Pakistani spin sensation Usman Tariq has joined the Desert Vipers ahead of the post-season play-offs of the DP World ILT20.
The off-spinner has arrived as a replacement for captain Lockie Ferguson after the New Zealand pace bowler suffered a tournament-ending injury.
Usman Tariq has enjoyed a sensational 2025 in Twenty20 cricket, making his debut for his country in the format in November and taking six wickets in two matches in a tri-series against South Africa and Zimbabwe, including a hat-trick against the latter in Rawalpindi.
The 27-year-old was selected for Pakistan following a superb debut campaign in this year’s Caribbean Premier League (CPL), where he took 20 wickets in 10 matches for the Trinbago Knight Riders, the second-best haul in the tournament, as his side lifted the silverware.
Usman has also previously featured in the Pakistan Super League for Quetta Gladiators.
Lockie Ferguson was ruled out of action for the remainder of this edition of the DP World ILT20 after suffering a calf injury in the defeat against MI Emirates on December 21..
Desert Vipers Director of Cricket Tom Moody said: “We are delighted to have Usman join us for the business end of the tournament.
“He is on the crest of a wave at the moment given his success in Pakistan’s T20I side and his sensational performances in the CPL. He is consistent, varies his pace and has an unusual action which adds to the test he presents to opposition batters.
“He has also proved himself as a big-game player in this format through his performances in the CPL as well as what he did last month in international cricket. He is a real threat with the ball and the variety he offers provides us with a valuable extra option.
“We are extremely sad to lose Lockie as both an outstanding fast bowler and also our captain. He once again showed himself to be a terrific leader this season both on and off the pitch and we wish him well for a speedy recovery from injury.”
After finishing top of the regular season league standings with a record-breaking eight wins from 10 matches, the Desert Vipers’ next match of the DP World ILT20 is Qualifier 1 in Abu Dhabi on December 30.
If the Vipers win that match, they will go forward to the final on January 4; if they lose then they will have a second chance to reach the final via Qualifier 2 in Sharjah on January 2.
The Desert Vipers’ more sustainable line of clothing from PALMFIT is now available via the franchise’s online shop: https://shop.thedesertvipers.com
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For more information please contact: Brian Murgatroyd & Roshni Jayakrishnan: media@thedesertvipers.com
