The Desert Vipers Talent Pathway is in full swing, with coach Jack Luffman leading the troops, some of which were given an amazing opportunity this week to sit in on the ILT20 auction. It was a fascinating day for all of us, but particularly them! We were so pumped to give some of them a unique, different perspective on what it means to be a professional cricketer and the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. Video below!
Moody excited by new Viper recruits
Tom Moody, the Desert Vipers’ Director of Cricket, has pronounced himself “very happy” with the results of the inaugural DP World ILT20 player auction, held in Dubai on Wednesday.
The Vipers brought in 12 players during the marathon bidding session, including three players from Pakistan – batters Fakhar Zaman and Hassan Nawaz plus fast bowler Naseem Shah; two from Afghanistan – leg-spinner Qais Ahmad and left-arm fast bowler Faridoon Dawoodzai; and an additional Associate player, Scotland batter Thomas Bruce.
The Vipers also topped up their UAE contingent, adding to the already-retained fast bowler Khuzaima Bin Tanveer by recruiting all-rounder Sanjay Pahal, fast bowler Matiullah Khan and wicketkeeper-batter Vriitya Aravind.
There was a spot for the Kent and Oval Invincibles batter Tawanda Muyeye from England and also picked up were the franchise’s first signings from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia – batters Bilal Tahir (Kuwaiti) and Faisal Khan (Saudi).
“We are very happy overall, it was a very solid auction for us,” Moody said as he reflected on the bidding that saw the six franchises complete their line-ups for season four. “We are thrilled to continue our good relationship with Pakistan and having Pakistan players involved in the DP World ILT20.
“Fakhar Zaman was with us last season, we are thrilled to welcome him back and I know he enjoyed his time with us earlier this year.
“He has a lot of experience, he is a quality leader within our group and he is a real impact player at the top of the order.”
Fakhar has played three Tests, 86 One-Day Internationals and 109 Twenty20 Internationals and has a double-hundred in ODIs – 210 not out against Zimbabwe, an illustration of his hitting power.
He was also player of the match in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final at The Oval in London when he made 114 from 106 balls against India and holds the record for the fastest male player to reach 1000 ODI runs, achieving that mark in his 18th match.
“Hassan Nawaz is an emerging, exciting power-hitter who has had a superb 12 months both in Pakistan colours and franchise cricket,” Moody added. “He is someone who can really impact the game and he has the versatility to bat anywhere in the order from number one to number seven.”
Naseem Shah has played 20 Tests, 30 ODIs and 30 T20Is and took a Test hat-trick against Bangladesh in Islamabad in 2020.
“Naseem needs no introduction really because he is a high-quality fast bowler who has the ability to bowl in all three phases of the game so we look forward to seeing what he can bring to the Desert Vipers,” Moody said.
Naseem’s inclusion continues the seam of Pakistan fast bowling that has run through much of the Vipers history with Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi previously representing the franchise.
A fast bowler originally hailing from Pakistan, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, was retained by the Vipers as one of the team’s UAE players and the side added three more players from the tournament’s host country.
“Vriitya Aravind was the very first player to get picked in the auction and he has plenty of experience of this tournament with other teams, as well as lots of national experience,” Moody said.
“He will give us a great option as a wicketkeeper-batter, which every squad needs. He adds that quality and class behind the stumps and he will strengthen our top order.”
Vriitya has played 63 ODIs and 48 T20Is and has topped 1000 runs in both formats. He has batted in seven different positions in T20Is and has kept for his country in 17 of 48 T20Is and 51 of 63 ODIs. He was also part of the UAE squad that took part in the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022.
The Vipers’ other two UAE picks were players who featured for the Desert Vipers Development Team in the ILT20 Development Tournament, with the side reaching the final of that competition.
“Matiullah Khan is a genuine new ball bowler and he really showed some positive signs in that Development Tournament. We are thrilled to secure his talents,” Moody said.
“Sanjay Pahal was player of that tournament in the Development Tournament and that speaks for itself. He has got some really good all-round skills.
“Sanjay is a power hitter, he is handy with the ball and is dynamic in the field.”
“We are thrilled to have such a talented group of UAE players joining Khuzaima, who was a retained player,” Moody added.
On Qais Ahmad and Faridoon Dawoodzai, the Director of Cricket, said: “Qais is a familiar face to franchise cricket.
“He is familiar with this tournament having played in it before and that is obviously an advantage, knowing about conditions and how the tournament is run.
“Qais is an exciting leg-spinner who also offers a lot of energy in the field. He will not only add his experience but also some real class as a wrist spinner to our squad.”
That experience has seen Qais play in the Big Bash League (Australia), the Lanka Premier League (Sri Lanka), the T20 Blast and The Hundred (England and Wales) and the Caribbean Premier League (West Indies). Qais is capped across all formats for his country.
“Faridoon Dawoodzai is a really exciting, emerging left-arm fast bowler,” said Moody.
“We are always excited to try and pick a couple of players we feel that are on the rapid rise and we have identified him as a player that is one to watch out for.
