorship with The Cycle Hub, and it was fitting that this catch came during the Sustainability Match, with cycling a particularly sustainable mode of transport!

Highlight 2: Palmfit Kit

Throughout the season, Desert Vipers did something rather different and unique with their kit, becoming the first top tier cricket team in the world (we believe!) to play a full season using kits made out of fully recycled materials. This was made possible through our partnership with Palmfit, a UAE-based apparel brand who worked with us to create ‘The Viper Line’.

Switching to fully recycled materials reduced the carbon footprint of our kit by 51%. Furthermore, this kit was made locally which reduced the transportation emissions (and so the overall emissions by a further 8%), meaning our total saving by switching to Palmfit was nearly 60%!

Working with a proactive brand like Palmfit allowed us to be creative. One of my key highlights was gifting Wanindu Hasaranga a special jersey with the number 300 on the back after he had taken his 300th T20 wicket the previous match. This was only possible because we used a local partner, where we were able to manufacture the jersey with a very short notice period.

As with all kits, we encountered some challenges, but working with a supportive organization in the same country as us meant we were able to overcome any difficulties. Overall it was a superb season, and clearly performance was positively affected by this new, higher-performance kit, as we managed to go several steps better than last season.

Highlight 3: Sustainability Partners

The final highlight of the season for me was our sustainability partners. We were able to build upon our successes last season with Sustainability Partners, having a total of 10 Sustainability Partners and Suppliers spanning a range of industries and products.

As a sports franchise that doesn’t own their own stadium or team hotel, it’s really imperative that we work with organizations that have solutions or have sustainability credentials that we can champion because we believe that they are better for people and the planet.

I’ve already mentioned how we worked with Carrefour at the Sustainability Match; this was a campaign centered on choosing healthy food and drinks at the supermarket. This is crucial, as a recent Lancet Report found that over 50% of the global population will be overweight or obese by 2050, so encouraging individuals to ‘Choose Better’ is key.

Our partnership with Bluewater as our Sustainable Hydration Partner continued this season. This was really fantastic, because retained players got right back into the swing of things in using their reusable water bottles and we had no problems with new players switching to reusable bottles.

As mentioned above, Palmfit allowed us to reduce emissions from kit, and we were pleased to work with JA Resorts to reduce the footprint of our hotel stay and showcase some of the sustainability initiatives implemented there.

Our partnerships with The Plastic Pledge and Bat For A Chance continued, and we’re excited to be working with them during the off-season to encourage schools and organizations to reduce their plastic usage and to donate used cricket kits and equipment to those in need.

Finally, we had three Sustainability Suppliers this year: Detrash, Minimalist (Official Sunscreen Partner), and ElphaTap, all of whom supplied useful products to help the team reduce its environmental impact across day-to-day items.

What’s Next?

As always with any sports team and any organization, areas of improvement always need to be identified. We are currently undertaking our carbon footprint data collection for our report, and we will identify where we can improve. Of course, being a franchise team, we have limited control, but we were pleased in how we can spread positive messages and work with partners. We look forward to continuing our work with sustainability and team partners across the coming years, as well as working more closely with our home stadium and team hotel.

Finally, this is the last in this first series of blog posts, with the blog taking a new direction. This exciting next series of blog posts is made possible because of a partnership with Carbon Happy World, our sustainability agency that has been assisting us over the past few years with all things sustainability-related. Carbon Happy World is joining the team as a Sustainability Supplier, and will provide expert insight and analysis to various sports and sustainability topics in the new blog series, and we are excited to publish our first co-authored blog very soon!

Sustainability Spotlight – Detrash

This Sustainability Spotlight features a fantastic company that uses recycled steel and ocean plastic to create unique and luxurious watches. Detrash, which was founded by Guy Blaskey, provided one special watch to Desert Vipers this season, which was the winning prize for the Viper of the Year. The prize went to Nirm Thanabalasingam, who provided fantastic support to our players in the treatment room during the season, as well as always smiling and being supportive and positive. I can think of no one more deserving of this prize and I hope Nirm appreciates this special watch. If you would like to buy your own Detrash watch, please head to https://detrash.com/, where you can buy watches that not only look stylish, but are good for the planet.

