This time we can confirm the players who have been retained and signed by the Vipers for Season 5 of the league.

The organisers have allowed a maximum of four retentions and direct signings ahead of a player auction in October and the players that are now on the Vipers books for a tilt at back-to-back titles are Andries Gous, Dan Lawrence, Shimron Hetmyer and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, the latter, the Afghanistan mystery spinner being the franchise’s direct signing.

Coming up we hear from Vipers Director of Cricket Tom Moody, who explains the thinking behind the retentions and the signing, as well as offering an explanation for some of the big names who don’t feature in the retained list and the challenges for the Vipers and other franchises in the face of league regulations relating to players for the coming season.

Tom also talks to us about the recent ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, which saw the Vipers finish third in the five-team event in Guyana, the first time the side had competed outside the UAE – and he discusses the prospect of the Vipers going back-to-back this season. Can the team become the first to retain the DP World ILT20 crown? Well, Tom lets us have his thoughts on that. It’s a great listen, as it always is when Tom speaks, and it’s well worth your time...

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This time we wrap up the Vipers’ participation in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) – both on and off the field.

We speak with Vipers CEO Phil Oliver about the successes and disappointments of the side’s campaign and we also hear from Alan Smith of NatureWave, one of the Vipers’ key partners in activities away from the tournament action.

The GSL was a five-team event that also featured the hosts and defending champions the Guyana Amazon Warriors from the Caribbean Premier League, the San Francisco Unicorns of the USA's Major League Cricket, the Lahore Qalandars from the Pakistan Super League and Australia’s Perth Scorchers XI from the Big Bash League and it was the first time the Vipers had played in a competition outside of the UAE.

Phil also looks ahead to the ILT20 Development Tournament, set for September, and Season 5 of the DP World ILT20 with the Vipers hoping to become the first side to win back-to-back titles.

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In this episode we hear how the Vipers were knocked out of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League.

In Friday night's Qualifier for the Grand Final at Providence Stadium, the Vipers suffered an eight wicket loss to the San Francisco Unicorns, meaning that it’s the USA side that goes forward to Saturday’s ultimate match against the hosts and defending champions the Guyana Amazon Warriors.

The Vipers made 122 for seven after being put into bat and the Unicorns replied with 126 for two, winning with 23 balls in hand.

Coming up we hear from head coach Azhar Mahmood as he reflects on the defeat and also the tournament as a whole.

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Ahead of the Vipers’ Qualifier in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League against the San Francisco Unicorns on Friday night, the match to decide which team goes forward to face the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the Grand Final on Saturday, we hear from teenage spin sensation Vitel Lawes.

The 19 year-old, a late call-up for the squad, has featured in every match of the tournament for the franchise, bowling with impressive maturity and control but it was his batting that helped secure the latest win for Shadab Khan’s side, against the Perth Scorchers XI, a result that secured that Qualifier spot.

Vitel was in the midst of his debut international series, the five One-Day Internationals against New Zealand in Guyana and Barbados, when he was offered the chance to join the Vipers and in our chat he explains how that felt and also why he jumped at the opportunity.

Vitel also tells us about his cricketing journey – how it began in his native Jamaica, who his main mentor is and who he looks up to as a cricketing hero.

He also tells about his experience of playing in the GSL, his first franchise tournament, including his dramatic contribution to the win against the Perth Scorchers XI and why he always appears so positive on the field..

Vitel also explains why he’s hungry for more opportunities to ply his trade.

On top of all that, he discusses the Vipers’ prospects in the Qualifier against the San Francisco Unicorns, a match that is win or bust for both teams.

It’s a great introduction to a player who, if he maintains his current trajectory, is someone who will be around at the top level for many years to come.

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It’s back-to-back wins for the Vipers in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, this time beating the Perth Scorchers XI – but this win was by the narrowest margin, just one wicket.

Shadab Khan’s side restricted the Australian team to 112 for six but really struggled to chase that score down and it took last man Vitel Lawes in partnership with Nathan Smith to add 12 runs for the 10th wicket to get the side over the line.

Coming up we hear from assistant coach Shane Dowrich as he talks us through the nervy end to the match and plenty more besides.

The win means that the only way the Vipers can be denied a spot in the play-offs is if the San Francisco Unicorns win and win well against the Lahore Qalandars on Wednesday, the final day of the group stage of the competition.

If the Vipers make it through then they will play in the Qualifier on Friday night with the final the following evening.

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The Vipers have kept themselves alive in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League.

Needing a win against the San Francisco Unicorns to retain a chance of reaching the play-offs, the Vipers achieved just that – and in emphatic fashion too, securing a victory by nine wickets, chasing down 152 with 23 balls to spare thanks to four wickets from captain Shadab Khan and fifties by Zachary Carter and Saiteja Mukkamalla.

Coming up we hear from Saiteja on the importance of the win, his innings and also the chance to bat in the slipstreams of not only Zach Carter but also Rilee Rossouw.

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This time we look back at a heartbreaking two-wicket loss at the hands of the Guyana Amazon Warriors in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, including a chat with one of the Vipers’ standout performers of the match, wicketkeeper-batter Vriitya Aravind.

The Vipers set a record for the tournament by posting a score of 205 for six after being put into bat, with that batting effort anchored by Rilee Rossouw’s 61 from 48 balls, but the record score only lasted a couple of hours as the Warriors chased it down in the final over, coming back from a seemingly hopeless position thanks to a remarkable eighth wicket stand of 91 in seven overs between Mohammad Nabi and Romario Shepherd.

It means the Vipers are now nought from two after their previous loss to the Lahore Qalandars and so nothing less than two wins from their final two group games, against the San Francisco Unicorns on Monday night and the Perth Scorchers 24 hours later, will do if the side is to give itself a chance of reaching the play-offs.

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it’s time to recap on the first match for the side in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League – a 38-run loss to the Lahore Qalandars.

Coming up we hear from one of the stars of the day for the Vipers, left-arm spinner Khary Pierre, who was the pick of the attack with 2 for 14 from three overs.

The Qalandars won an important toss, made 176 for four, with 67 coming from the final five overs, and then the Vipers responded with 138 for nine.

There’s no time for the side to feel sorry for themselves as the matches come thick and fast in this competition and it’s just a little over a day before the Vipers are next in action – against the hosts and defending champions, the Guyana Amazon Warriors, under lights at what’s sure to be a packed, noisy and partisan Providence Stadium.

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On the eve of the Vipers’ first match in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, against the Lahore Qalanders on Friday the 24th of July, we speak with captain Shadab Khan.

Shadab talks us through the build-up, the possible selection permutations, the opposition, the role of the UAE players and the mood in the Vipers camp ahead of match one – and if you’re a Vipers fan then you’ll be left smiling at the end of our chat, such is his positivity.

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As the clock ticks down to the start of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League and the Vipers’ first match of that tournament, against the Lahore Qalandars on Friday the 24th of July, this time we catch up with the side’s Head Coach Azhar Mahmood.

Azhar talks to us about the squad coming together in Georgetown ahead of that first match, the challenges that have been thrown the way of the franchise with multiple player changes being forced upon it through injury and unavailability, and plenty more besides. It’s a chat that, as ever, is well worth your time.

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With us just three days from the Vipers' first match of the upcoming ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, against the Lahore Qalandars, we speak with wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous.

The fact we’re speaking with him in Georgetown, as the squad gets together in the tournament city, is one indicator of how close we are to the start of the tournament and given Andries has arrived off the back of a superb season in Major League Cricket in the USA there’s plenty for us to catch up about.

It's also worth reminding you of the final Vipers squad for the Global Super League, as there have been several changes due to injury and unavailability since the line-up was first announced.

So, the squad is:

Shadab Khan, who is captain, taking over that role from the injured Chris Green 

Andries Gous
Kyle Mayers
Rilee Rossouw, the South African batter who’s taken Chris Green’s place in the squad
Vitel Lawes, a West Indies under-19 batter, who has replaced New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell after Daryl suffered a hip injury during the One-Day International series against the West Indies that’s taking place immediately before the Global Super League
Zachary Carter, another West Indies under-19 player
Bevon Jacobs
Vriitya Aravind 
Saiteja Mukkamalla, the USA wicketkeeper-batter who has replaced Khuzaima bin Tanveer, with the UAE fast bowler ruled out through national commitments 
Nathan Smith, the New Zealand bowling all-rounder, who’s replaced fellow Black Caps fast bowler Kyle Jamieson, who himself replaced Australia left-arm quick Jason Behrendorff
Sanjay Pahal
Khary Pierre
Ramon Simmonds
and Matiullah Khan

Matiullah, Vriitya and Sanjay are the three UAE players on duty in this tournament.

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In this episode we thought it would be interesting to just take a step back from the upcoming ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League and catch up on what’s happened over the past year with one of the Desert Vipers’ local, UAE initiatives, the franchise’s Talent Pathway Programme for young, up and coming boys and girls.

Jack Luffman is the lead for the programme and coming up we speak with him about the operation, which wrapped up with the Apex Cricket Festival in the UK in late June and early July.

Jack tells us about what makes the Vipers Talent Pathway Programme different from other coaching offerings in the UAE and he looks ahead to what the second year, starting in September, has in store. It’s a great insight into an area of the Vipers work that, while it doesn’t receive the same coverage as the headline-making performances in the DP World ILT20, is nevertheless a key building block for the franchise in its efforts to lay down long-term roots in the country and the region.

The Vipers’ Talent Pathway Programme powered by Balqis Capital, was launched in September and October of 2025 and has been designed to identify, nurture and develop elite young cricketers in the UAE.

It’s about scouting and selecting high-potential boys and girls at under-14, 16 and 19 levels and then providing them with top-level coaching, facilities and support systems, as well as analysis.

