The Dubai Desert Vipers are proving that sustainability and cricket can go hand-in-hand. Evidenced by their Season 2 Carbon Footprint Report, the Vipers are setting a new benchmark for reducing environmental impact while also leading the charge for other sports teams to adopt greener practices. In an era where climate change increasingly threatens the future of sport, the Desert Vipers’ commitment to sustainability serves as a compelling example of how action can drive real change. As one of the first cricket franchises to sign the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework, the Desert Vipers have taken their environmental responsibility seriously, and their efforts are paying off.

The Vipers’ Season 2 Carbon Footprint Report reveals an impressive 15.1% reduction in emissions compared to Season 1, with a total carbon footprint of 775.7 tCO2e. This milestone demonstrates that the franchise’s commitment to sustainability isn’t just a short-term goal, but a long-term strategy embedded into the core of their operations. Key factors contributing to the reduction include a decrease in air travel and a shift toward more eco-friendly travel practices, as well as a shorter tournament schedule in Season 2, which reduced the team’s hotel stays. The breakdown of the emissions sources shows that hotel stays accounted for 44% of the footprint, while travel made up 30%, stadium usage 17%, and kit 9%.

While the Desert Vipers are proud of their carbon footprint reduction, they are also committed to transparency and using their platform to inspire change across the wider sports industry.

“Sports teams are in a unique position to influence society, and Desert Vipers are proud to lead the way. Our Season 2 Carbon Footprint Report highlights both the key areas sports teams can focus on as well as featuring some of our key initiatives, which other teams could emulate. Sustainability is woven into everything we do, and we urge other teams to follow our lead. Our doors are always open to anyone and we welcome collaboration” said CEO, Phil Oliver. “We are committed to making real, lasting change, but the wider sports community must come together to secure a greener future for all.”

Sustainability Lead, Ben Hardy-Jones, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the team’s transparency and determination to make progress. “As a proud signatory of the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, we are committed to transparency in our sustainability efforts. This report not only showcases our progress but also highlights the challenges that remain. We are pleased with our reductions, especially in travel-related emissions, but this journey is far from over. Our aim is to inspire other sports organizations to join us in making sustainability a core pillar of their operations and to positively influence fan behaviour.”

Beyond the internal environmental practices of the Desert Vipers, the team has also worked hard to engage and educate future generations on sustainability through their groundbreaking Schools Program. This initiative combines the excitement of cricket with essential lessons on environmental responsibility. In Season 2 alone, the Vipers reached over 4,000 students across 27 schools, delivering more than 4,300 hours of sustainability coaching. The program is just one example of how the Vipers are planting the seeds for a greener future. Jerseys worn by the students featured key environmental messages, including “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” and the critical “1.5°C” climate threshold, making sustainability an accessible and engaging topic for the children and their families.

Further demonstrating their commitment to sustainability, the Desert Vipers will host their “Sustainability Match” this Saturday, January 18th, 2025, as part of the DP World ILT20 league. This match will go beyond the typical sporting event to highlight the team’s commitment to environmental stewardship and healthy lifestyles. Fans will have the opportunity to engage with the Vipers’ sustainability journey, with eco-friendly initiatives and activities incorporated into the matchday experience, supported by Sustainability Impact Partner, Carrefour MAF. It’s not just about cricket; it’s about uniting fans and the community in a shared mission to create a greener, healthier and happier future.

While Desert Vipers are proud of the progress they’ve made, they know that true success will come when the entire sports community joins in the fight against climate change. The team continues to call on other cricket franchises, sports organizations, and fans to take meaningful action to reduce their environmental impact, ensuring that sustainability becomes a central part of the fabric of sport.

If you would like to read the full report,click here.

Dubai, UAE (Jan 14, 2025) – The Desert Vipers’ six-wicket win against the Gulf Giants with 14 balls in hand might, on the face of it, sound like a comfortable success. But on a surface that challenged the batters of both sides it was anything but straightforward.

Player of the Match Sam Curran and his chief partner-in-crime Sherfane Rutherford, powered through on a tricky pitch, which earlier saw the Gulf Giants struggling to score runs. Giants captain James Vince, with an unbeaten 76 from 62 deliveries, was one of only two players on his side who reached double digits as they scrambled to 119 for nine in their 20 overs. The Vipers then fought hard for the win despite being seven for two and 66 for four.