England, Lancashire, and Desert Vipers Bowler Luke Wood Officially Opens New Cricket Facility at Uptown International School

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England, Lancashire, and Desert Vipers Bowler Luke Wood Officially Opens New Cricket Facility at Uptown International School

The Desert Vipers celebrated the official opening of a brand-new cricket net facility at Uptown International School this week, marking a significant step in the school’s growing cricket program. The state-of-the-art facility features two full-lane artificial wickets, providing students with a world-class training environment.

The new facility was officially inaugurated by England, Lancashire, and Desert Vipers bowler Luke Wood, who took time out to coach alongside Desert Vipers Development Lead, Jack Luffman .

Since the introduction of cricket at Uptown International School in September 2024, the program has seen rapid growth, with up to 50 boys training regularly. Building on this success, the school will launch girls’ cricket in September 2025, with the support of a newly employed specialist female PE teacher with cricket expertise.

Principal Colin Gerrie also expressed his enthusiasm for the development:

“We are delighted with the new facility, which will enable our staff to further enhance cricket within our school and community. The boys have shown a real keen interest since we launched the sport, and I was more than happy to invest in what is a world-class facility. We now look forward to seeing the girls develop too.”

Jack Luffman, Desert Vipers Development Lead, praised the school’s commitment to cricket development, stating:

“It’s fantastic to see the enthusiasm and dedication from the students at Uptown International School. In just a few months, cricket has become a key part of their sporting culture, and this new facility will help take their skills to the next level. With the addition of girls’ cricket next year, we are excited to see even more young players embracing the game.”

This initiative aligns with the Desert Vipers’ broader commitment to grassroots cricket development. The team recently expanded its Schools Programme in partnership with Carrefour and Bluewater Group , aiming to introduce over 12,000 children annually to cricket while educating them on while promoting sustainability, holistic well-being, and healthy lifestyle choices.

Director of cricket Tom Moody offers ringing endorsement of Lockie Ferguson’s leadership in DP World ILT20

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Director of cricket Tom Moody offers ringing endorsement of Lockie Ferguson’s leadership in DP World ILT20

Dubai, UAE (Feb 18, 2025) – Desert Vipers Director of Cricket Tom Moody has offered a ringing endorsement for the leadership of Lockie Ferguson during season three of the DP World ILT20.

And the two-time ICC Cricket World Cup winner indicated he would welcome the prospect of the New Zealand fast bowler returning as captain for season four of the tournament in 2026.

Lockie took charge of the playing group for the 2025 edition after his countryman Colin Munro was captain of the side for the first two seasons of the competition.

The team, which finished outside the play-offs in 2024, this time produced a strong season and finished as runners-up, losing the final narrowly to the Dubai Capitals.

Speaking to the Vipers Voices podcast, Tom Moody said: “We would be very keen to continue with Lockie as captain from a continuity perspective, and to have him back as part of the Vipers in 2026 would be an absolute delight.

“I could not offer any more praise for Lockie, not only as a cricketer but also as a captain. I had known him as a cricketer, but this season was my first experience of him personally with a team and I was thoroughly impressed by what he offered.

“His leadership both on and off the field was impressive and I know the players and staff warmed to him very easily.

“Lockie was very clear and empathetic with his approach, and whether he was in the playing eleven or he was either being rested or was carrying a niggle, he still had an impact as a leader. I could not have been happier with the outcome with regards to his leadership.

“As a bowler, Lockie has got genuine pace and ball speed and that was one of the reasons we were keen to secure his services at the Desert Vipers

“And although we were fully aware going into the season he may have needed to rest for the odd game or be sidelined with a niggle or two, it was a risk we were willing to take, knowing our bench strength and also knowing we had Sam Curran who could step in as captain if required.

“Having Lockie as captain was a success and, in that regard, I could not be happier with the choice we made ahead of season three,” he added.