There’s also game exposure of course, most recently exemplified by the Apex Cricket Festival in the UK, plus, ultimately, the chance to be part of what the Vipers hope will be a pathway of talent from the programme through to the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament, which is itself a feeder for UAE players to the senior squads that take place in the DP World ILT20.

The programme is for girls and boys and the Vipers are hopeful that the role they’re playing with girls cricket means that whenever the ILT20 expands to include a women’s tournament, the Vipers have already created a pipeline and a route map for local talent to be part of the franchise.

if you or a child of yours wants to be a part of the Talent Pathway Programme going forward then you can find out more information by contacting Jack at pathway@thedesertvipers.com or calling or messaging Jack on +971 50511 8526. 

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This time we speak with new recruit Nathan Smith. The New Zealand fast bowling all-rounder has been drafted into the squad for the upcoming ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League following the withdrawal of fellow Black Caps player Kyle Jamieson, and he offers the Vipers a precious commodity – first-hand knowledge of conditions.

That’s because Nathan is part of the New Zealand One-Day International squad that’s currently in action in Guyana for a series against the West Indies, and so he’s experiencing the same conditions at Providence Stadium that the Vipers will come up against when the Global Super League gets underway.

Nathan comes into the Global Super League very much as a player on the rise in international cricket.

He has arrived in the Caribbean off the back of a player of the series performance for New Zealand in their three-Test series against England, taking 16 wickets and also contributing handy runs in the lower-middle order.

The GSL will be his first experience of franchise cricket, and during our chat he explains why that is, but he’s not short of T20 experience as, during the past two years, he’s appeared for first Worcestershire and then Surrey in the T20 Blast in England and Wales.

He talks us through those two stints in county cricket and also discusses that England Test series which saw him operate with wicketkeeper Tom Blundell up at the stumps, an unusual situation for a bowler of Nathan’s pace.

We discuss whether that approach, designed to keep batters in their crease and inhibit their movements, has any potential mileage in the GSL and we also discuss conditions in Guyana – the heat, the humidity, the dew factor and the potential for big crowds to be making lots of noise.

Nathan explains how he thinks the Vipers can come together quickly as a unit to give themselves the best opportunity to be successful and he also gives us his thoughts on the two other New Zealand players in the squad – Bevon Jacobs and Daryl Mitchell, with Daryl coming into the GSL off the back of a fantastic, match-winning hundred in the deciding Test of the series against England at Trent Bridge, when he took numerous blows to the body but refused to back down. That will be the sort of attitude the Vipers will need to show to give themselves the best chance of success at Providence Stadium in Guyana.

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In this episode we catch up with the player who has just been confirmed as the Vipers’ captain for the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, Pakistan spin-bowling all-rounder Shadab Khan.

Shadab will lead the side for the GSL after Chris Green, the player originally named as captain, had to pull out of the tournament with a hand injury.

We speak with Shadab about his captaincy background, his leadership style and his role models, his superb form in the latest edition of the Pakistan Super League, and his experience of playing in the Caribbean and Guyana in particular, something that will be of vital importance for the upcoming action. He also talks us through the impact a recent shoulder surgery has had on him and the positive way it has affected his cricket.

It’s another terrific conversation and it’s one you’ll definitely enjoy.

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This time we catch up with an up-and-coming star who’s linking up with the Vipers for the first time – New Zealand middle-order batter Bevon Jacobs.

Bevon has enjoyed a breakthrough past 12 months, making his international debut for New Zealand in the Twenty20 International format, and now he’s all set to take his bow for the Vipers in the upcoming ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League that’s due to take place in late July and early August.

Observant Vipers fans will remember he played for MI Emirates in the third season of the DP World ILT20 and, off the back of that, he got to spend a season with Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. Coming up Bevon talks us through those experiences.

He made his international debut in Zimbabwe against the country of his birth, South Africa, in the middle of last year and made an immediate impact, with an unbeaten 44 from 30 balls, as he helped rescue the Black Caps and put them on the road to victory, and he has gone from strength to strength after that impressive start.

Bevon played in the Caribbean Premier League for the Antigua and Barbuda franchise and was then the breakout star of the New Zealand Super Smash which helped earn him a spot in this year’s Pakistan Super League.

On top of that, after the PSL, Bevon made his maiden international fifty, against Bangladesh in Mirpur, and now’s he’s all set for the Global Super League – a year after he looked set to play in the tournament for the Dubai Capitals, only for other commitments to prevent that from happening.

Within our chat, Bevon talks of the role of the finisher in the T20 format – the mindset required and also the type of practice that a player such as him has to do to ensure he is best prepared for what’s required. He also speaks with us about his background, as well as his aspirations for the future. All in all, it’s a terrific conversation. 

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This time we’ve got a very special episode for you - and something a bit different.

Coming up we hear from Mickey Arthur, the decorated coach who’s been in charge of four different national teams, and also Tom Bruce, who was part of the Vipers squad in Season 4, the side’s first title success.

And why have we brought these two together for this podcast? Well, they have one thing in common and that is that they both have first-hand experience of the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League that the Vipers are set to take part in at the end of July.

Mickey has been coach for Rangpur Riders, the side from Bangladesh that won the first edition and was runners-up last season; and Tom was part of the New Zealand team the Central Stags, which was part of that second season, in 2025.

On that basis they can offer valuable perspectives into what the tournament is like and what it takes to be successful there. It’s a terrific chat with the duo and hopefully you’ll find it a fascinating insight into the event the Vipers are set to be part of for the first time later this year.

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This time we catch up with a new recruit for the Vipers, South Africa top-order batter Rilee Rossouw.

Rilee is linking up with the Vipers for the upcoming ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League that is set to take place in late July and early August, replacing off-spinning all-rounder Chris Green in the squad after Chris was ruled out through injury.

There are few players currently playing who can boast the range of experience that Rilee possesses.

He’s played for at least 20 teams and franchises on the Twenty20 circuit, plus the Oval Invincibles in the men’s Hundred in England and Wales – and that activity has taken him way beyond his native South Africa, to the Caribbean, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the USA and Australia amongst other locations – as well as, most recently, Belgium!

Rilee tells us all about that Belgian experience in our chat, a chat that took place just after he arrived in Dallas ahead of Major League Cricket in the USA, where he is all set to star for the Texas Super Kings, a side captained by his former South Africa team-mate Faf du Plessis.

Rilee’s breadth of experience is impressive in itself but, on top of that, this year he also became a member of a very select batting club, reaching 10,000 runs in T20 cricket, only the 20th player in the history of the game to reach that mark.

He also has an impressive international pedigree in white ball cricket, with five hundreds for the Proteas in One-Day International and Twenty20 International action, and he has featured for his country in fifty-over and T20 World Cups.

Earlier this year, Rilee topped the run aggregates for the Quetta franchise in the Pakistan Super League and he captained his team in that Belgian T20 competition – so he brings good form and also great knowledge of the format to the Vipers for the Global Super League

And with two years of experience in the Caribbean Premier League with the St Kitts and Nevis franchise, he also brings experience of the conditions the Vipers will be confronted with during the GSL.

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On this occasion we hear from Azhar Mahmood, the former Pakistan all-rounder who is the Vipers’ Head Coach for the upcoming ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League that is set to take place in late July and early August.

Azhar has plenty to say on the Vipers squad, the build-up to the tournament and the tournament itself – and he also talks about a major piece of news which is that Chris Green, the Australian off-spinning all-rounder, has been ruled out of the upcoming action because of a hand injury suffered playing for Lancashire in the T20 Blast in England.

It’s definitely a blow for the Vipers given Chris’s skillset and the fact he was lined up to captain the team, but Azhar talks us through the situation and his expectations that the Vipers can still impress and lift the silverware in Guyana.

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This time we hear from Barbados all-rounder Kyle Mayers, one of a Caribbean contingent joining the Vipers for the upcoming ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League that is set to take place in late July and early August.

Kyle brings with him a vast amount of experience in short-form cricket, including in the DP World ILT20 where, over the past two seasons he’s played for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and the Gulf Giants.

When you add to that the fact he’s played in the Indian Premier League, the Pakistan Super League, the Bangladesh Premier League, South Africa’s SA20, the T20 Blast in England and Wales, Major League Cricket in the USA and, of course, the Caribbean Premier League for more than a decade, it’s plain to see the franchise has secured the services of a player who knows his way around the Twenty20 landscape.

Kyle talks to us about his experiences, including playing in the Global Super League last year for Rangpur Riders, and he gives us some fantastic background on the other players from the West Indies who are linking up with the Vipers in this tournament – left-arm spinner Khary Pierre, left-arm fast bowler Ramon Simmonds and young top-order batter Zachary Carter.

Kyle also explains what the conditions are likely to be in Guyana for the tournament and he reminisces about his unbeaten Test double-hundred on debut as part of a historic run-chase for the West Indies in Bangladesh – one of the greatest individual feats in Test history.

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This time we hear from New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson. Kyle is a new addition to the squad for the upcoming ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League that is set to take place in late July and early August, replacing Australia left-arm paceman Jason Behrendorff, who has sadly had to drop out through injury.

When we caught up with Kyle he’d just arrived in the UK for a three-match Test series for the Black Caps against England following on from a stint at the Indian Premier League and it’s fair to say he’s looking forward to the cricket he’s got ahead of him over the next couple of months.

Kyle has played plenty of Twenty20 cricket over the past eight months as he’s returned to action following a back injury and so he’s in a great space to talk to us about short-form cricket.

He discusses the value of his stint at the Indian Premier League with the Delhi Capitals as well as how much he’s looking forward to the Test series in England and he takes us on a trip down memory lane too, reminiscing about a real career highpoint when he was named player of the match in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship against India in 2021.

For Kyle, the Global Super League – and, potentially, a five-match One-Day International series against the West Indies beforehand – will be his first time playing cricket in the Caribbean and he discusses the possible challenges that will throw his way.