“We are excited to work with Faridoon and see what he can bring to the table. He has all the skills and will only benefit from the experience and exposure, both around the training environment and, when he gets the opportunity, to play in the team.”
Season four of the DP World ILT20 will be the first time that Saudi Arabia and Kuwait players will feature in the tournament and the Vipers secured one player from each country in the auction.
“It is great that new players from those countries will be part of this year’s tournament,” Moody said.
“From Saudi Arabia, Faisal Khan is going to be a great addition to the squad.
“He is someone who has a good reputation in Saudi cricket, he is an experienced batter and we are sure he will enjoy the environment with the Desert Vipers.”
“Bilal Tahir from Kuwait is someone we were thrilled to get in the auction,” said Moody. “He is a versatile batter and has been one of the mainstays of his country’s cricket.
“Both players will add value to the Desert Vipers squad, there is no doubt about that.”
Bilal is one of only seven players to play 50 or more T20Is for his country.
Another new player for the Vipers is Tawanda Muyeye but, for Moody, the top-order batter is already a familiar face as the duo have worked together in The Hundred at the Oval Invincibles, where the Vipers Director of Cricket is Head Coach and where he has led that side to three successive titles.
“Tawanda is one of the really exciting young players coming through English cricket,” he said.
“He is a real stroke-player, a dynamic fielder and a great character and leader to have around the group.
“He will add great depth to our top order and he is a really exciting player that has an enormous upside,” Moody said.
The Vipers needed to sign two players from Associate teams for this edition of the tournament and having already secured the services of Andries Gous, the USA wicketkeeper-batter, that left room for one more.
The team’s thinktank went for Scotland batter Thomas Bruce, who started his career in his native New Zealand and playing Twenty20 International cricket for the Black Caps before switching his allegiance to Scotland, where his father was born.
“Tom has a lot of experience,” Moody said. “He is a quality top-order player, a dynamic fielder and will add great depth to our batting options as well as bringing a wealth of cricketing smarts to our group.”
The Desert Vipers will start their campaign for silverware in the first match of season four of the DP World ILT20 on 2 December, facing the Dubai Capitals in a repeat of the final from season three.
The Vipers have reached the final of the tournament twice in the three previous editions, also doing so in the inaugural event, in 2023.
Vipers on TV
Jack Luffman, our Development Lead, made his debut on Emirates TV today. In his inimitable laidback style, he described it as going “alright actually”, and we’re sure it was better than that. Jack was part of yesterday’s amazing auction and is currently leading our Talent Pathway.
Squad locked in! Fakhar Zaman, Qais Ahmad and Sanjay Pahal headline Desert Vipers’ signings
The Desert Vipers have announced an impressive list of new players who will join the squad for season four of the DP World ILT20 following the tournament’s inaugural auction held in Dubai earlier today.
A total of twelve players were purchased by the Desert Vipers at the auction and CEO Phil Oliver, who made the official bids, said the entire management was more than happy with the outcome: “We are really pleased to be looking forward to season four of the DP World ILT20 and it has been a fantastic afternoon and evening. Click here for the full video interview.
“We are very happy with what we have got. It has been an exciting development with (DP World) ILT20, being able to enter an auction.”
Headlining the Desert Vipers shopping spree in Dubai were their three Pakistan acquisitions – fast bowler Naseem Shah plus top-order batters Hassan Nawaz and Fakhar Zaman.
Fakhar Zaman returns to the Vipers after a successful debut in season three, during which he made 222 runs in nine matches at a strike-rate of 134.54, including two half-centuries.
Since that tournament, the top-order batter starred for the Lahore Qalanders in the latest edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), scoring 439 runs with a strike-rate of 152.96, making him the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament for the season.
Speaking about Fakhar, Phil Oliver explained the team’s rationale in bringing him back: “With Fakhar we know what we get with him. He was obviously a big success for us last year. He is a high-quality batter who can open the innings and bat a little bit lower down so he provides some flexibility but what is important is also the character of the player.
“He is a fantastic leader, is great around the group and he is a very important piece of our jigsaw. We are delighted to have him.”
Fakhar’s fellow countryman, fast bowler Naseem Shah, is lined up to feature in the DP World ILT20 for the first time. The 22-year-old recently starred for St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the latest edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with 17 wickets, and he took nine wickets for Islamabad United in the 2025 PSL.
Photo by Satish Kumar / CREIMAS for ILT20
Phil Oliver said Naseem’s speed and flexibility made him a top pick:
“He (Naseem Shah) is explosive, and he has a lot of pace, and he can bowl in all stages of the innings, in all three phases.
“He is going to be a real threat for us with the ball and we are excited to have him because he has that X-factor.”
The Vipers secured the services of a third Pakistan player at the auction by picking up Hassan Nawaz.
The 23-year-old has played three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 22 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) for his country and was part of the squad that reached the final of the recent Asia Cup in the UAE. His hitting power marks him out as an exceptional player in the shortest format and in March 2025 he scored a remarkable 105 not out from only 45 balls against New Zealand in Auckland, the fastest T20I hundred by a Pakistan batter, as his side successfully chased 205 to win, crossing the line with four overs in hand.