Another choice made by Tom and the team’s management ahead of the season was the decision to put together a settled squad of players whose priority was the DP World ILT20, rather than relying on players who linked up with the franchise once they had finished commitments in other leagues around the world.

And that, too, was something Tom regarded as a success and a factor in helping the Vipers enjoy that strong season.

“I think having players available for the majority, if not all, of the tournament was something we did well this year,” he said.

“We will continue to try and keep that trend because in year two I think one of our downfalls was a lack of continuity with players in the squad coming and going. That did not really allow us to catch fire and get rhythm as a team.

“This time, that continuity meant we had a strong unity within the group. Players and staff enjoyed each other’s company, and it was a great success both on and off the field. It was an ideal environment.”

That said, there were still two key departures at the back end of the tournament, with Pakistan opening batter Fakhar Zaman and Sri Lanka leg-spinning all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga returning to their respective countries for international duty.

They were big losses, but Tom refused to blame their absence on the side’s failure to win the title.

“Yes, they are big players, but their departures created opportunities for others,” he said.

“Max Holden stepped in for Fakhar and it was a thrill to see him come in and be so impactful at the top of the order. And Nathan Sowter came in, to bowl leg-spin, and was superb in Qualifier 2. Then, in the final, I thought he bowled really well, too. He had Rovman Powell stumped, only for that be overturned by the TV umpire. And later on, he had Dasun Shanaka dropped too.

“Yes, we missed two world-class players, as any side would, but we still had enough to get across the line, so there is no point in thinking about ifs, buts and maybes,” he said.

With season three done and dusted, attention is now turning to the next edition of the tournament and what that might look like in terms of the dates, player recruitment, the number of UAE players in starting elevens and whether the impact substitute rule will be retained.

Tom had very clear views on all those issues, and he said: “I think, first and foremost, I would like to see at least one more UAE player in the playing elevens.

“I think we have seen enough over the first three years and seen the growth of the local talent to the point where it would be a great shame if we do not have a minimum of three UAE players in the playing eleven and possibly five in the squad as a minimum number, but you should have the option to have more.

“That is a no-brainer as far as I am concerned because we are also here to develop the game in the UAE as franchises and as a tournament, and the only way we are going to develop talent is by opportunity on the field.

“The impact sub is an interesting one because, at times, it contradicts the point about giving opportunities to UAE players. If you have an overseas player in that role then it can push a batting or bowling opportunity for a UAE player to the back of the queue.

“I am sure that was not what it was intended for and so if the league retains the impact player, then perhaps it can be designated as a UAE player because I think there is enough depth and talent to see the success of that.

“I would like there to be some sort of ability to retain the core of players you have because a lot of people identify the Desert Vipers, for example, with Alex Hales, Sherfane Rutherford or Wanindu Hasaranga, players who have been with us since the outset of the tournament.

“Whether the league then opts for an overseas draft alongside that, along with a UAE player draft that we already have, that is something they can definitely consider.

“If you have open-ended recruitment, there can be a lot of unpredictability, and the market can be warped with inflated prices. If you can control that to an extent, then I think that is healthy for the competition.”

And what will it take in 2026 to ensure the Vipers finally lift the trophy after finishing as runners-up twice in the first three editions of the DP World ILT20?

“I do not think it is going to take any more than what we have done this year for us to end up winning next time,” said Tom. “On and off the field we have done everything right.

“The game at times can come down to small margins and that is exactly what happened this year, hence we were on the wrong side of the result.

“I think if we stay on track and repeat all the positives that we have done this year, I can see us being in a position where we have an opportunity to play finals again in 2026.”

Desert Vipers’ sustainable line of clothing from PALMFIT is now available via our online shop: https://shop.thedesertvipers.com

Season wrap-up part two: Director of Cricket Tom Moody

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Season wrap-up part two: Director of Cricket Tom Moody

This is the final episode for season three and in it we speak with Vipers Director of Cricket Tom Moody as part of our wrap-up of the campaign. It’s part two of that wrap, following on from our chat with Chief Executive Officer Phil Oliver.