He also chats about his entry into the history books thanks to his scarcely-believable figures of 6 for 7 in a T20 match for Canterbury against Auckland in 2019 and about what he sees as his best role as a bowler in the shortest international format.

There’s also Kyle’s thoughts on how players can come together in a short space of time and gel into a team capable of winning a tournament like the Global Super League, as the Vipers players have to do in Guyana.

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In this episode we speak with one of the heartbeats of the Vipers line-up last season, wicketkeeper-batter Vriitya Aravind.

We speak about his recollections from that title-winning campaign, his reaction to being picked up by the Vipers again, alongside fellow UAE players Matiullah Khan and Sanjay Pahal, for the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League and what he is expecting from conditions in Guyana.

Vriitya also tells us what he’s been up to since the DP World ILT20 wrapped up in January, what his build-up to the GSL looks like, playing for Stourbridge in the Birmingham League in the UK, how close he feels to an international recall, and who’s he’s especially excited to be lining up alongside at Providence Stadium.

It's a terrific chat and well worth your time.

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In this episode we’ve got double the usual content for you. First-up, we’ve got a chat with USA wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous, one of the heroes of the side’s success in season 4 and a player who’s back with the Vipers for the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League.

And then once we’ve wrapped up with Andries, we hear from Ben Hardy-Jones, the Vipers’ Sustainability Lead, who tells us all about how the franchise will be looking to promote its green agenda during the tournament on the South American mainland in late July and early August.

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It’s time for the second installment of our two-part chat with Chris Green, the Australian off-spinning all-rounder who’s captaining the team in the upcoming ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League in late July and early August.

The crux of our conversation this time centred around the tournament to come.

We discussed how many of the Vipers squad for the Global Super League Chris knew ahead of the team assembling in Guyana and he told us about his vast experience of playing in the Caribbean Premier League and how that could be a huge asset for the Vipers.

Chris explained all about the playing surface at Providence Stadium, conditions, and he gave us his thoughts on the teams the Vipers will face in the tournament – the Lahore Qalanders from the Pakistan Super League, hosts and defending champions the Guyana Amazon Warriors, Big Bash League side the Perth Scorchers and the San Francisco Unicorns from Major League Cricket in the United States of America.

Chris also reflected on linking up with Azhar Mahmood, the Vipers’ Head Coach for the tournament, as well as Shane Dowrich, the former West Indies wicketkeeper-batter who’ll be the team’s Assistant Coach. He told us what his preparation will look like to ensure he hits the ground running for the Global Super League.

And finally, Chris got his crystal ball out to give us a prediction for the tournament. It’s a short, sharp event running for less than two weeks, so how optimistic should Vipers fans be?

That’s all coming up with Desert Vipers captain Chris Green so let’s get into it…

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This episode features the first part of our two-part chat with Chris Green, the Australian off-spinning all-rounder who's been named as Vipers captain for the upcoming ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, the Twenty20 tournament at Providence Stadium from 23 July to 1 August.

Chris spoke with us during a break in the ongoing Pakistan Super League, where he is playing with the Islamabad franchise, and we covered a wide range of subjects, including the Vipers captaincy and how the job offer to him came about; Chris’s captaincy mentors and what he thinks his captaincy style is; and his bowling partnership with leg-spinning all-rounder Shadab Khan, who he’s currently alongside at Islamabad, with the pair set to link up again for the Vipers in Guyana.

He gives us the low-down on his background including coming from a family of sports professionals – and how he had to decide on whether to concentrate on tennis or cricket; he reflects on the fact that he really is Australia’s globetrotting Mr T20; he tells us how he’s developed as a cricketer as a batter and bowler; and he speaks about his international aspirations, having previously played T20Is for Australia in 2023.

During the chat Chris references Sam Charnley, the Desert Vipers operations manager and Simon Helmot, the Desert Vipers Assistant Coach during the recent season four of the DP World ILT20.

There’s plenty to get your teeth into as a listener and remember it’s just the first part of two episodes with Chris so after this there’ll be plenty more to come from the man in charge on the field for the Vipers in the Global Super League.

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In this episode we hear from the franchise’s CEO Phil Oliver.

Phil talks to us about what it means to invited to take part in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League in Guyana in July and August – both from a prestige and a commercial perspective – he walks us through the challenges of putting together a squad at a time of year when the Vipers are not normally in action and he also looks ahead to Season 5 of the DP World ILT20, including discussing the dates of that tournament, which will differ from previous years.

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We are back for a new season of the podcast a little earlier than in past years and the reason for that is simple: the Vipers have been invited to play in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League, a T20 tournament in Guyana at the end of July.

It’s meant Tom Moody, the Desert Vipers Director of Cricket, Phil Oliver, the CEO, and others behind the scenes have had to swing into action to put together a squad for that tournament, and in this episode we hear from Tom about what was involved in that task, as well as getting his assessment of the players that have been contracted.

As ever with Tom it’s a terrific listen and well worth your time.

Not only do we hear from Tom but we also reveal the Vipers squad that will take part in the tournament that will also feature the reigning Big Bash League winners from Australia, the Perth Scorchers.

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In this episode we present the second installment  of our Season 4 review. Desert Vipers Director of Cricket Tom Moody reflects on all the highlights and challenges faced during an action-packed tournament which saw the Vipers winning the trophy in their third final in four seasons. 

Tom has confirmed his commitment to the Vipers in Season 5 and he is eager to start laying the groundwork for another successful year, and keeping the winning momentum going.

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In this episode we have the first part of our Season 4 wrap-up. Desert Vipers CEO Phil Oliver reflects on the team’s maiden DP World ILT20 title, talking us through the work that went on behind the scenes to help ensure the ultimate success of the franchise.

Phil also looks ahead to Season 5 - the planning starts now for the team to try and become the first to retain the title!

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In this episode we celebrate the Desert Vipers winning the DP World ILT20 for the first time!

After two runners-up finishes, the Vipers won this time with an emphatic 46-run success against MI Emirates.

We hear from Head Coach James Foster, bowlers Khuzaima bin Tanveer, Usman Tariq and David Payne, batter Max Holden and CEO Phil Oliver as all of them reflect on what this triumph means to them and to the team.

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In this episode we hear from Vipers captain Sam Curran ahead of the final of the DP World ILT20, against MI Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday the 4th of January.

Sam gives us his thoughts on the threat that MI Emirates pose, talks us through his captaincy style and what he expects from the big game as the Vipers, having reached their third final in four seasons, look to secure a maiden title.

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In this episode we hear from the Vipers' Pakistani mystery spinner Usman Tariq, who announced himself with three wickets in Qualifier 1 against MI Emirates to help propel the side to the final.

Usman tells us about how he ended up at the Vipers, his unique bowling style, his meteoric rise over the past year or so, including a stellar spell in the Caribbean Premier League, his international aspirations and much more. It's well worth your time!

Tickets for the final of the DP World ILT20 are available at: www.tickets.virginmegastore.me/ae/ilt20

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In this episode we speak with Andries Gous, one of the heroes for the team in a 45-run win over MI Emirates in Qualifier 1 in Abu Dhabi.

Andries scored 120 not out as the Vipers, put into bat, scorched their way to 233 for one, with Fahkar Zaman making 69 and Sam Curran an unbeaten 38 from only 12 balls. Andries and Fakhar added 157, a new tournament first wicket record, while Andries' individual score is the highest in tournament history.

MI Emirates responded with 188 for seven to give the Vipers the win and send the team straight through to the final on the 4th of January.

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This time we hear from Director of Cricket Tom Moody.

Tom looks back at the Vipers setting a record for most wins in the league stage of the DP World ILT20 - eight - and forward to the play-off stage with the first assignment being Qualifier 1 against MI Emirates in Abu Dhabi.

He assesses the performances of key performers like Sam Curran, Khuzaima bin Tanveer and Max Holden, and also discusses the arrival of two replacement players - Zafar Gohar and Usman Tariq.

If you want tickets for any of the play-offs or the final then you can buy them at www.tickets.virginmegastore.me/ae/ilt20

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In this episode we hear from Vipers new boy Zafar Gohar, the left-arm spinner who has joined the franchise in place of Noor Ahmad.

Zafar tells us how his joining the Vipers came about, gives us a bit of background about himself and his cricketing journey and tells us about his expectations for the week ahead - and beyond.

If you want tickets for any of the play-offs or the final then you can buy them at www.tickets.virginmegastore.me/ae/ilt20

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In this episode we hear from fast bowling coach Azhar Mahmood after the Vipers became the first side in the history of the DP World ILT20 to win eight matches in the regular season, beating the Sharjah Warriorz by five wickets with three balls to spare at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

The Vipers won thanks to a disciplined bowling display as the Warriorz were restricted to 140 for seven. Max Holden then made an unbeaten 65, during the course of which he became the leading run-scorer in the tournament.

22 were needed from the final two overs, but Hassan Nawaz hit three sixes in an unbeaten 25, to remove any fears of a loss going into the post-season play-offs.

The Vipers will now play in Qualifier 1 on December the 30th. Win that and they are straight through to the final on January the 4th; lose it and they have a second route to the final, via Qualifier 2 in Sharjah on January the 2nd.

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In this episode we catch up with wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous.

Andries is on the comeback trail after injuring a calf muscle in the fourth match of the season, against MI Emirates but he’s now close to a return to action and in our conversation, he talks about how he suffered the injury, his rehabilitation, what it’s been like on the sidelines and plenty more.

It’s a chat that’s well worth your time!

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In this episode we catch up with Vipers new boy Jason Roy.

Jason’s feet have barely touched the ground since joining the franchise off the back of a tournament-ending injury to Shimron Hetmyer and, having played back-to-back matches as soon as he arrived in the UAE, he’s now had a chance to draw breath and catch up for a chat with us.

