Latest news with #DesertVipers
Arab News
10-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Desert Vipers launch talent pathway program to develop UAE's future cricket stars
DUBAI: The Dubai-based Desert Vipers cricket franchise have unveiled a talent pathway and development program aimed at identifying and nurturing the UAE's most promising young players, it was announced on Thursday. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Targeting boys in the U-14, U-16 and U-19 age groups, the initiative will offer a direct route into the Desert Vipers' International League T20 first-team setup. Participants will benefit from elite training, mentorship and coaching delivered by a world-class team of international experts. The program will also welcome talented girls across similar age groups, highlighting the Vipers' long-term commitment to developing the women's game in the region. Trials took place on June 18 at the ICC Academy, with a select group of male and female players chosen to progress into the elite program. The official launch is set for September 2025, when the selected cohort will begin structured training under the guidance of the Desert Vipers' high-performance staff. 'Through this initiative, we're building a clear and aspirational pathway for talented young cricketers in the UAE,' said Phil Oliver, CEO of the Desert Vipers. 'This is about more than just identifying talent — it's about developing future professionals in an environment where excellence is the standard.' The program is made possible through a multi-year partnership with Balqis Capital, whose support reflects a strategic vision for growing both grassroots and professional cricket in the Gulf region, a statement said. Steven Schofield, founder of the Talent Pathway and director at Balqis Capital, added: 'We are proud to be pioneers, launching a first-of-its-kind program that gives talented young boys and girls a clear pathway into professional cricket. At Balqis Capital, we believe in backing ambition — whether in sport, business or life. 'This initiative reflects our values of discipline, opportunity and long-term vision, and we're delighted to be working with the fantastic team at the Desert Vipers to deliver it.'
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'Not lifting the trophy is frustrating, but we're close': Tom Moody opens up on Desert Vipers' retentions, ILT20's evolution and road ahead
Desert Vipers have twice finished runners-up in ILT20. (Creimas) The International League T20 (ILT20) - UAE's premier franchise league - has taken a major step towards its fourth season with the announcement of player retentions. Each team was permitted to retain up to eight players ahead of the first-ever ILT20 auction, scheduled for September. Among them, Desert Vipers made the most significant move, retaining seven players from their 2025 squad - the most by any franchise - and signing USA wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous as their lone direct addition. The decision aligns with their philosophy of continuity and consistency. The Vipers' retained list includes Lockie Ferguson (captain), Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga, Max Holden, Dan Lawrence, David Payne, and Khuzaima bin Tanveer, one of UAE's fast emerging bowlers. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! In an exclusive interview with Tom Moody, the team's Director of Cricket, admitted that whittling down the squad to meet the retention cap was a challenge, especially given the team's emphasis on stability and squad cohesion over the years. 'It's a very difficult process, particularly given the philosophy that we've tried to carry through from year one and that's to try to have some sort of continuity and consistency with our squad. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo To build that familiarity around the environment that we're building,' he explained. 'Unfortunately, you have to make some difficult decisions.' Tom Moody with Desert Vipers captain Lockie Ferguson in ILT20. (Creimas) Ferguson will continue as captain despite missing a few games last season due to rotation and fitness. Moody emphasised that his off-field value and leadership made him the ideal candidate. 'We think the leadership role is more than someone that is available 100% of the time. There's no guarantee the captain or any player for that matter is going to be available for 100% of the time. What Lockie could offer from a leadership perspective outweighed the fact that he might miss a game or two.' Backing Ferguson is Curran, who stepped in as captain during Lockie's absence and has impressed the management with his on-field maturity. 'Sam has got a lot of great leadership qualities and we enjoyed him taking over the reins for those few games,' Moody said. Auction focus: Pakistan players, local talent in sight Lockie Ferguson has been retained by the Desert Vipers for the fourth season of ILT2. (Creimas) The upcoming ILT20 auction will be the first of its kind for the league, and Moody's experience with player auctions in the IPL and other global leagues will be invaluable. He laid out a clear strategy - fill remaining gaps and build on existing relationships. 'We'll be looking in the auction for obvious talent that fits the voids that we have in our squad.' The Vipers have previously featured a number of Pakistan players, and Moody confirmed they remain part of the franchise's recruitment radar. 'We've had a number of Pakistan players involved with us and we've enjoyed a good relationship with them both on and off the field. They'll be a playing group that we'll be looking at closely.' The team is also closely monitoring UAE players. 'We could only retain one UAE player, and we believe Bin Tanveer is a really exciting talent. We'll be certainly looking closely at ones we've had an ongoing relationship with.' Moody warned that the auction could present unexpected challenges, but said the key lies in staying flexible and avoiding emotional decisions. 