The Desert Vipers announced their squad for the upcoming year’s UAE International T20 League that has been packed with a string of power-hitting stars. In an announcement, the Vipers announced the landing of Sam Billings, Wanindu Hasaranga and Sheldon Cottrell.
Owned by the Manchester United bosses, the Glazers family, this team also announced the signing of a Pakistani player so far, the first from India’s neighbour country to star in the franchise tournament. Another significant name to have starred in the franchise with Sam Billing’s compatriot, Alex Hales who recently stepped foot in the 10000 run club in T20 cricket.
The side also Onboarded the likes of RCB spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga while Sheldon Cottrell will be spearheading the pace department of the side. They also roped in the likes of iconic Australian coach, Tom Moody who shares a glorious past with IPL stints with Punjab Kings and the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He was also the coach of the Lankan side that lost to Australia in the 2008 final.
Delighted to present #DesertVipers @ILT20Official 2023 squad. Excited to have such a great combination of talent – we're all looking forward to what will be a fantastic tournament. #internationalleaguet20 #ilt20 #UAE #cricket pic.twitter.com/EpUMEGbRYd
— Desert Vipers (@TheDesertVipers) August 19, 2022
Former English wicket-keeping batter, James Foster who is at the moment taking care of Northern Superchargers will also be joining the side alongside the prized likes of Moody, hoping to make bigger waves in the maiden edition of the tournament.
Pakistan🇵🇰 keeper-batter Azam Khan is an exciting addition to Desert Vipers!
He is one of the world’s best players of spin in T20 cricket, averaging 35 with a strike rate of 160 against slower bowlers – Azam is ideally suited to attacking those middle overs for #DesertVipers. pic.twitter.com/hZ0Uica2Zv
Advertisement— Desert Vipers (@TheDesertVipers) August 19, 2022
Moody was also heard quoting in an official statement, “I’m honored to lead the cricket operations of Desert Vipers in what promises to be an entertaining and high-quality tournament. We have assembled an excellent mix of youth and experience in a highly skilled squad and I warmly welcome our players from all over the world in what is truly an international event.”
The franchises of the tournament are mainly owned by IPL owners that will has onboarded some serious names. With Azam Khan coming in the mix, this is another interesting move from the Vipers:
Here is the squad for Desert Vipers for the upcoming series:
Wanindu Hasaranga, Sam Billings, Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Tom Curran, Sandeep Lamichhane, S Mahmood, Sherfane Rutherford, Ben Duckett, Ben Howell, Sheldon Cottrell, R Trumpelmann, Azam Khan.