And it’s a terrific chat too, as he reflects on how his joining the Vipers came about, what he’s been up to since the end of the English county season, his unfamiliar role in the middle order, his catch of the season contender, the atmosphere within the Vipers set-up and lots, lots more.

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In this episode we hear from Head Coach James Foster as he reflects on the four-wicket loss to MI Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium.

The Vipers were well-shackled on a tricky pitch, and after being put into bat they scrambled to 124 for seven, piloted by Dan Lawrence's unbeaten 35 from 34 balls.

In reply, MI Emirates got home with 15 balls in hand, although the Vipers made them work hard for their victory. Dan bowled superbly to take one for 13 in four overs of off-spin, while there were impressive efforts with the ball from Matiullah Khan (two for 18) and Sanjay Pahal (none for 14), both of them bowling for the Vipers for the first time.

James reflects on all those things and plenty more, as well as discussing a calf injury sustained by captain Lockie Ferguson, with Sam Curran taking over leadership duties during the fielding innings.

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In this episode we look back on another win for the team, this time by four wickets against the Sharjah Warriorz at the Dubai International Stadium.

We’ll do that looking back in the company of fast bowler Khuzaima bin Tanveer, who celebrated his birthday in style by taking two wickets, as well as Tom Bruce and Vriitya Aravind, who were together at the crease when the winning run was struck with 37 balls in hand.

Sharjah batted first and were bowled out for 90 as David Payne, named player of the match, took three for 14, and there were only two Warriorz players in double figures.

In reply, the Vipers batting wobbled a little and the side was 30 for three at one stage. But Sam Curran, captaining the side as Lockie Ferguson rested, scored 37 from 31 balls to ease any nerves.

The match also marked the Vipers debut of Jason Roy, who has been drafted into the squad in place of Shimron Hetmyer, with the West Indian batter ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury.

The Vipers now have just two more matches left in the league stage of the tournament and this win has guaranteed the team a top-two finish in that league, which means two potential opportunities to qualify for the final on the 4th of January.

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In this episode we speak with Pakistan opening bat Fakhar Zaman as he gives us a terrific insight into his mindset and what he expects from himself as a player.

Fakhar also speaks at length about how the side will look to bounce back from a first defeat of the season, in the previous match against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders; what it has been like batting with his two opening partners this term, Andries Gous and Max Holden; and what the pitches and conditions have been like for this season’s matches.

Fakhar also talks of his role as a senior professional within the side and assesses the contributions of fast bowlers Khuzaima bin Tanveer and Naseem Shah as well as top-order batter Hassan Nawaz and he discusses the fact that, next up, the Vipers will be facing a Sharjah side that has won its past two matches.

It’s a fantastic conversation, full of fascinating insights.

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This time we hear from captain Lockie Ferguson as he reflects on defeat by the narrowest of margins, one run, against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi.

The loss is the Vipers' first of this campaign after starting off with six successive victories, but the consolation is that the side is still comfortably top of the league stadings and has already qualified for the end-of-season play-offs

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In this episode we hear from Head Coach James Foster as he reflects on the Vipers making it six wins from six starts this season, courtesy of a five-wicket victory against the Dubai Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium.

The success ensures the Vipers have qualified for the end-of-season play-offs but there is still work to be done to make sure of a top-two berth that would guarantee two opportunities to reach the final.

This was the Vipers' seasonal Sustainability Match, during which they shine a light on green issues, and we also hear from CEO Phil Oliver and Head of Strategy Matt Bailey as they explain why the franchise is so committed to this cause.

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In this episode we hear from Max Holden, who made an unbeaten 64 from 41 balls to help the Vipers to a fifth win in five matches, this time against the Gulf Giants at the Dubai International Stadium.

Max shared an unbroken stand of 123 for the third wicket with Sam Curran (67 not out) as the Vipers won eight wickets with 3.1 overs in hand.

Earlier, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer produced a sensational spell of bowling, capturing four for 10 as the Vipers restricted the Giants to 157 for seven. Those wickets meant he secured the player of the match award and he took over as the holder of the white belt for the top wicket-taker in the tournament, with his tally now standing at 10.

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This time we chat with the Desert Vipers Sustainability Lead, Ben Hardy-Jones as we look forward to the Sustainability Match which this season will see the team face the Dubai Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday the 14th of December, a 6.30pm start.

Ben talks to us about the significance of the match, why it is so important and what activities will be taking place on the day.

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In this episode we chat with Director of Cricket Tom Moody who reflects on the campaign so far and looks ahead to the team’s next match, against the Gulf Giants, at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday the 12th of December, a 6.30pm start.

Tom talks about what’s pleased him and what hasn’t so far. There’s plenty of good stuff to look back on, of course, off the back of four wins from four matches but, as Tom tells us, there’s also plenty to improve upon.

Tom speaks about the return of Lockie Ferguson as captain after the fast bowler missed the first three matches of the tournament, he discusses the batting and bowling and also gives us an update on the fitness of Andries Gous, after the wicketkeeper-batter was forced to retire hurt in the most recent win, against MI Emirates in Abu Dhabi.

Andries’ replacement behind the stumps was Vriitya Aravind, and Tom discusses his role in the side, as well as conditions across the three venues.

He also talks about the moment that’s provoked huge discussion in the cricketing world, the decision by MI’s Nicholas Pooran not to stump Max Holden in the Vipers’ last match, and Tom chats, too, about how the team will look to keep their collective feet on the ground after the flying start to this season’s action.

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In this episode we hear from fast bowler David Payne off the back of another thrilling match involving the Vipers - this time a one-run win against MI Emirates in Abu Dhabi.

David was player of the match after taking four for 29 as the Vipers defended 159, sealing the win off the final delivery as wicketkeeper Vriitya Aravind ran out AM Ghazanfar as he sought the run that would have taken the match to a super over.

It means the Vipers are top of the table with four wins from four matches.

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This time we reflect on a great result for the Vipers, who made it three wins from three starts in thrilling fashion against the Gulf Giants at the Dubai International Stadium.

The Vipers, set 180 to win by the Giants, reached 179 for nine to set up a super over, the first in the history of the tournament, and after Dan Lawrence and Shimron Hetmyer scored 13, Naseem Shah then bowled superbly to restrict the Giants to 9, meaning victory for the Vipers.

Coming up we hear from captain Sam Curran, who weighed in with 44 from 36 balls, as well as Dan Lawrence, the player of the match for a terrific innings of 56 from 31 deliveries.

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This time we speak with the Vipers Analyst Freddie Wilde, who gives us a peak behind the curtain at what his job entails.

It really is a fascinating conversation about a role within teams these days that is widely acknowledged but rarely, if ever, spoken about.

Our chat covers all aspects of what Freddie does – how he goes about his business, how he interacts with the players and coaching staff and how receptive those two groups are to the use of video and, more generally, technology in the game.

Freddie gives us a little bit of background on himself and how he manages to stay on top of the dizzying amount of cricket that takes place all over the world these days.

He also gives us an insight into his role with the franchise both before and during the first-ever DP World ILT20 player auction, which took place in Dubai in October. As you’ll find out, he was hands-on even though he wasn’t physically present on the day!

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The Desert Vipers have made it two wins from two matches at the start of Season 4 of the DP World ILT20, this time beating the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders by two wickets with three balls in hand at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

In this episode we hear from Dan Lawrence, who made 35 from 32 balls and also took the key wicket of ex-Vipers batter Sherfane Rutherford.

The Vipers restricted a powerful ADKR batting line-up top 171 for six before chasing down the target, thanks not only to Dan but also player of the match Shimron Hetmyer, who made 48 from 25 balls, and a superb cameo from Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, who belted an unbeaten 31 from 12 balls to see the side to victory after 19 were needed from the final two overs.

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In this episode we hear from left-arm swing and seam bowler David Payne, who was so influential with two wickets in the opening victory over the Dubai Capitals.

David talks us through that win and discusses the conditions encountered in the match, he speaks about the mood within the squad and also looks ahead to the challenge of facing the batting power of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at Sharjah Stadium, the Vipers' second match of the season. 

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The tournament is underway and the Vipers are off the mark with two points, courtesy of a four-wicket win against the Dubai Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium.

The match was a repeat of February's final but this time with a different result!

In this episode we hear from Andries Gous, who's 58 from 36 balls was key to the successful run-chase, as well as left-arm swing bowler David Payne and wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad, who took two wickets apiece to help restrict the Capitals to 150 for eight in their 20 overs.

The Vipers were 85 for one and 108 for two but stuttered in the run-chase before Dan Lawrence (19 not out) and Khuzaima bin Tanveer (12 not out) saw them home with six balls to spare.

The Vipers' next match is against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders Sharjah on Friday the 5th of December and tickets are available at www.tickets.virginmegastore.me/ae/ilt20

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The waiting is almost over! It's almost time for the first match of DP World ILT20 Season 4, with the Vipers set to go head-to-head with the Dubai Capitals, and ahead of that encounter, we caught up with Head Coach James Foster after the side's final practice session at the ICC Academy at Dubai Sports City.

James talks us through the squad's build-up to the game and its significance, with everything now focused on the Dubai International Stadium and the evening of the 2nd of December!

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This time, with the clock ticking down towards the season-opener against the Dubai Capitals on Tuesday the 2nd of December, we speak with all-rounder Sam Curran.

Sam was the player of the tournament in Season 3 when the Vipers narrowly failed to lift the trophy, and coming up we have a relaxed and fascinating chat with a player who, off the back of his stellar season with the Vipers, was recalled to the England white-ball set-up at the end of the English season.

He spoke about his England recall, a reward for outstanding performances in not only last season’s DP World ILT20 but also for helping the Oval Invincibles to a third successive title in the men’s Hundred competition.