Match Scores:Toss: DV won the toss and chose to field firstGulf Giants: 119/9 (20 overs)Top scorer: James Vince 76 not out

Desert Vipers: 121/4 (17.4 overs)Top scorers:Sam Curran 42 not outSherfane Rutherford 40 not out

Match Result: Desert Vipers won by six wicketsPlayer of the Match: Sam Curran

Here are some quotes from the Vipers Voices post-match podcast featuring Desert Vipers batter Alex Hales:

On conditions proving testing for batters:

“I think it felt tricky and there was a fair bit of swing. I think it was still swinging in the 12th and 13th over. There was a little bit of seam as well so it was tricky. It was really hard to find any rhythm and they (Gulf Giants) had some very skilful swing bowlers which obviously made it a little bit harder.

“I think when Blessing (Muzarabani) came in and hit the pitch hard as well it was also pretty tricky. It was a little bit two-paced so I think you have to give credit to Vincey (James Vince) for the way he played to score 70-odd not out on that, it is a great effort.

“Obviously Sam came in at a very tricky period when we had lost two early wickets and he barely mis-timed a ball and that was really impressive. It is great to see him in good form.

“Yes, there have been a couple of scratchy starts for me but it has felt quite tricky up at the top so hopefully going forward I can turn those starts into bigger scores.”

On Player of the Match Sam Curran’s knock :

“Two really impressive innings (after his 50 not out against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) without really taking too many risks either. He has just batted normally and played really good cricket shots and it looked like he had all the time in the world in what have been two not-so-easy pitches, especially with the new ball.

“It has been very impressive to see him play like that and obviously bowling and fielding as well. You know he is a hell of a cricketer and we are lucky to have him for the whole competition.”

On Sherfane Rutherford’s knock :

“He is one of the best strikers in T20 cricket in the world at the moment and he has got one of the best bat swings I have ever seen. It is great to watch and to have him in form for this competition would be huge for us and that is a great start for him there.”

On facing MI Emirates in the next match:

“They are a very good side on paper with some good swing bowlers and also some very good spinners as well in the middle overs so it will be a bit tricky. They are one of the strongest teams in the competition for sure but I think we back ourselves as well. We have got an unbelievable team I think this year – an unbelievable squad actually. We have got a lot of depth so I am very excited for what the next few weeks has in store for us.”

The Desert Vipers’ next match of the 2025 DP World ILT20 is on Thursday, January 16th, against the MI Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai, starting at 6:30 pm.

Tickets for all Desert Vipers matches are now availablehere.

Dubai, UAE (January 15, 2025) – The Desert Vipers, thirsting for success in this season’s DP World ILT20, have joined forces with Drink Dry Store, the Middle East’s first and only non-alcoholic drinks marketplace.

Drink Dry Store becomes an Associate Sponsor of the Vipers for the 2025 campaign and their logo will appear on the players’ headwear. They will also supply products for the Desert Vipers Corporate Golf Day in Dubai on January the 30th.

Drink Dry Store was founded in 2019 by Erika Doyle with the aim of bringing the zero-alcohol drinks category to life within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

It has the best premium non-alcoholic drinks under one umbrella and supplies organic, vegan, gluten-free and zero-sugar options too.

Commenting on the Vipers’ partnership with Drink Dry Store, Desert Vipers Chief Executive Officer Phil Oliver said: “We are proud and excited to partner with Drink Dry Store for this season’s DP World ILT20.

“This partnership is a coming together of like minds, of two organisations that are challenging existing thoughts and behaviour.

“We at the Desert Vipers are looking to use our platform, as a cricket team in a major Twenty20 tournament that attracts some of the world’s best players, to highlight issues of sustainability and the ongoing climate emergency; at the same time, Drink Dry Store is promoting healthy alternatives to alcohol.

“We are grateful for Drink Dry Store’s support in this season’s DP World ILT20 and we look forward a fruitful partnership for us both.”

Drink Dry Store Managing Director Jonny Nixon said: “We are thrilled to be partnering up with Desert Vipers for the 2025 season.

“Having a partner in professional sport whose values align with our own gives us huge scope to grow together. Exciting a new audience and engaging them in the 0.0% drinks category in a sporting environment is a huge opportunity to further grow awareness of the category and we are confident that success on the field will bring us success off it!