In the 2025 PSL Hassan scored 399 runs for Quetta Gladiators at a strike rate of 162.19, making him the third highest run-scorer in the tournament. That haul included 100 from 45 balls against Islamabad United in Rawalpindi.
Phil Oliver said about the batter: “Hassan Nawaz is a power striker and a fantastic talent. And talking of X-factor, he is very much that.
“He had a fantastic PSL, and obviously we kept a close eye on him thereafter, and he is flexible as well. He has got an amazing boundary percentage and he clears the ropes, so he can bat in a variety of positions across the top order and could be a finisher option as well for us. So he is a really good pick.”
Leg-spinner Qais Ahmad returns to the DP World ILT20 for the fourth successive season and the Vipers will be his fourth different team, having previously featured for Gulf Giants, Sharjah Warriorz and last season Dubai Capitals.
The Afghanistan spin bowler has vast white-ball experience around the world in the Big Bash League (Australia), the Lanka Premier League (Sri Lanka), the T20 Blast and The Hundred (England and Wales) and the Caribbean Premier League (West Indies). Qais is capped across all formats for his country.
The Vipers snapped up UAE all-rounder Sanjay Pahal, who featured for the Desert Vipers Development team in the recent ILT20 Development Tournament. He was named player of the tournament for a superb all-round contribution that saw him score 157 runs at a strike-rate of 215 and take 12 wickets.
Another UAE signing was Vriitya Aravind, the first player to be sold in the auction. At just 23 years of age he is, nevertheless, very experienced and offers the Vipers flexibility as he can fulfil a role as a top-order batter and a wicketkeeper.
He is also no stranger to the DP World ILT20 as he featured for MI Emirates in season one and was part of Dubai Capitals’ line-up for the latest edition.
The Vipers completed their UAE list with the signing of Matiullah Khan, an experienced right-arm seam bowler and another player who was part of the Desert Vipers Development Tournament squad. He has played five T20Is for the UAE in 2025, against Bangladesh, Kenya and Nigeria and also featured in a ODI against the USA in Windhoek in 2023.
The Vipers secured the first Saudi Arabia player bought at the auction, batter Faisal Khan. The 28-year-old is his country’s leading run-scorer in T20Is in the past year and his overall record is impressive – 1743 runs in the international format with one hundred and 10 fifties, all scored at an exceptional strike-rate of 173.43. That hundred, 101, was scored from only 42 balls against Cambodia in Doha in November 2024.
The Kuwaiti signing for the franchise was Bilal Tahir, one of only seven players to play 50 or more T20Is for his country. A 27-year-old left-handed batter, he has hit 45 sixes in 58 matches and has an excellent strike-rate of 136.26.
The Vipers had to sign two non-UAE Associate players in their squad and having already contracted Andries Gous, the USA wicketkeeper-batter, their choice at the auction was Scotland’s Thomas Bruce. The right-handed batter made his Scotland debut in August, against Canada, the first of two ODIs he has played, but he featured in 17 T20Is for New Zealand between 2017 and 2020. He qualifies for Scotland through his father, who was born in Edinburgh.
The Vipers’ final successful bid of the auction secured Zimbabwe-born batter Tawanda Muyeye, someone who had a significant impact in domestic cricket in England and Wales in 2025.
The 24-year-old made 516 runs for county side Kent in this year’s T20 Blast, one of only seven players to top 500 runs in the tournament, and he was also a key member of the Oval Invincibles squad – coached by Desert Vipers Director of Cricket Tom Moody – that won the men’s Hundred for the third successive season.
Muyeye made 183 runs at a strike-rate of 147.58 in this year’s Hundred, the fourth-highest run-scorer for the Invincibles in their successful campaign.
Reflecting on the auction process Phil Oliver said it went smoothly from the franchise’s perspective as they were left with almost half a million dollars in purse money: “I think it shows that you have done a pretty good job.
“I think it shows the hard work and impact that the whole team have had together. Tom Moody was on the line from Australia, Freddie Wilde, our analyst, was also with us virtually, and everyone worked together on this. James Foster, our Head Coach, had an input as well, and everyone has put a lot into it, so it is really nice to reflect well on a job well done.”
Desert Vipers Squad
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)
Wanindu Hasaranga (SL)
Direct Signing:
Andries Gous (USA)
Wildcard signing:
Shimron Hetmyer (WI)
Phil Oliver delighted with Vipers’ picks at inaugural auction
Brian Murgatroyd 0:00
Phil, welcome to Vipers voices, and it’s a Vipers voices with a difference, because this has been the first ever DP World ILT 20 player auction. We’re there at the end of the auction, and I’m delighted to say that we’ve got
Brian Murgatroyd 0:17
the CEO of the desert Vipers alongside me. Phil Oliver, Phil, thanks so much for joining us straight off the back of the auction. And I guess the first question has to be, are you happy?