'Auction can be volatile. Players attract more attention than expected, and prices go up. It's important that you remain focused on your plan and not get caught too much in the emotion... and be well prepared with other options.' As for the Vipers' repeated heartbreaks in finals, Moody prefers to see the glass half full. Desert Vipers have retained Sam Curran for the next season of ILT20. (Creimas) 'Not taking that final step is frustrating. I'd be reluctant to think that we need to do too many things differently because I think once you as a franchise, both on and off the field, get a lot of the things right to put yourself in that consistent position of playing finals, I think it's a matter of time that you jump that final hurdle,' Moody said. 'We only have to look at the last final. It's the smallest of margins that can turn a final one way or the other... not getting too caught up in those setbacks and disappointments is important. If anything, we should celebrate that we're consistently putting ourselves in a position to win trophies.' With a solid core, measured planning, and a clear developmental pathway in place, the Desert Vipers are not just chasing silverware - they're shaping their identity as one of ILT20's most consistent teams. ILT20's impact and the Vipers' bigger picture Moody credited the ILT20 with raising the standard of cricket in the UAE, likening its role to what the IPL did for India in its early years. 'I've personally seen the development of young players with the exposure and experiences that they've had in the first three seasons. We've seen a lot of players really develop underneath our feet.' The ILT20 Development Tournament has become a key scouting ground for franchises, offering local talent a stage to perform under pressure. 'It enables us to do the necessary scouting with them performing right in front of us.' Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Al Etihad
08-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Tom Moody sees growth and ambition for Desert Vipers and UAE cricket
9 July 2025 00:50 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)Desert Vipers coach Tom Moody is optimistic about both his team's trajectory in the International League T20 (ILT20) and the wider development of UAE cricket, citing progress in player maturity, strong franchise stability and a consistent upward guided the Vipers to two finals in the three seasons of the UAE's flagship franchise cricket tournament, the veteran Australian coach also conceded that the franchise has done everything and yet, fell short of winning the title.'We had the opportunity to reflect on what we've done well. And there are a lot of things that we've done well. You don't reach two finals in three years without getting a lot of things right,' Moody said.'As we look to continue to evolve and grow as a franchise, that's exactly what we're intending to do in Season 4 and beyond – evolve both on and off the field.'This season the league has advanced as it vies for better positioning in a crowded cricket calendar and the T20 World Cup happening next year in India in that time frame. A few more tweaks are also being introduced for ILT20 4.A strong proponent of the ILT20, Moody said. 'The ILT20 as a whole has got a big advantage that it is contained in one geographical spot. So when it comes to logistics, travel, training and recovery – all those types of things – we're pretty central. Our circus is very much contained, and that's a huge plus for a positive environment. A lot of players and coaches like the consistency of that.'All six participating franchises have announced a few players they would retain, and Vipers, known for including a quartet of Pakistani players last season as the only franchise to sign the countrymen, have not yet expressed intention to retain any of them early rest of the five franchises have Indian owners and so Vipers remain the only avenue for players from Pakistan and Bangladesh. To a question from Aletihad on the luxury of exclusivity on such player options, Moody, chose to play with a straight bat.'Everyone's got the opportunity to pick from the global cricketing pool,' he said. 'We have enjoyed the relationships we've had with a few Pakistan players over the last couple of years. We pick what we feel is the most fitting players and skill sets that we need for our squad.'Moody did take note of the development in UAE's local talent. 'The exposure that the UAE players have got from the beginning to this point now, we've seen a huge uptick not only in skill improvement but also in performing under pressure,' he said.'There is improvement, both mentally and technically. And I'm sure that this upward curve is only going to continue... patience is required,' Moody said. 'We've only really seen the rise of UAE cricket over recent years. What we're seeing is significant growth and players continuing to develop with exposure, particularly through the ILT20 and the various development tournaments.'For UAE cricket to take the next leap, Moody believes consistent performances from the national side players in the ILT20 will in due course attract attention on the world stage. 'Once the consistency of performances in existing tournaments is there, naturally the opportunities will continue to be given to the UAE to take that next step up.'On action elsewhere, Moody last week questioned India's chances in the second Test against England, which India won, thanks to Shubhman Gill's team having more all-rounders than specialist batsmen. Comparing the argument with the demand for all-rounders in T20 leagues, Moody said: 'In Tests, you're dealing with ever-changing conditions, over five days of cricket. And you want more specialists in those positions, whereas in T20 cricket, having the depth is an option that provides you with the opportunity to pivot a lot quicker in the shorter format.' Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
T20 superstars return to DP World International League T20
