Pakistani left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar says he is excited to join the Desert Vipers DP World ILT20 campaign and is looking forward to playing a significant role for the team as the business end of the tournament commences.
Zafar has joined the Vipers as a replacement for Afghanistan left-arm wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad and linked up with the squad ahead of the team’s final league game against Sharjah Warriorz on Friday.
He spoke to the Vipers Voices podcast about the challenges of joining the team so late in the tournament with the play-offs about to start but was positive about the opportunity before him.
The player said he had just finished playing List A cricket in Pakistan and was on his way back to England when he received the offer from the Desert Vipers.
“I was at the airport waiting for my flight and then I got the text from Tom Moody,” he said. “When I heard he wanted me to come here (to the UAE) I was so excited I did not even ask how many games were left (in the tournament).
“I am pretty lucky to get this chance to play for the Vipers as I just finished my tournament (in Pakistan). I spoke with Tom after he asked if wanted to come and I responded by saying I would love to (join the Vipers).
“He (Tom Moody) is a wonderful man and I feel like he is probably one of the top coaches I have worked with in my life because he keeps you relaxed and that helps to bring out the best out of your skill, whatever you have to offer.
“My experience at the Oval (Invincibles during the latest edition of The Hundred in England and Wales) was of a relaxed environment whenever you come (to work) and especially when Moods (Tom Moody) is there, so it is very exciting (for me to work with him again).”
Zafar arrives off the back of List A cricket in Pakistan, and that followed an excellent season in English county cricket for Middlesex where he took 38 wickets in first-class cricket, as well as 14 wickets in the T20 Blast.
Now based in England, Zafar explained why he had headed to Pakistan in the winter months: “It is pretty cold in England right now, so Middlesex actually encourages you to go and take up opportunities around the world to play and get some games in. So, I decided to go out there to Pakistan and play some white ball cricket.
“That helps me to keep bowling while also getting a different experience,” he added.
Having played county cricket since 2021, along with his previous experience of representing Pakistan at the highest level, Zafar Gohar said he had come into the Vipers squad with many of the players already known to him.
“I know almost everyone because I played with a couple of guys at Oval Invincibles and a couple of guys in county cricket as well. So, for me, fitting in was not really a problem.”
Looking ahead to the Desert Vipers campaign in the finals, Zafar Gohar said he hoped to have the opportunity to bowl in the power play, a role he was familiar with from his time with Middlesex.
“Richard Johnson, the Middlesex head coach, told me three or four months before the (latest) season began that he wanted me to bowl with the new ball.
“I actually bowled mostly in the power play this year. I really enjoyed that role and had such a good experience of doing that.”
The Desert Vipers next play against the MI Emirates in Qualifier 1 on December 30 in Abu Dhabi. MI Emirates’ final appearance in the league stage saw them defeat Dubai Capitals by a hefty margin in Abu Dhabi, and their spin attack was highly effective.
Zafar Gohar said he was hoping to have the chance to play for the Vipers in Abu Dhabi, and said the recent presence of dew in the night games of the DP World ILT20 was not a major concern.
“We usually wet the ball in training and then try to bowl with the wet ball (to get used to bowling in conditions where dew plays a role). I mean, it happens quite a lot around the world, especially if you are playing night games.
“So, I feel like every cricketer nowadays is pretty used to doing that. So you have got to plan and then try and execute it.”
Despite only linking up with the Vipers ahead of the match against the Sharjah Warriorz, Zafar said he was already a fan of the franchise and hopes to come back for a longer period of time.
“I would love to play a full season for the Vipers,” he said. “I have heard great things about the Vipers from all the players who have been playing here. I also spoke to a few players after I signed (and they say the same thing).
“It is such a great franchise. I would love to come back again and play for them.”