Phil Oliver 0:29
Thanks, Brian, yeah, good to be here. It’s been a little while, but not, not too long ago, that we were talking in the side of the side of the dugout after the last final. So we’re really, yeah, pleased to be looking forward to season four. And it’s, yeah, it’s been a fantastic afternoon and evening. We’re very happy with what we’ve got. It’s been an exciting development with ILC 20 being able to enter an auction. And yeah, we’re very pleased. We’ve ticked all the boxes, as they say
Brian Murgatroyd 0:55
The headlines, I guess, for the desert vipers, the three big Pakistan signings, Fakhar Zaman, Nazim Shah and Hassan Nawaz. What was the thinking there?
Phil Oliver 1:07
Yeah, I mean, Faka to just start with him. We know what we get with him. He was obviously a big success for us last year, high quality batter who can open the innings and batters a bit lower down. So he provides some flexibility, but it’s also the character of the player. He’s a fantastic leader, great around the group. And, yeah, he’s very important piece of our jigsaw. So delighted to have him
Brian Murgatroyd 1:27
Naseem Shah sharp pace bowling option there. That’s quite exciting, isn’t it?
Phil Oliver 1:32
Yes, explosive. Yeah, lots of pace. Can bowl in all stages of leadings, all three phases. So yeah, he’s gonna be a real threat for us, yeah, with with the ball, and here we’re exciting, excited, excited to have him, because he is a bit x factor.
Brian Murgatroyd 1:45
And Hassan Nawaz, I guess, with the bat, a little bit of an X factor as well. Because we know earlier this year, 145 balls for Pakistan against New Zealand in Auckland. He did the same in the PSL as well. What a power striker
Phil Oliver 2:04
fantastic talent. Talking of X Factor, he is very much that you mentioned those innings. He had a fantastic PSL. Obviously kept a close eye on him thereafter, and yet, he’s flexible as well. He’s got an amazing boundary percentage. He clears the ropes. So he can bat in a variety of positions across the top order. And you know, it could be a finisher option as well for us. So, yeah, really good. Pick up.
Brian Murgatroyd 2:25
Have to ask as well, Phil, about the no objection certificate situation with those Pakistan players. How concerned are you as to whether they will actually get the green light to be part of the DP World IoT 20?
Phil Oliver 2:38
I guess it’s a bit of a consideration. But we we go for the talent and making sure that we get the all the positions that we need. We’ve had Pakistan players over the last two seasons. They’ve been a big part of what we’ve done getting to the final last year. As I say, fat was a huge part of that. So, yeah, we’ll cross that bridge if we if we need to come to it. But, you know, we’re just delighted to have them
Brian Murgatroyd 2:59
Two Afghanistan players as well, one of them the risk spinner, case, Ahmed, who’s got a storied T 20 career all around the world as well. So you’re getting experience with him, even though he’s still relatively young.
Phil Oliver 3:12
Yes, we know Qais, well, we’ve played against him in this tournament. Wrist spin is an important part of the jigsaw in in franchise cricket. So yeah, he’s he’s going to be an exciting addition to the to the squad, and I think it’s going to complement what we’ve got in terms of balance of of the attack, young, energetic, good around the field, but yeah, with some experience as well. So yeah, it’s really nice to have him complimenting our spin attack.
Brian Murgatroyd 3:40
And what about faridun darwood, the left arm fast bowler for Afghanistan? No t a name that’s a household name, I guess. But obviously, the Vipers over the years, have had a history of picking lots of left arm quicks, and he’s another one off the production line. In that regard,
Phil Oliver 3:58
they offer something a little bit different, and this, this guy definitely does that. You know, we look at young talent and look further ahead as well. We like developing players in our team and environment. That’s an important part of what we what we do. And he’s an exciting, an exciting young quick bowler who got lots of variation, and obviously, as I say, something a little bit different.
Brian Murgatroyd 4:15
Now you’ve also pulled in right at the end of the auction, there to wonder male who plays for Kent in England, and obviously has played for Tom, for Tom moody at The Oval Invincibles as well. Tom, I guess, was a fairly significant person in terms of getting him on board.
Phil Oliver 4:36
Yeah, Thomas, judgment of a player is second to none. So it’s brilliant to have his input on onto window, who’s had a brilliant summer High Class Act, a really good 100 and season in England. So, yeah, really, really good to have him and adding a touch of, you know, as I said, different sort of, different sort of option at the top of the order. But again, is also flexible and a really good.Like to have around the group. Tom knows him well, as you say, and yeah, we look forward to him getting the Viper’s colors.
Brian Murgatroyd 5:05
Let’s talk about the UAE signings. Phil Victor Aravind, you had the honor of having the first player with the hammer bang down for him, Sanjay pahar and also mutiyala Khan, those two players were part of the Vipers development squad that got to the final of the development tournament. How do you feel about those three?