8 July 2025 12:22 DUBAI (WAM)Some of the biggest T20 superstars from around the world will feature in the DP World International League T20. The DP World International League T20 Season 4 will begin on December 2 with a blockbuster World International League T20 Season 4 will feature six teams across a 34-match tournament, with the final on January 4, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2022 winners Alex Hales, Chris Woakes, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Phil Salt and Sam Curran are among the returning the star-studded England line-up of players at the DP World ILT20 Season 4, West Indies mega stars Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Sherfane Rutherford and Shai Hope will be giving it their all for their respective Indies stars Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Sherfane Rutherford and Shai Hope will also feature, alongside Zimbabwe's Sikandar Raza and Afghanistan's Fazalhaq Farooqi. Australia's Tim David and New Zealand's Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee have confirmed teams have completed the first phase of squad selection (eight players each). The first phase for Season 4 squad selection included the retention window for players from Season 3 and the new signings window which finished on 16th and 30th June, the second phase of the Season 4 squad selection process, the teams will complete their respective squads at the DP World ILT20 Season 4 Player Auction – date and details to be announced in the next few Capitals added Afghanistan's Waqar Salamkheil, Luke Wood and Muhammad Jawadullah to strengthen their bowling. Abu Dhabi Knight Riders signed Alex Hales, Liam Livingstone and Sherfane Desert Vipers have included former ADKR opener Andries Gous as their new signing; the Season 1 and Season 3 finalists have retained the core of their Season 3 squad. Dan Lawrence, David Payne, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Lockie Ferguson, Max Holden, Sam Curran and Wanindu Hasaranga will be rejoining the Vipers for Season 1 winners Gulf Giants have signed Afghanistan's globally recognised all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai, who will be making his DP World ILT20 debut this season while donning the Giants kit as one of their new Moeen Ali returns to the DP World ILT20, the T20 great will be playing for the Giants as a new signing. Dashing Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz is the other new Giants' Season 4 signing. Gurbaz's earlier DP World ILT20 stints were with Sharjah Warriorz (Season 1), Dubai Capitals (Season 2) and Desert Vipers (Season 3).Season 2 winners MI Emirates have added all-round strength to their squad by including the all-format all-rounder – Chris Woakes as a new signing. Sri Lanka's upcoming all-rounder Kamindu Mendis is the other MI Emirates new signing for Season 4 – Mendis will be making his DP World ILT20 Warriorz have added Sikandar Raza (previous team Dubai Capitals) – the globetrotting Zimbabwean all-rounder was the Season 2 Red Belt Winner – Most Valuable Player. Sri Lanka's star white-ball spinner Maheesh Theekshana returns to the side as a new signing, he had appeared in eight games for the Warriorz in Season 2 of the DP World ILT2o. Warriorz have included Australia's big-hitting batter Tim David as a new signing. David played for MI Emirates in Season 1 and the Gulf Giants in Season 2. USA left-arm fast bowler Saurabh Netravalkar has also joined the Warriorz.
Gulf Today
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Vipers retain Curran, Hasaranga for 4th edition of ILT20
The Desert Vipers are pleased to announce a list of seven retained players and one direct signing for the fourth edition of the UAE's DP World ILT20 tournament. Captain Lockie Ferguson leads the roster of returning players, which also includes all-rounder Sam Curran and Sri Lanka's spin maestro Wanindu Hasaranga, an ever-present for the Vipers across the history of the tournament. Director of Cricket Tom Moody welcomed the retained players on behalf of the Desert Vipers but also made it clear that although no Pakistani players featured in that retained list, they were certainly a part of the team's wider strategy. 'Yes absolutely (we can expect Pakistani players to feature for the Vipers in season four),' he said. 'I am sure now with an auction process that is happening in September, that we will see a few Pakistan players nominate for that auction. 'And we would be very keen to have a look at what talent is applying for that auction. We have got a good relationship with Pakistan and Pakistan cricketers and there is no mistaking their talent. 'If we can build our squad with two or three Pakistan players, we certainly will do, because they bring so much both on and off the field.' Speaking about how the retained players were selected, the Director of Cricket said it was not easy to pick and choose: 'We have built a long association with a core group in the first three years of the ILT20 and, we pride ourselves on trying to have that continuity and consistency with our playing group, but to be restricted to eight players was a challenge.' Moody did confirm that Lockie Ferguson was being retained as captain of the team, as the management felt he was a huge success in season three and had impressed with his game awareness and player-management both on and off the field. 'We knew going into season three and even going into season four, that with Lockie, there was a strong chance he was not going to be able to play every game (because of injuries or the need to rest),' he said. 'We pride ourselves on having a squad that can accommodate the rotation of our fast bowlers, particularly ones that have got a history of picking up a niggle here or there. But Lockie's leadership last season was brilliant. 'His connection with the players was second to none, as was his understanding of the game – after all, he has been around a long time. 'The players certainly embraced Lockie's leadership style. And he did not let us down one little bit, both on and off the field.' Also retained is all-rounder Sam Curran, who was chosen as player of the tournament in season three of the DP World ILT20 for his consistent performances with the bat and ball. Curran was an easy pick, said Moody, with the duo having a long and successful working relationship across continents and leagues. 'Sam is a complete player and we are delighted to have him back with the franchise because he brings so many good qualities, whether it be leadership, his all-round talent on the field or his real competitive spirit out in the middle.