Sam also reflected on Season 3 and he talks very interestingly about whether or not his player of the tournament form last time around creates pressure to do it all again in the next month of action.

There’s also his thoughts on the rivalry with the Dubai Capitals and fellow all-rounder Gulbadin Naib, and he tells us about the slower ball he has developed that was such a hit in that Hundred tournament.

And on top of all that, Sam gives us his views on the Vipers’ chances for Season 4.

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With the season-opener against the Dubai Capitals on Tuesday the 2nd of December racing towards us, we speak with captain Lockie Ferguson.

Lockie is back in charge for a second season after taking the Vipers so close to success last time out and so he’s got plenty to reflect upon, as well as plenty to look forward to, in our chat, a chat that’s well worth your time.

Lockie did a terrific job for the Vipers on and off the field last season, bringing the squad together and, along with the coaching staff, helping to foster a really great team spirit.

In our conversation he looks back at season 3, the highs and the lows, and what he learnt as a captain from that campaign.

He also discusses his nine months since February’s final, during which he took in stints at the Indian Premier League with Punjab, coached by Ricky Ponting and led by Shreyas Iyer, a return to Major League Cricket with Washington Freedom captained by Glenn Maxwell and time at the Hundred in the UK alongside Joe Root and Vipers team-mate Max Holden amongst others.

Lockie reflects on his international prospects with the ICC men’s T20 World Cup just around the corner, early next year, and he discusses the prospect of linking up with Pakistan pace ace Naseem Shah, as well as the chance to work again alongside another fast bowler, Khuzaima bin Tanveer, one of the breakthrough stars of season 3.

As you’d expect, Lockie also gives us his perspective on the Vipers’ chances for season 4, and, with one eye on the Dubai Capitals match, he talks about the importance of starting the tournament well.

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The episodes are coming thick and fast as the tournament draws ever nearer and this time we speak with returning fast bowling coach Azhar Mahmood.

Azhar was with the franchise for the first two seasons of the tournament before switching to working with the Pakistan men’s team, but now he’s back and we caught up with him after he arrived at the team’s base at JA the Resort in Jebel Ali on the outskirts of Dubai.

Azhar is one of the very best in the business in his field of coaching fast bowlers and there are plenty for him to work with at the Vipers this season.

There’s captain Lockie Ferguson, death-overs master David Payne, all-rounder Sanjay Pahal who was the player of the tournament in the ILT20 Development Tournament in August and September, plus newcomers Matiullah Khan and Faridoon Dawoodzai, as well as Sam Curran and Naseem Shah, the Pakistan pace ace, amongst others.

Azhar knows all about Naseem having worked with him at national level and he explains why he thinks he will be so effective for the Vipers this season.

He also talks about Sam, a player he worked with extensively at English county Surrey, as well as two more Pakistan players he knows well Fakhar Zaman and Hassan Nawaz.

Azhar explains why he’s come back to the Vipers, how much he’s looking forward to working with Khuzaima bin Tanveer and what his philosophy is as a coach, especially in the fickle format of Twenty20.

And he also gives us his view on the Vipers’ chances for season four.

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Coming up we speak with Vipers Director of Cricket Tom Moody as players and staff start to assemble at the JA Resort in Jebel Ali ahead of the tournament.

Tom was in great form when we chatted, covering off a range of topics and it really is a chat that – as ever with Tom – is well worth your time.

There’s his take on the process of planning for the auction that happened at the start of October and, on top of that, we hear from him on the prospect of facing up to players that the franchise let go ahead of this season.

Tom also talks to us about the retention of Lockie Ferguson as captain and Sam Curran’s return to the England white-ball set-up off the back of his player of the tournament performance last season.

Tom reflects, too, on the prospect of facing up to the side that beat the Vipers in last year’s final, the Dubai Capitals, in this season’s opener and discusses the decision to break from the build-up of previous years by not having a warm-up match this time.

He also gives us his perspective on what it will take for the Vipers to go from runners-up to winners in this edition of the DP World ILT20.

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This time we speak with English batter Dan Lawrence, one of the seven players retained by the Vipers for season four of the tournament, as we get ever closer to the first ball of the next edition.

Dan was one of the squad’s earliest overseas arrivals into the UAE as he opted to play in the Abu Dhabi T10 beforehand, and he took a break from the action at the Zayed Cricket Stadium to reflect on what’s gone and look ahead at what’s to come.

Dan was one of the stand-out performers for the Vipers in season three, someone who, alongside the likes of Sam Curran and Max Holden, made the Vipers top and middle-order one that the other teams had plenty of respect for.

In our chat Dan talks about that previous campaign and reflects on why the side couldn’t quite get across the line in that epic final against the Dubai Capitals.

He also tells us about what he did during the English summer that followed, including a maiden T20 hundred for his county side Surrey, the experience of playing with a different side from the one he’d previously lined up for in The Hundred, and the frustration of finishing as runners-up with Surrey in the first-class competition, the County Championship.

Dan talks batting, bowling – with his off-spin becoming more and more of a weapon, especially in first-class cricket – the fact he was retained by the franchise, and what he thinks it will take to turn the Vipers from nearly men to winners in this season’s competition.

And he also looks back on his famous 'Flamingo shot', the flick shot he played against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders that deposited the ball over square leg for six.

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With season four just two weeks away, we’ve got a bumper episode for you. We hear from Khuzaima bin Tanveer, the UAE fast bowler who made such a sensational start to life with the Vipers in the previous edition of the tournament. And we also catch up with Phil Oliver, the Desert Vipers CEO, who talks us through off-field preparations for the start of the action.

Very few people outside of UAE cricketing circles had heard of Khuzaima prior to season three, but he showcased his ability very clearly with four for 22 on debut against the Sharjah Warriorz and was a fixture in the team after that performance.

Khuzaima talks us through his memories of that first performance as well as his impressions of his first season in a T20 franchise tournament and he tells us what he’s been up to since then, ahead of season four.

Phil Oliver talks to us about new commercial partners, the return of several other partners from the previous editions of the tournament and also the outreach programmes the Vipers have been running to ensure the footprint of the franchise remains very much in place across the whole year rather than just during the DP World ILT20.

Phil speaks, too, about Tom Moody’s new role with Lucknow Super Giants and what that means for the Vipers, he addresses the balance between the team’s desire to promote sustainability while, at the same time, ensure the focus remains with on-field excellence and how the change of timing for this season’s tournament is impacting what goes on behind the scenes.

Tickets are now on sale for all Vipers matches for the new season, starting with the opening match of the tournament, a repeat of February’s final, with the side facing the Dubai Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium on the 2nd of December.

You can buy them through the league’s official ticketing platform, Virgin Megastore by visiting www.tickets.ilt20.ae.

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This time we speak with English batter Max Holden, one of the breakout stars of the DP World ILT20 in season three.

Max had to be patient at the start of his first season with the Vipers and wasn’t initially able to break into the line-up in the first half of the last campaign.

But rather than sulk, he used his time to work on his game with batting coach Neil McKenzie and so when he did get his chance, he was ready to take it with both hands.

 His outstanding batting at the backend of the tournament helped power the Vipers to the final and he was equally good in that match too, making an excellent half-century that so nearly contributed to a first title for the franchise.

Max tells us all about his first experience with the Vipers as he reflects on that near miss, and also speaks of his and the team’s hunger to go one better in season four.

He also talks with us about how the DP World ILT20 helped set him up for his best-ever season in English county cricket as he topped 1000 first-class runs for the first time – with form like that helping him break into the England Lions set-up for matches against India A.

Of course, Max’s success in season three means he’ll come into the new edition of the tournament as a player who’ll be very much more of a known quantity to opposition bowlers, and he explains to us how he’s dealing with that, as well as giving us an insight into his preparations for the new season.

Don't forget that tickets are now on sale for all Vipers matches in season four and you can purchase them through the league’s official ticketing platform, Virgin Megastore by visiting www.tickets.ilt20.ae.

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This time we hear from Tom Bruce, the New Zealand-born batter who’s now qualified to play for the country of his father’s birth, Scotland.

Like Vriitya Aravind, the subject of our previous show, he’s a Vipers new boy and so, coming up, you’ll get the chance to hear all about a player who is sure to be a terrific addition to the franchise’s roster of top talent.

Tom was picked up in the auction by the Vipers as one of the team’s Associate players, alongside the previously signed USA wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous, and that followed on his debut for Scotland in August, having qualified for them after more than four years had elapsed since his previous action for New Zealand.

Tom explains that process to us in the podcast as well as how he comes to qualify for Scotland in the first place.

He also talks to us about what sort of player he is, gives us some details about the experience he has within the game, and he discusses an incredible batting feat that he produced this year that has placed him in the top rank of players in the history of New Zealand domestic cricket.

Tickets are now on sale for all Vipers matches in season four of the tournament and you can purchase them through the league’s official ticketing platform, Virgin Megastore by visiting www.tickets.ilt20.ae.

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Coming up we hear from one of the Vipers’ new boys, UAE wicketkeeper-batter Vriitya Aravind.

Vriitya was the first player to be picked up at the recent auction and we hear all about his reaction to that, plus plenty more.

Vriitya is no stranger to the DP World ILT20, having been on the books of two franchises already, spending time at both MI Emirates and the Dubai Capitals.

For a 23 year-old, he’s also extremely experienced, having played more than 100 internationals for his country, including captaining the team in two One-Day Internationals at the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe in 2023.

He’s a versatile player too, having batted in seven different positions for his country and he kept wicket for the UAE in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.

Coming up Vriitya tells us all about those experiences, as well as providing us with some background on his life and cricketing career, plus, of course, his aspirations for both the DP World ILT20 and, further ahead, next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, which the UAE have qualified for.

Tickets are now on sale for all Vipers matches in season four of the tournament and you can purchase them through the league’s official ticketing platform, Virgin Megastore by visiting www.tickets.ilt20.ae.