Phil Oliver 5:29
Yeah, I think it’s a testament to the success of that event. Actually, we paid really close attention to the players were involved in that. The coaches did a great job of developing that group of players. And yeah, it was brilliant to see them up close. Mattiola, we we know from this tournament again, we’ve played against him. We know, yeah, we know what he can bring in terms of new ball bowling and across all three phases, actually. So yeah, he came in for a relatively late in the development tournament, played in that final. Yeah, he really got stuck in and proved himself that at that point. So we’re delighted to have the option to pick him up. Sanjay Bahal was, I think, MVP in that, in that event, exciting player in that he’s three, three disciplines, a genuine all rounder, clears the ropes, big, big hitter and reliable with the ball and safe pair of hands, so and a bit of experience as well. You know, he’s, you know, he’s, he’s plays for high level in India. So he’s a great addition. Rich, yeah, brilliant to have him. You know, he’s someone who’s been a big part of UAE cricket for a while, but still, still young. He’s that brilliant combination of young, but with experience. So, yeah, really, really pleased to have him,
Brian Murgatroyd 6:38
and he offers you the option of keeping wicked as well.
Phil Oliver 6:41
Yes, indeed. Yeah, flexibility and options is important. Yeah, I think it’s yeah. It’s nice to have have that, because combinations is important to have have that as you go throughout the tournament, cover all your bases. So yeah, yeah, Fritz is a brilliant addition.
Brian Murgatroyd 6:57
Now you had one associate player on your list through Andreas house, the USA wicket keeper batter, your second associate player was Tom Bruce, originally from New Zealand, now playing for Scotland thanks to his father, who’s a Scotsman. What was your thinking? There was he always, always one of your top picks, if you like,
Phil Oliver 7:19
yes, yeah, you assemble these shortlists, and you know, Tom has been a part of that, for throughout the process, impact player with a lot of experience again, yeah, and that really nice, that nice mix of having the experience in lots of different conditions, but with plenty to prove and take this opportunity in this league. So delighted to give him the opportunity, and he’s going to be a real option, because, as you say, you know, associates are an important part of this tournament. We’re delighted with how they develop, you know, in our team and environment, as I as I say, and the fact that an associate is in the starting 11, which is a slight change from from last year’s event, it’s important that you get those selections right. And we’re delighted with the two we’ve got,
Brian Murgatroyd 8:00
talking of changes from last year’s event. Of course, we can’t ignore the fact that there were Kuwait players and Saudi Arabia players in the auction as well. And the players you picked up for Kuwait, first of all, Bil al Tahir, lots of experience in a very high strike rate in the middle order. And also Faisal Khan from Saudi Arabia, an exceptional strike rate, a top order batter. Were those two players always on your radar?
Phil Oliver 8:28
Absolutely, yes, it’s, it’s been the fun part actually doing some scouting and and looking around at those options for the GCC nation players who have come in as you, as you say, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for them and for us. You know, we’re really excited about the direction of travel, with ILT20, with the associations, with Kuwait Cricket Board and Saudi Arabia Cricket Board, and these guys have got a brilliant opportunity. You know, they’re going to be playing with some fantastic players. And so everyone wins out for this arrangement. It’s, it’s really exciting, and we look forward to having them with us, that they’re going to learn a lot, but they’re going to offer a lot as well. You know, we’re going to have a really nice diverse group of players, lots of different nationalities, nice cultural mix, and it’s going to be a fantastic December and early January together.
Brian Murgatroyd 9:13
Let’s also, Phil, talk about the players that you bid for that you didn’t get, by my reckoning. Nathan Sowter, who’s been a desert Vipers player for a couple of seasons, the leg spin bowler, who’s had success at the over Invincibles, most recently in the 100 Scott curry, the Scotland all rounder. Brandon McMullen, another all rounder. And again for Scotland, Ibra Ahmed and meet bhavsa. So those players, you put the paddle up, but didn’t end up getting them across the line.Any regrets there?
Phil Oliver 9:47
The way, the way an auction goes, of course, but absolutely no, no complaints. Yeah. Just to touch on Nathan, you know, he’s been a part of the Vipers family for a couple of years, and just really pleased for him as much as anything. That’s the overriding emotion when, when you see a player get picked up at a really nice level for him, we wish him all all the best. You know, he’s a great guy, and he had a really good, good summer. And I’m no surprise that there was so much interested in.
Brian Murgatroyd 10:14
Just give us a little bit of a picture Phil as well. What was it like there at the table? Because, as we’ve said, this was the first ever auction for the DP World, ILT 20, how much tension was there, how much expectation was there, and how much were you looking round at the other tables and seeing what they were doing, how much money they had left, and how did all those things play together?
Phil Oliver 10:39
Yeah, a little bit. I think it was, it was good fun, mainly, of course, as you said, we were the first successful bidder. It was nice to get one. Get it’s getting off the mark, isn’t it, I guess. So that sort of relaxes everyone, I think, on the table. And it was so, you know, it was, well run, you know, you can see exactly what you had left in terms of purse, what the other teams were doing. Richard did a fantastic job.