Just like our conversation with Phil, there was a lot to unpack with Tom and we covered a significant range of topics on the playing side.

Among those topics was the approach to recruitment for the season with the emphasis on bringing in players who were available for the majority of the season and whether that worked.

We spoke about three of the higher profile recruits – Sam Curran, captain Lockie Ferguson and Fakhar Zaman – as well as two stars of the show who arrived with very little fanfare – Max Holden and Khuzaima Bin Tanveer.

Tom also discussed the struggles of Azam Khan and latterly Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and whether the loss of Fakhar and Wanindu Hasaranga to international duty cost the side the title.

The two-time ICC Cricket World Cup winner also got out his crystal ball and gave us his opinion on some key aspects of the league ahead of season four, specifically recruitment, whether or not there should be a draft, the numbers of players to be retained, the future of the impact substitute rule and the numbers of UAE players in each playing eleven.

Tom revealed what learnings the franchise can take forward after coming so close to the ultimate prize in 2025 and he explained what the Vipers needed to do to ensure that, come 2026, the side can lift the title for the first time.

Season wrap-up part one: CEO Phil Oliver

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Season wrap-up part one: CEO Phil Oliver

This episode is part one of a two-part wrap-up of the season. In part two we’ll chat with Director of Cricket Tom Moody, but this time we catch up with Vipers CEO Phil Oliver to paint the big picture for us on where the franchise is at after both an agonising loss in the 2025 final to the Dubai Capitals and also after three seasons of existence.

Topics Phil spoke about included the possibility of moving to three UAE players in any starting eleven for season four as opposed to the current mark of two, as well as the possibilities of expanding the league and even setting up a women’s tournament to go with the men.

Those topics, of course, are all about the future, but Phil also spoke about the here and now – the Vipers’ sustainability strategy and the fight for commercial dollars in a congested sponsorship market up against other franchises who, unlike the Vipers, have tentacles in other T20 leagues around the world.

Phil also covered future windows for the tournament, the possibility of a draft for the next season, whether the Vipers would continue to mine Pakistan for talent as a point of difference from the other teams and whether the Vipers’ owners, Lancer Capital are patient in the face of two near-misses in three seasons.

James Foster, Max Holden, Sam Curran reflect after heartbreak in the Final | Vipers Voices

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James Foster, Max Holden, Sam Curran reflect after heartbreak in the Final | Vipers Voices

Straight Up With Vipers, Season 2 ft. Fakhar Zaman & Azam Khan | Episode 3 | Desert Vipers

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Straight Up With Vipers, Season 2 ft. Fakhar Zaman & Azam Khan | Episode 3 | Desert Vipers

Lockie Ferguson speaks ahead of the DP World ILT20 2025 final | Desert Vipers

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Lockie Ferguson speaks ahead of the DP World ILT20 2025 final | Desert Vipers

Dubai Capitals vs Desert Vipers, Final – 9th February 2025

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Dubai Capitals vs Desert Vipers, Final – 9th February 2025












Sam Curran, James Foster and Max Holden on Final heartache for the Vipers

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Sam Curran, James Foster and Max Holden on Final heartache for the Vipers

In this episode we reflect on heartbreak for the Vipers as the side has lost the final of the DP World ILT20 to the Dubai Capitals.

In a thrilling match, the Vipers posted 189 for five after being put into bat and then reduced the Capitals to 31 for three in reply.

But then Rovman Powell with 63, Shai Hope with 43 wrested back control before dasun Shanaka, who made 21 from 10 balls and Sikandar Raza, with an unbeaten 34 from 12 deliveries applied the coup de gras, getting the Capitals home with four balls and four wickets to spare.

It really was a game of fine margins with so many twists and turns but sadly, for the second time in three years, the Vipers finished on the wrong end of the final result.

Coming up we hear from captain Sam Curran, who was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament, star batter Max Holden, who made an outstanding 76 in the final, and Head Coach James Foster, with all three of them reflecting on a night of bitter disappointment of the franchise.

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