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This time it’s a step away from the elite level to something the Vipers are doing at community level.

The Vipers have set up their own Talent Pathway Programme for boys and girls aged 13 to 19 within the UAE powered by Balqis Capital, and in this episode we hear from coaches and players at one of the first sessions of the new initiative.

It’s all part of the Vipers’ commitment to be a 12-months-a-year team within the UAE and not simply a fly in franchise that pops up for the DP World ILT20 at tournament time and then departs as soon as the last ball is bowled.

We’ve seen this with the work done in the ongoing schools programme, as well as with an increasing number of local businesses and the Talent Pathway Programme is another part of that strategy.

Tickets have now gone on sale for the tournament including all Vipers matches and you can purchase them through the league’s official ticketing platform, Virgin Megastore by visiting www.tickets.ilt20.ae.

The Vipers have reached the final twice in the three previous editions, also playing in the ultimate match of the first season, in 2023, as well as in February against the Capitals, and, you’ve guessed it, in season four the aim is, this time, to secure the silverware.

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It’s another busy episode for you.

We hear from Vipers new signing Andries Gous, the USA wicketkeeper-batter who has been drafted in after previously impressing with the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.

Andries talks us through his journey to this point in his career, his ambitions for this season’s DP World ILT20, what the future holds for him and USA Cricket – and that, in itself, is exciting - and, most importantly of all, how to pronounce his name correctly!

And after we’ve heard from Andries, we hear from Matt Toogood, the CEO of RAW Coffee Company, a Dubai-based firm that has become the latest commercial partner of the Vipers ahead of season four of the DP World ILT20.

Matt explains why RAW Coffee has linked up with the Vipers and the excitement within the company about the tie-up and the season ahead.

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This time we’ve got a bumper episode for you.

We hear from Tom Moody, the Desert Vipers Director of Cricket, about the franchise’s new players, acquired at the DP World ILT20’s first-ever player auction, which took place in Dubai on Wednesday October the 1st.

Tom runs the rule over the 12 players the Vipers picked up at that auction and, as ever with Tom, his opinions are always worth your time.

After that, we hear from Shimron Hetmyer, the Guyana and West Indies batter, who has switched from the Gulf Giants to the Vipers for season four.

Shimron chats about linking up with a team that he’s been playing against for the past three seasons, talks where he sees himself batting, his hairstyle, shirt number and the Vipers’ chances in the next edition of the tournament and it’s a great listen.

The Vipers will play the tournament’s opening match this term, against the Dubai Capitals in a repeat of last season’s final.

That match will be played at the Dubai International Stadium on the 2nd of December, the first of 10 league matches the Vipers will take part in ahead of the play-offs.

As soon as tickets go on sale then we’ll let you know here on Vipers Voices. 

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On this episode, we get immediate reaction from Desert Vipers CEO Phil Oliver to the inaugural DP World ILT20 auction, that took place in Dubai on Wednesday 1 October.

The auction saw the Vipers complete their roster by signing 12 players, and in our chat with Phil he explains the thinking behind the picks made by the franchise.

Phil also discusses what went into a successful auction and chats about the players the Vipers missed out on.

As ever, it's well worth your time.

A reminder that the Vipers will play the first match of season four of the DP World ILT20 in a repeat of the previous season's final, against the Dubai Capitals, on 2 December at the Dubai International Stadium. Once ticket details are released, we'll pass on those details to you.

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Coming up in this episode is part two of our chat with Head Coach James Foster, and this time around we get James’s take on the personnel already retained and signed by the franchise for season four that gets underway at the start of December, as well as his perspective on the upcoming auction, the first in the history of the DP World ILT20.

That auction is set to take place on October the 1st and it’s all part of progress the Vipers, and all other franchises, are making towards that fourth season, which is set to get underway on December the 2nd with the side playing the opening match against the reigning champions the Dubai Capitals, a repeat of last season’s thrilling final.

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In this episode, we have the first of a two-part chat with Vipers head coach James Foster.

In part two we get James’s take on the personnel already retained and signed by the franchise for season four, that gets underway at the start of December, as well as his perspective on the upcoming auction, the first in the history of the DP World ILT20.

But this time we find out what James has been up to since season three ended in early February, hear about his perspective on the recently-concluded ILT20 Development Tournament and we discuss the fixture list for the new term, with several potentially significant changes for the Vipers in that collection of matches.

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This time we wrap up the ILT20 Development Tournament in company with Head Coach Jack Luffman after the Desert Vipers Development Team fell to an agonising four-run loss in the final to the Sharjah Warriors at the ICC Academy on Wednesday evening, the 4th of September.

The Vipers team had fought its way to the final thanks to a superb come-from-behind five-run win against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders side the previous evening and looked on course to take the title when they bowled out Sharjah Warriorz for 134 and then reached 60 for one inside the seventh over in reply.

But a superb fightback by the Sharjah bowlers shut down the Vipers batters and in the end the side couldn’t get across the line.

That was the negative, but the positive was some outstanding performances across the tournament by Vipers players – and coming up Jack Luffman talks us through them and the benefits that have come to both the Vipers and UAE cricket as a result.

The Development Tournament featured sides from all six DP World ILT20 franchises and for all the players involved it was a chance to showcase their talent with a view to being picked up in the main tournament’s first-ever auction, which is set to take place in late September ahead of season four in December and January.

Taking part in the tournament was all part of the Desert Vipers’ progress towards that fourth season, which is set to get underway on December the 2nd with the Vipers playing the opening match against the reigning champions the Dubai Capitals, a repeat of last season’s thrilling final.

Remember the Vipers have reached the final twice in the three previous editions, also playing in the ultimate match of the first season, in 2023, as well as in February against the Capitals, and in season four the aim – of course – is to go one better this time and finally lift the silverware.

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With the ILT20 Development Tournament in full swing, we caught up with fast bowler Khuzaima bin Tanveer and wicketkeeper-batter Tanish Suri (pictured in the thumbnail for this episode), two players who are part of the Desert Vipers squad in that competition.

All six DP World ILT20 franchises have teams in the Development Tournament and with three wins in their five matches in the group stage, the Vipers team has given a very good account of itself.

As we recorded this podcast on Sunday night, the 31st of August, immediately after the Vipers’ final group match, a 22-run win against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, the side looked set to contest the semi-finals on Tuesday the 2nd of September with the final taking place the following evening – all matches in the tournament are taking place at the ICC Academy at Dubai Sports City.

The players across all six teams are playing for not only the chance of being part of the winning team but also to put themselves forward to be considered for the DP World ILT20 player auction that is scheduled to take place at the end of September – so there’s a lot at stake.

Khuzaima reflects upon his time with the Vipers last season, his role for the Dubai Capitals in the Global T20 tournament in the Caribbean in mid-year and his ambitions for both the Vipers and the UAE - once he becomes available - and Tanish speaks about not only the Development Tournament, but also there help he's received from the Vipers coaching staff and his ambitions for the years to come.

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Coming up we hear from wicketkeeper-batter Tanish Suri, all-rounder Ali Naseer and left-arm spinner Nilansh Keswani, with the trio set to feature for the Vipers’ Development team at the ICC Academy.

All six DP World ILT20 franchises have teams in the Development Tournament that is taking place in the last week of August and the first week of September and for all the players involved it’s a chance to showcase their talent with a view to being picked up in the main tournament’s first-ever auction, which is set to take place in late September ahead of season four in December and January.

We spoke with the trio at RAW Coffee in Al Quoz on the eve of the Development Tournament and for the three of them, the matches to come hold real significance.

For Nilansh, there’s the desire to be part of a tournament in which he featured for the Sharjah Warriorz in season two. For Ali, the aim is to once again be involved in a tournament he’s played in since the very first edition, while for Tanish, who was called up by the Vipers as cover late in season two before taking over behind the stumps at the start of season three, there’s the wish to show how much his game has developed since he was handed that chance in last term.

And for all three of them, this is a terrific platform to try and impress not only DP World ILT20 franchises but also the UAE selectors as, after the upcoming T20I tri-series against Pakistan and Afghanistan that serves a prelude to the Asia Cup, there’s qualifiers for next year’s ICC men’s T20 World Cup.

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As the summer heat starts to fade in the UAE, it’s time to focus on on-field action again and specifically the ILT20 Development Tournament.

It’s a tournament for UAE players to put themselves in the shop window for the DP World ILT20’s first-ever auction, which is scheduled to take place in late September, and so there is a lot riding on events at the ICC Academy during the last week of August and the first week of September.

To talk to us about the Vipers’ squad for the Development Tournament is Jack Luffman, the Vipers’ Development Lead and someone who will also work as coach to the side during the upcoming action.

We spoke with Jack the morning after the Development Tournament draft, which took place on the evening of Monday the 18th of August at the Dubai International Stadium.

Representatives of the six franchises were in attendance to select their players for the Development Tournament, and coming up Jack gives us an insight into the players he’s helped select for the Vipers squad.

He talks to us about some of the familiar names in the line-up, including pace bowler Khuzaima bin Tanveer, who went from the 2024 Development Tournament to becoming a break-out star of last year’s ILT20, and also some names who might not be well-known at this stage but who hope to become more so, with this tournament being the start of that journey for them.

Khuzaima has already been retained by the Vipers for season four, but that still leaves three spots for UAE players up for grabs in the auction and so there is plenty of incentive for impressing during the upcoming action.

Jack explains how Director of Cricket Tom Moody, Head Coach James Foster and Vipers CEO Phil Oliver will stay across the details during the Development Tournament and also what he expects from the 18-match event that will culminate with a final on Wednesday the 3rd of September.

It’s a fascinating insight into what goes on behind the scenes to put together a key building block of the Vipers’ strategy for season four of the DP World ILT20.