Phil Oliver 11:01
As auctioneer, and all went very smoothly from from our perspective and in general. So, yeah, great experience. Yeah, it’s been, it’s been a while for an auction to come into into this league, and it’s, it’s been an exciting day. And yeah, we look forward to the results of the auction because the event itself is good fun. But the most important bit is getting the players together and getting cracking in in early December.
Brian Murgatroyd 11:25
Yeah, you ended up not spending all your money. So what does that actually mean to the desert vipers? Can you go out and bring other players in? Is that? Is that what it means?
Phil Oliver 11:36
Well, it’s nice position to be in without looking at the money too closely. Of course, I think it shows that you’ve done a pretty good job. And job. It’s obviously a I think it shows the hard work and impacts that the whole team have had together. You mentioned Tom moody, who was who’s on the line throughout in Australia. Freddie wild, our analyst, yeah, and everyone who worked together on that, James Foster, head coach, had a had an input. He’s New Zealand, so, yeah, everyone puts a lot into it, yeah. So it’s really nice to reflect well on a job well done.
Brian Murgatroyd 12:07
How did all that go? Actually? Phil, with so many people in so many different parts of the world, lot of moving parts for the auction. For you, how easy, or how difficult was it to coordinate all that
Phil Oliver 12:21
thing once just set up and you’ve got the preparations in place, it goes, goes pretty smoothly. We all knew what we needed to do in terms of logistics and process, but also what we need to do in terms of our targets. The work was done ahead of ahead of time, so it was nice to put it into into practice.
Phil Oliver 12:36
So how confident are you feeling now? Phil, obviously, we’re still a couple of months away from the start of the tournament, the Vipers playing the opening match of the tournament against the Dubai capital to repeat of the previous Final of season three. How confident are you? Do you feel? I don’t know, a foot taller perhaps, after getting the auction out the way and getting the people you wanted in the squad,
Phil Oliver 13:02
yeah, I mean it’s it’s definitely wetted the appetite. You know, I think, yeah, we’re two months away from the tournament, and this is, this is really all systems go. Now. We’ve got the we’ve got the squad, and we can’t wait to get going. Yes, we’re confident. It looks great on paper, but as the cliche goes, it’s what happens out on the picture, of course. So we’ve got all the all the ingredients you’re looking forward to getting out there on the second of December against familiar opposition, as you say.
Brian Murgatroyd 13:29
Well, there we are. Then that’s the story from the inaugural DP World ILT 20 draft. The Vipers have got this squad in place, and now it’s a question of, well, the players coming together, the coaching staff coming together, and hopefully everything else coming together for season four of the DP World, ILT 20 and fingers crossed this time Vipers can get their hands on the silverware. Thanks so much for being with us, and we will, of course, be back as the season unfolds.
Phil Oliver 13:59
Thanks, Brian, and thanks for all your hard work today. See you soon.
Brian Murgatroyd 14:03
Thanks, Phil.
DP World ILT20 Auction 2025-26
Our picks
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)
Wanindu Hasaranga (SL)
Direct Signing:
Andries Gous (USA)
Wildcard signing:
Shimron Hetmyer (WI)
Sept 30
We’re ready! We’ll have updates on our picks and more, as it happens on October 1.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel, Jumeriah Beach
When: October 1, 2025, 2pm GST
Rules
- USD 800,000 to spend at the auction plus whatever spend remains unutilised from the USD 1.2M that was available for direct signings and retentions.
- At the end of the auction, each franchise must have spent a minimum of USD 1.5M and a maximum of USD 2M. They may also spend an additional USD 250,000 on as many as two Wildcard players outside the auction.
- All franchises must have a minimum of 19 players and a maximum of 21 players by the end of the auction (excluding Wildcards). Within this there must be a minimum of 11 players from ICC Full Member countries, four from UAE, one from Kuwait, one from Saudi Arabia and two from other ICC Associate Nations.
Let’s go! Join us tomorrow
Desert Vipers raise awareness of microplastic pollution with Cleaner Seas Group
The Desert Vipers cricket team, already established in their campaign to highlight environmental issues and encourage the adoption of green practises in sport, are now set to go green in two more ways for season four of the DP World ILT20.
Firstly, the Vipers have partnered with the Cleaner Seas Group to play their part in reducing the amount of microfibres and microplastics entering the ocean by installing a filter to the Desert Vipers’ team laundry facilities.
And secondly, the franchise have decided to play in green kit for the entire duration of the DP World ILT20 season four to highlight their commitment to sustainability as a core brand value.
As a part of the collaboration the Desert Vipers will arrange for the installation of Cleaner Seas Group INDIKON Microfibre filter to the washing machine at their team hotel to capture microfibres released during washing.
Microfibres from laundry wastewater are the leading cause of primary microplastic pollution in our oceans, with up to 700,000 microfibres shed from clothing every time a washing machine is used, adding up to 91 million fibres leaving every washing machine, every year.
By installing a Cleaner Seas Group filter, the Desert Vipers will capture these fibres for recycling, reducing the amount of microfibres polluting our oceans.
