Desert Vipers

The Desert Vipers, a cricket team in the DP World ILT20 league, are excited to announce their new partnership with JA The Resort, a leading destination within the JA Resort & Hotels brand. This collaboration emphasizes their shared dedication to sustainability, environmental protection, and community involvement.

A major aspect of this partnership is the Desert Vipers’ pledge to the Sports for Nature Framework, a global initiative launched by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy. This initiative strives to make significant strides in incorporating nature conservation into sports by 2030. The Desert Vipers are the first professional cricket team to join this groundbreaking effort, setting a global standard for environmental responsibility in sports. Meredith McCurdy, Programme Leader for Sports for Nature at the IUCN, praised the Desert Vipers for placing sustainability at the heart of their brand, operations, and partnerships. The team also became the first cricket organization and the first sports team from the Middle East to be part of the framework. McCurdy expressed confidence that the Desert Vipers would be a valuable addition to the global Sports for Nature community, inspiring others in the cricket world to take action for environmental preservation.

The team's commitment is particularly meaningful for Wanindu Hasaranga, the Desert Vipers’ star all-rounder, who is a passionate wildlife photographer. Hasaranga shares the team’s love for nature and conservation. Ahead of his achievement of 300 T20 wickets in the Desert Vipers' dominant victory over the Sharjah Warriors, Hasaranga showcased his leopard photography from Sri Lanka to students at Jebel Ali School, just before the BioBlitz results were announced. The students, who are strong advocates for sustainability, were not surprised to see them win in the final analysis. Since all turf sports are closely linked to the outdoors, the Desert Vipers are committed to making environmental sustainability an integral part of their strategy. Grass, an essential part of the game, helps with carbon sequestration, supports biodiversity, provides habitats, and improves air quality. Additionally, physical exercise is crucial for human health, and the Desert Vipers believe that sport relies on nature. They recognize the importance of safeguarding the environment for the future of cricket.