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We’re back ahead of season four, which gets underway on December the 2nd 2025, an earlier start than the three previous editions, which all took place in January and February.

And in this episode that marks the start of the build-up to the new season, we speak with Vipers Director of Cricket Tom Moody, a regular on the podcast.

Tom spoke after confirmation that the Vipers have retained seven players from the season three squad as the core to do battle for season four.

Those seven are captain Lockie Ferguson, vice-captain Sam Curran, who was player of the tournament in 2025, Max Holden and Khuzaima bin Tanveer, two break-out stars of the latest edition, Wanindu Hasaranga – who has been a Desert Viper since day one, Dan Lawrence and David Payne.

Additionally, the franchise has signed USA wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous, a player who previously played against the Vipers in season two, for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, when he blitzed the bowling to provide an indicator of what he can do.

We talked with Tom about all these players and also some of the players who didn’t make the cut, but that wasn’t all.

We also discussed whether or not the Vipers will again mine a seam of Pakistan players for this edition, the likelihood of an auction and the selection process for UAE players, what the league’s new tie-up with Kuwait cricket means, what the change in timing for the tournament mean and plenty more.

It’s an engaging conversation with Tom, well worth your while, as ever.

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This is the final episode for season three and in it we speak with Vipers Director of Cricket Tom Moody as part of our wrap-up of the campaign. It’s part two of that wrap, following on from our chat with Chief Executive Officer Phil Oliver.

Just like our conversation with Phil, there was a lot to unpack with Tom and we covered a significant range of topics on the playing side.

Among those topics was the approach to recruitment for the season with the emphasis on bringing in players who were available for the majority of the season and whether that worked.

We spoke about three of the higher profile recruits – Sam Curran, captain Lockie Ferguson and Fakhar Zaman – as well as two stars of the show who arrived with very little fanfare – Max Holden and Khuzaima Bin Tanveer.

Tom also discussed the struggles of Azam Khan and latterly Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and whether the loss of Fakhar and Wanindu Hasaranga to international duty cost the side the title.

The two-time ICC Cricket World Cup winner also got out his crystal ball and gave us his opinion on some key aspects of the league ahead of season four, specifically recruitment, whether or not there should be a draft, the numbers of players to be retained, the future of the impact substitute rule and the numbers of UAE players in each playing eleven.

Tom revealed what learnings the franchise can take forward after coming so close to the ultimate prize in 2025 and he explained what the Vipers needed to do to ensure that, come 2026, the side can lift the title for the first time.

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This episode is part one of a two-part wrap-up of the season. In part two we’ll chat with Director of Cricket Tom Moody, but this time we catch up with Vipers CEO Phil Oliver to paint the big picture for us on where the franchise is at after both an agonising loss in the 2025 final to the Dubai Capitals and also after three seasons of existence.

Topics Phil spoke about included the possibility of moving to three UAE players in any starting eleven for season four as opposed to the current mark of two, as well as the possibilities of expanding the league and even setting up a women’s tournament to go with the men.

Those topics, of course, are all about the future, but Phil also spoke about the here and now – the Vipers’ sustainability strategy and the fight for commercial dollars in a congested sponsorship market up against other franchises who, unlike the Vipers, have tentacles in other T20 leagues around the world.

Phil also covered future windows for the tournament, the possibility of a draft for the next season, whether the Vipers would continue to mine Pakistan for talent as a point of difference from the other teams and whether the Vipers’ owners, Lancer Capital are patient in the face of two near-misses in three seasons.

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In this episode we reflect on heartbreak for the Vipers as the side has lost the final of the DP World ILT20 to the Dubai Capitals.

In a thrilling match, the Vipers posted 189 for five after being put into bat and then reduced the Capitals to 31 for three in reply.

But then Rovman Powell with 63, Shai Hope with 43 wrested back control before dasun Shanaka, who made 21 from 10 balls and Sikandar Raza, with an unbeaten 34 from 12 deliveries applied the coup de gras, getting the Capitals home with four balls and four wickets to spare.

It really was a game of fine margins with so many twists and turns but sadly, for the second time in three years, the Vipers finished on the wrong end of the final result.

Coming up we hear from captain Sam Curran, who was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament, star batter Max Holden, who made an outstanding 76 in the final, and Head Coach James Foster, with all three of them reflecting on a night of bitter disappointment of the franchise.

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In this episode we preview the final of the tournament in the company of captain Lockie Ferguson with the Vipers preparing to face the Dubai Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday night, the 9th of February.

Sadly, the hamstring injury Lockie picked up in Qualifier 1 on March the 5th means he won’t be able to play in the big game but he took time to chat with us en route to the team’s pre-final media commitments and offered us his thoughts on the Vipers progress to the final and where he thinks that final will be won and lost.

If you want tickets for the match then get along to the link at the bottom of the podcast description for this episode or visit the DP World ILT20’s website.

The Vipers are within touching distance of lifting the title for the first time – and everyone is hoping that, after finishing as runners-up in the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2023, finally this is the year for the side to get their hands on the silverware.

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In this episode we can reflect upon a fantastic win for the team – a seven-wicket success against the Sharjah Warriorz in Qualifier 2 that means the Vipers have booked a place in the final of the tournament, against the Dubai Capitals.

Coming up we hear from Mohammad Amir, one of the stars with the ball against the Warriorz, and also Max Holden, who again produced an excellent innings under pressure. There’s also the views of Alex Hales, who was named player of the match for the way he got the Vipers chase off to an explosive start.

So, the Vipers are into the final for the second time in three editions of the tournament and it’s expected that the match against the Capitals on Sunday the 9th of February will be a sell-out.

If you want tickets for the match then get along to the link at the bottom of the podcast description for this episode or visit the DP World ILT20’s website.

The Vipers are just one win away from lifting the title for the first time so why not be a part of the action and watch the match in person!

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This is an episode with a difference. The day after the team’s last-ball defeat to the Dubai Capitals in the Qualifier, two of the coaches, bowling coach Carl Crowe and fielding coach Simon Helmot, meet up with eight players involved with the UAE women’s team for a session at the JA Resort’s dedicated cricket facility in Jebel Ali.

The idea behind the session was three-fold: following on from the work the Vipers are doing in schools across Dubai, this was another opportunity for the franchise to help develop UAE cricket beyond simply playing in the DP World ILT20; it was a chance for the women to interact with overseas coaches they would not otherwise have the chance to work with; and it gave the Vipers coaches sight of the type of talent that is coming through the system in the UAE.

Coming up we hear from both Carl and Simon on their experience of the session on Thursday morning, and we also hear from Esha Oza, the UAE women’s captain, a player who was recently named the ICC women’s Associate Player of the Year, and one of the players who took part in the coaching clinic.

The session was certainly an opportunity for Simon and Carl to clear their heads after that loss to the Capitals ahead of a winner-takes-all match in Sharjah on Friday night against either MI Emirates or Sharjah Warriorz, with a place in Sunday’s final against the Capitals up for grabs.

And if you want to watch that match in Sharjah or any others that remain in the third edition of the DP World ILT20 then you can purchase tickets via the tournament website or at the link below the description for this podcast.

It’s a do-or-die game for the Vipers in Sharjah on Friday so whatever happens it promises to be must-watch action!

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This episode comes off the back of a heartbreaking loss to the Dubai Capitals in the Qualifier with the Capitals winning by five wickets off the very last ball to secure a spot in Sunday’s final.

For the Vipers it means that in order to join them they have to do it the hard way, playing against the winners of the eliminator between MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz that takes place in Abu Dhabi on Thursday night.

That next game for the Vipers comes up quickly, on Friday night in Sharjah and the equation is a simple one – two wins will see the team lifting the title for the first time; anything less and it’s a season with nothing to show for the efforts of the players and staff.

Coming up we reflect on the defeat at the Dubai International Stadium in the company of Head Coach James Foster and fast bowler David Payne.

But before we do so, a reminder that there’s still time for you to catch the Vipers in action this season. If you want to watch that eliminator in Sharjah on Friday the 7th of February then you can buy tickets via the link below the description for this podcast or via the DP World ILT20’s own website.

Friday’s game is an all or nothing match for the Vipers so it should be very much worth your trouble to catch it!

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It’s the end of the league stage of the tournament and the Vipers have finished top of the six-team table with seven wins from 10 matches. But the regular season has ended with a whimper rather than a bang as the team went down to a nine-wicket loss with 17 balls to spare against the Dubai Capitals in Sharjah.

Coming up we hear from Vipers Director of Cricket Tom Moody, who reflects on a chastening defeat and also looks ahead with positivity to the play-offs to come, and there’s also the thoughts of captain Lockie Ferguson, who looks back on the league campaign and forward to the next stage of the tournament.

And that next stage is, to begin with at least, a Qualifier against the same opponents – the Dubai Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday the 5th of February as the Capitals’ win in Sharjah meant they leapfrogged MI Emirates into second spot in the table.

The winner of that Vipers – Capitals match will go straight into the final, also set for Dubai on Sunday the 9th of February, while the loser of that match will face the winner of Thursday’s game between MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz, in Sharjah on Friday the 7th of February with the second berth in the final at stake.

If you want tickets for any of the matches that remain in the tournament then you can purchase them using the link below the podcast description for this episode or at the DP World ILT20’s own website.

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In this episode we speak with Head Coach James Foster to preview the final league match of the campaign against the Dubai Capitals, in Sharjah on Monday evening, the 3rd of February.

The Vipers are already assured of top spot in the six-team league table so it’s a case now of seeing if another victory can be chalked up ahead of the play-offs, which begin just two days later with the Vipers facing a Qualifier against the second-placed side for the right to go straight through to the final four days later.

James has overseen a terrific campaign so far with seven wins from nine matches – and another win against the Capitals would see the side create history as no side has ever won eight matches in the regular season of the DP World ILT20.