Capturing the damaging microfibres and microplastics will help reduce the negative environmental impact of washing the polyester on marine life and the food chain.
The announcement is the latest in a series of initiatives undertaken by the Desert Vipers to reduce their own impact on the environment in the kit they use and to raise awareness about sustainability issues in sportswear.
The Desert Vipers already play in 100% recycled polyester kit; however, some recent research suggests that recycled polyester could be shedding more microplastics at a greater rate than virgin fibre. This announcement is therefore a logical next step for the team.
Matt Bailey, Head of Strategy for the Desert Vipers, said: “By partnering with Cleaner Seas Group for Season 4 of DP World ILT20, we aim to share how every sports team, hotel, and individual in the world could make a simple change to reduce the environmental impact from washing clothes and sportswear.
“Microplastics are now found in food chains and human and animal bodies. While scientists continue to research potential health implications, we prefer to minimise our environmental impact, avoid pointless plastic, and educate around plastic pollution and recycling.
“At the Desert Vipers we want to be proactive in playing for people and the planet, and the partnership with Cleaner Seas Group is the perfect example of this”.
Dave Miller, Founder and CEO at Cleaner Seas Group, said: “After months of exciting discussion, we are thrilled to be supporting the Desert Vipers in mitigating their plastic footprint by capturing and recycling their laundry pollution.
“The team is not only helping to lessen microplastic impact by installing our groundbreaking filters, but they are also promoting a cricket industry first and helping to set a precedent for teams and hotel laundry rooms worldwide.”
“It is with partners like the Desert Vipers that we can raise awareness and set new sea-saving standards from our laundry rooms. Together we can turn the tide on ocean pollution.”
Jana Janotova, Engagement Officer, Sports for Nature at International Union for Conservation of Nature, said: “As cricket’s first Sports for Nature Framework signatory, the Desert Vipers are committed to taking measurable action for nature.
“This latest initiative highlights how even small actions at the level of sport facilities can lead to bigger changes, both directly and indirectly.
“Using the Sports for Nature Urban Playbook as inspiration, the Desert Vipers have demonstrated that through smart partnerships and cooperation, any sports organisation can lead the way. We look forward to seeing the results of this initiative and sharing the findings with the wider sports community”.
This partnership is just the beginning. While the global sports industry has been relatively slow to address issues from microfibres in sportswear, the Desert Vipers and Clean Seas Group are committed to showing how sports can play its part in driving a more sustainable future, benefitting both people and the planet.
This decision to play in green kit for the whole of season four of the DP World ILT20 reflects the Desert Vipers’ desire to raise awareness of the existential challenge that cricket faces from climate change.
Fans can look forward to seeing the new look for the team that will be unveiled shortly before the tournament starts on December 2.
The Desert Vipers also have a very special surprise in store for the kit for the team’s annual Sustainability Match, this year against the Dubai Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium on December 14.
Submitting to the United Nations and Global Sustainability Benchmark in Sports
It’s been a busy week at Desert Vipers, with the finalisation of our Season 3 Carbon Footprint! Keep an eye out for the report in mid-November, showing our score and where we can improve in Season 4 (sneak preview: it’s good news!)
After we finalised our footprint, we were able to submit to the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework – our second submission. We are proud to be the only cricket signatory from Asia, and we take this commitment very seriously.
That’s not all this week, as we have also submitted to the Global Sustainability Benchmark in Sports (GSBS) for the second time. GSBS scores across environmental, social, governance, and corporate areas of our organisation, and so provides an assessment of areas beyond pure environmental sustainability. We are looking forward to seeing how we have done later in the year!
Stay tuned for more special updates next week.
Hello hello and Kasa Kay Mumbai!
Sanjeevan Sandhu
It feels so good to be here. The city of dreams…
Mumbai hits different. By ‘hits’, I mean literally as soon as you arrive in the city. Whether it be the humid sea breeze, the high rise buildings or the sheer busyness once you pass through airport security. It’s something that’s unique to this city and I’ve learned to love it.
It’s a milestone moment for Desert Vipers as our schools programme commences. We are here to work with DY Patil International School Worli and All Heart Cricket Academy. Two respected institutions who proudly contribute to Mumbai and Indian growth.
Time to rock and roll.
First up is DY Patil International School in Worli and a special thank you to Ms. Pooja Patil for the invite. Ms. Kinnari and her team served up a wonderful welcome for myself, Amey and Hitesh. Every staff member we met offered us refreshments…at least twice! For an 8.30am start with Grades 10 – 12, the setup was already complete by time of our 7.30am arrival. That says it all.
For the 80+ students in grades 10 – 12 we delivered An Introduction to Mental Fitness assembly. Within our classic icebreaker, my favourite of the three questions is about a dream job. Two students bravely volunteered in front of their peers: one is aiming to be a physiotherapist / sports trainer for a Formula One driver, and another is aiming for a specialism in child psychology for those who have come from underprivileged backgrounds.
That set the tone and from that point onwards, I was impressed with the camaraderie between learners and the amount of questions students asked post-session. From a student sharing about an animal-head dissection experiment, to gold-medal sailing aspirations, this cohort had it covered. Already I’m excited to learn how they get on.