“A huge thank you to Phil Oliver, Matt Bailey (Desert Vipers Head of Strategy), Sam Charnley (Desert Vipers Head of Operations) and Yogesh Sapkota (Desert Vipers Senior Manager, Sponsorship and Marketing) for making this happen and we are hoping to grow together with the Vipers and wish them all the best for the season.”

Each product stocked by Drink Dry Store has been tested personally by Ms Doyle to ensure both quality and value for money.

Orders can be placed at the Drink Dry Store website, www.drinkdrystore.com.

The Desert Vipers are one of six teams that take part in the UAE’s own annual Twenty20 cricket league, the DP World ILT20.

Owned by Lancer Capital, the Desert Vipers are one of six teams competing in the DP World ILT20 tournament held in the UAE during January and February. The Vipers were runners-up in the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2023.

The team is captained by New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, with players including former England opening batter Alex Hales, West Indies middle-order powerhouse Sherfane Rutherford, and Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga linking up with the squad for a third consecutive season.

Pakistan stars Azam Khan and Fakhar Zaman, as well as England’s Dan Lawrence, bolster the batting line-up, while Mohammad Amir, the former Pakistan fast bowler, England all-rounder Sam Curran and Luke Wood, the England left-arm fast bowler, spearhead the pace attack in the red and black colours.

The Vipers are pioneers of sustainability in professional cricket, prioritising eco-conscious operations and transparency in their carbon footprint, aiming to set a benchmark for global sports teams.

Tickets for all Vipers matches are availablehere.

Dubai, UAE (January 14, 2025)– The Desert Vipers have joined forces with Balqis Capital for the upcoming season of the DP World ILT20.

Balqis Capital, a market leader in litigation funding and facilitating private credit opportunities for businesses, have become an Associate

Sponsor to the Vipers.

The Balqis Capital logo will appear on the team’s training and playing jerseys, and their branding will appear on the in-stadia big screens in Dubai and Sharjah and on the perimeter advertising boards at these venues during Vipers home matches.

Phil Oliver, the Chief Executive Officer of the Desert Vipers, said: “We are delighted to welcome Balqis Capital to the Desert Vipers family for this season’s DP World ILT20.

“Having a company of the stature of Balqis Capital in our corner for the tournament is something we can be proud of, and we look forward to their backing as we aim for a first title for the team.”

Balqis Capital assists institutions, financial advisers, family offices and companies in accessing litigation funding and private credit opportunities by using their extensive experience and network.

The company’s leadership team has more than 30 years of litigation funding and financial experience.

Commenting on the partnership, Balqis Capital said: “We are excited to be joining forces with the Desert Vipers.

“Balqis Capital is a market leader in our field of helping our clients source quality alternative assets, and we look forward to supporting the Desert Vipers as they seek to become market leaders in this season’s DP World ILT20.”

Balqis Capital assists businesses who need funding for their projects and cannot source the capital through other sources.

They focus on working with investors seeking diversification in their portfolios, either by generating a passive income or high growth opportunities which are exclusive to the Balqis Capital network and cannot be accessed elsewhere.

Litigation funding is a financial arrangement where a third-party funder covers the legal expenses of a claimant or plaintiff. Typically, funds are provided on a non recourse basis, meaning the funder only receives a portion of the settlement if the case is successful.

The Desert Vipers are one of six teams that take part in the UAE’s own annual Twenty20 cricket league, the DP World ILT20.

Owned by Lancer Capital, the Desert Vipers are one of six teams competing in the DP World ILT20 tournament held in the UAE during January and February. The Vipers were runners-up in the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2023.

The team is captained by New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, with players including former England opening batter Alex Hales, West Indies middle-order powerhouse Sherfane Rutherford, and Sri Lanka all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga linking up with the squad for a third consecutive season.

Pakistan stars Azam Khan and Fakhar Zaman, as well as England’s Dan Lawrence, bolster the batting line-up, while Mohammad Amir, the former Pakistan fast bowler, England all-rounder Sam Curran and Luke Wood, the England left-arm fast bowler spearhead the pace attack in the red and black colours.

The Vipers are pioneers of sustainability in professional cricket, prioritising eco-conscious operations and transparency in their carbon footprint, aiming to set a benchmark for global sports teams.

Tickets for all Vipers matches are availablehere.