Next, we were whisked upstairs to the lovely library. A nostalgic setting for the 30+ parents. After more than 7 years working with parents, this was up there with the most special. To kick off, we enquired about what the parents wanted to gain from our time together. They are the ones who made the effort to be there and they engaged right away. From practical tips to deal with their child’s disappointment to balancing academic and sporting ambition to social media and beyond. Time flew by and combining ideas from Vipers and fellow parents, it ended on a fulfilling note. A headline for this could have been: in a world where information and misinformation is so prevalent, parents working with the teaching staff to provide a genuinely safe space is the absolute priority.
Finally, we made our way to All Heart cricket academy for another Introduction to Mental Fitness. Special shoutout to Mr.Tejas who ensured the cricketers and coaching group were well primed. From the moment we started, what shone through was deep curiosity. An example of this is how the senior cricketers (aged 17+) were the first to contribute and ask questions in a group setting. This crucially normalises the topic for peers plus the younger athletes in the room, who are traditionally more conscious of judgement. Dissecting the approach of Ben Stokes, Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli and beyond ensured the boys were left well equipped with practical tools for them to improve their mental fitness. Post-session, the respect from the cricketers to form a line and one by one ask specific questions about building an innings, responding to being hit for a boundary, disclosing injuries, waiting for the ‘magic moment’, dealing with social media trolling, taunts from parents and beyond.
What a thrilling time in the city. Each of those sessions could have lasted 3 x the duration. This shows the thirst in Indian societies to learn more about mental fitness and we will be back soon to quench this!
Thank you Mumbai for hosting us and we are getting ready to return soon.
#fangsout
“Lockie Ferguson will definitely be captain again” – Foster talks selection ahead of the DP World ILT20 auction
Head Coach James Foster has confirmed that New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson will continue to lead the Desert Vipers in season four of the DP World ILT20.
Foster made the announcement when he spoke to the Vipers Voices podcast about player retentions and the strategy ahead of the first-ever player auction at the DP World ILT20.
The team has retained seven players for season four – Ferguson, plus all-rounders Dan Lawrence and Sam Curran, batter Max Holden, left-arm death-bowling specialist David Payne, leg-spinning all-rounder from Sri Lanka Wanindu Hasaranga and UAE fast bowler Khuzaima Bin Tanveer.
And explaining the strategy behind those retentions, James Foster said: “It has been a brilliant last three seasons and what is important to us is trying to keep a core of players and we wanted to do that again.
“But you can only retain or direct (sic) sign ‘X’ number of players within a certain salary cap. So our hands were tied in that respect.”
The coach added that the decision to retain Lockie Ferguson as captain was an easy one:
“Lockie (Ferguson) was fantastic for us this year for the season just gone. I loved working with him and considering it was his first franchise experience as captain, he was outstanding.
“I absolutely loved everything about Lockie and what he brought to the table through his values. The players loved working and playing under him. He will definitely be captain next season.”
When discussing all-rounder Sam Curran’s retention in the team the Head Coach was especially excited about Curran’s return to national duty, with the all-rounder recalled to the England white-ball squad for the ongoing Twenty20 International series against Ireland.
“Sam (Curran) has been phenomenal for us, not just his form with the bat and ball in the field, but just his character and the way he leads around the group,” Foster said. “He stepped in a few times for Lockie as captain and he was great in that aspect as well because he really galvanises the group.
“And regarding his selection for England, everyone at the Desert Vipers was absolutely thrilled for him. He has been banging down that door and he really, truly deserves this opportunity. Game after game and year after year in so many competitions around the world he has been delivering time and time again.
“And character-wise, if you could choose a type of character you want in your team, he would be there every single time. I am delighted for him.”
James Foster has had the chance to work with the Vipers’ wild card signing Shimron Hetmyer in the past and said he was delighted that the team was able to sign the West Indies batter: “He has been super-successful against us (for the Gulf Giants against the Desert Vipers) but also very successful against other teams in our league and also around the world globally.
“He is a sought-after player and I have worked with him in a couple of teams, at London Spirit (in The Hundred) and in the T10 (Morrisville SAMP Army). He is another good guy who will fit in our environment perfectly. The environment piece is a very important piece for us as a franchise, and he ticks that box hugely.
“Shimron’s skill set has everything that we need. He is a left-hander, he is a powerful player, he has experience, he leads and he is a good fielder.”
Looking ahead to the much-awaited player auction, James Foster said: “It brings an air of excitement and unpredictability. I believe you have got to go into that auction very, very well-planned. And I guess it is also great for the league to help drive some interest, get some eyes on how the auction goes, and to see what type of players get picked up.
“It will be fascinating to see how it works. But we will go into that process fully planned. We have got Freddie Wilde who will be overseeing that, and he is arguably one of the best (analysts) going around.
“There are so many moving parts to an auction but we will be fully planned, which I believe will then give us the best chance to have a very successful experience.”