James talks about that and tells us whether there are any fitness concerns within the squad leading into the final week of the tournament.

The Head Coach discusses the lack of jeopardy for the Vipers going into the Capitals match and also reflects on the need to find the sweet spot in that game between, on the one hand, providing players with opportunities ahead of the business end of the competition while, on the other, looking to maintain the momentum that the Vipers have created through winning the majority of their matches.

James talks about the importance of the win over the Gulf Giants following the heavy loss to MI Emirates and he reflects upon Azam Khan’s search for his best form as the destructive Pakistan batter aims for a major contribution.

James speaks, too, about whether there’s a need to keep the players in the here and now rather than let minds wander to the Qualifier at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday – with the side that wins that game booking their place in the final.

If you want tickets for the Vipers’ match against the Capitals or that Qualifier, you can purchase them using the link below the podcast description for this episode or at the DP World ILT20’s own website.

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In this episode we begin the build-up to the Vipers’ final match of the regular season, a meeting with the Dubai Capitals at the Sharjah Stadium on Monday the 3rd of February – and we do that in the company of left-arm fast bowler Luke Wood. 

Luke has been absent from the side for the past five matches – and coming up he explains why. He also chats about his catching and how he reaches such a high level in the field, the season so far and the match against the Capitals and it’s a thoroughly engaging conversation you won’t want to miss.

If you want tickets for the Vipers’ match against the Capitals or the Qualifier for the final, where the Vipers will face the other side to finish in the top two, in Dubai on Wednesday the 5th of February, you can purchase them using the link below the podcast description for this episode or at the DP World ILT20’s own website.

The final will take place in Dubai on Sunday the 9th of February and fingers crossed the Vipers can make it that far – and this season lift the silverware.

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It’s happy days for the Vipers as not only have the team returned to winning ways with a five-wicket win over the Gulf Giants in Dubai, but in doing so they’ve confirmed their spot in the top two of the league stage and so guaranteed they have two chances to qualify for the final.

The team impressed with the ball against the 2023 champions but it took a classy debut innings of 70 not out from 54 balls by Max Holden to see the team over the line with an over in hand.

Coming up we hear from Max as he talks us through what was a thoroughly impressive first appearance in the tournament for the left-hander. And we also hear from players of the match Wanindu Hasaranga, who produced yet another incredible display with the ball, taking three for 10.

The Vipers now have just one match left in the league stage of the tournament, against the Dubai Capitals in Sharjah on Monday the 3rd of February, ahead of a match against as yet unknown opponents in the qualifier two days later in Dubai. If you want tickets for either of those matches, or any that remain in the tournament then you can purchase them using the link below the podcast description for this episode or at the DP World ILT20’s own website.

The final – and let’s hope the Vipers can make it again this season after finishing as runners-up in the inaugural event in 2023 – will take place in Dubai on Sunday the 9th of February.

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This time we’re looking back on a night to forget for the Vipers as the side slipped to a 154-run defeat at the hands of MI Emirates in Abu Dhabi.

It was the second-heaviest loss in the history of the tournament, eclipsed only by the Vipers’ 157-run loss to the same opponents in Sharjah in 2023. The crumb of comfort is that after that previous loss, the Vipers reached the final. Let’s hope history repeats itself in 2025!

We hear from bowling coach Carl Crowe as he helps us pick apart the reverse, and we also have something positive on this episode too, as we speak with Tom Moody, the Vipers Director of Cricket to reflect upon the selection of Wanindu Hasaranga in the International Cricket Council’s men’s T20 International Team of the Year.

By being named in that side, Wanindu has become the only player to feature in both the ODI and T20I teams and Tom reflects on the qualities of the Sri Lanka leg-spinner, who has already been in fine form again for the Vipers this season.

The franchise remains comfortably top of the six-team DP World ILT20 table with two matches to play in the regular season and the next match is a repeat of the 2023 final, against the Gulf Giants in Dubai, on Wednesday the 29th of January.

If you want tickets for that game, or any the Vipers are playing this year, then you can purchase them using the link below the podcast description for this episode or at the DP World ILT20’s own website.

The Vipers’ two remaining matches in the regular season are split between Dubai and Sharjah, with the final game of the league stage in Sharjah against the Dubai Capitals on Monday the 3rd of February. The final is then set to take place in Dubai six days later.

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We’re reflecting on a sixth win in seven matches for the Vipers as the side secured back-to-back wins against the Sharjah Warriorz.

After a ten-wicket win in Dubai, this time it was an eight wicket win with 31 balls to spare.

We hear from Sam Curran, standing in as captain for Lockie Ferguson, who scored an unbeaten 54 in only 34 balls, and also Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, the UAE fast bowler, who made his debut and took four for 22, winning the player of the match award for his efforts.

The Vipers’ win cements the team’s position at the top of the league table and it appears as though they are nailed on for the play-offs. It also looks likely that one further win will all but guarantee a top-two finish in the group stage, providing two chances to qualify for the final, in Dubai on the 9th of February.

The Vipers’ next match is against MI Emirates in Abu Dhabi on Monday the 27th of January and if you want tickets for that game, or any the Vipers are playing this year, then you can purchase them using the link below the podcast description for this episode or at the DP World ILT20’s own website.

The Vipers’ three remaining matches in the regular season are split between the tournament’s three venues – Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

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This is a special episode because we’re joined by head coach James Foster to celebrate the inclusion of two Vipers players – batter Sherfane Rutherford and spin-bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga – in the ICC Men’s One-Day International Team of the Year.

It’s a huge achievement by both players and a source of pride for the Vipers as both men have been part of the franchise since the start of the DP World ILT20 so everyone connected with the team has been able to follow their upward trajectories with a feeling of immense pleasure.

In addition to discussing Sherfane and Wanindu, James also talks to us about the season so far and how there’ll be no complacency despite the fact the team has won five of its first six matches of the campaign.

Incidentally, if you want tickets for any Vipers match this year then you can purchase them using the link below the podcast description for this episode or at the DP World ILT20’s own website.

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This is an episode with a difference as we hear from Hanish Bhatt, the owner of PALMFIT, the company that produces the Vipers’ clothing.

That might sound like a very dry topic but it’s anything but as Hanish’s company makes the kit used by the players and staff from recycled material, in keeping with the Vipers’ quest to be one of the most sustainable sports teams in the world.

It’s a fascinating view behind the curtain at one aspect of what makes a team tick!

The Vipers’ next match is against the Sharjah Warriorz in Sharjah on Saturday the 25th of January, a day game starting at 2pm, and If you want tickets for that match, or any the Vipers are playing this year, then you can purchase them using the link below the podcast description for this episode or at the DP World ILT20’s own website.

The Vipers’ four remaining matches in the regular season are split between the tournament’s three venues – Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi – so why not go on line and catch yourself a slice of the action this season. The final is due to be played at the Dubai International Stadium on February the 9th so let’s hope the team can go all the way!

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This time we’re looking back on history as the Vipers secured the first-ever 10-wicket win in the history of the tournament, beating the Sharjah Warriorz at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday night.

We hear from opening batter Fakhar Zaman, who blitzed an unbeaten 71 in the successful chase, Head Coach James Foster and also fast bowler Mohammad Amir, who provides his thoughts on the action in Urdu after taking four for 24 to secure the player of the match award.

The Vipers’ next match is against the same opposition, the Sharjah Warriorz, this time in Sharjah, on Saturday the 25th of January, and If you want tickets for that match, or any the Vipers are playing this year then you can purchase them using the link below the podcast description for this episode or at the DP World ILT20’s own website.

The Vipers’ four remaining matches in the regular season are sploit between the tournament’s three venues – Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi – and the final is set for Dubai on Sunday the 9th of February, so why not go on line and catch yourself a slice of the action this season.

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This time we’re reflecting on the Vipers’ first disappointing day of this year’s tournament as the side went down to a six-wicket loss to the Dubai Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium on Monday night.

It was a loss that followed four wins in a row to start the DP World ILT20 and to review it we’re joined by Vipers Director of Cricket Tom Moody..

The positive aspect about the defeat is that the players have the opportunity to make up for it very soon afterwards because the next match is just 48 hours later, against the Sharjah Warriorz, again at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday the 22nd of January.

If you want tickets for that match, or any the Vipers are playing this year then you can purchase them using the link below the podcast description for this episode or at the DP World ILT20’s own website.

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Although it’s still early days in the tournament, things keep getting better and better for the Vipers as the side made it four wins from four against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders and we reflect on that victory in this episode.

It was a convincing 53-run win at the Dubai International Stadium in the side’s annual Sustainability Match, an occasion when the Vipers wear green to highlight the causes of recycling and the climate emergency that are close to the heart of the franchise.

Coming up we hear from Nathan Sowter, who finished with three wickets, a catch and a run-out, Alex Hales, who top-scored with 58 and Desert Vipers CEO Phil Oliver, who reflects on the success of the Sustainability Match.

The next match, against the Dubai Capitals at the same venue, the Dubai International Stadium, is on Monday the 20th of January.

If you want tickets for that match, or any the Vipers are playing this year then you can purchase them using the link below the podcast description for this episode or at the DP World ILT20’s own website.

The thumbnail photo for this podcast is Dan Lawrence's remarkable flick for six during his innings of 49; if you haven't seen video of it yet then find it!

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It’s three games and three wins for the Vipers after an excellent five wicket success against the defending champions, MI Emirates, under the Ring of Fire lights at the Dubai International Stadium, a victory achieved with five balls to spare.

Coming up we hear from Director of Cricket Tom Moody, captain Lockie Ferguson and player of the match Fakhar Zaman, and they give us their perspective on the triumph.

If you want tickets for any of the Vipers' matches this year then you can purchase them using the link below the podcast description for this episode or at the DP World ILT20’s own website.

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In this episode we do something different – it’s time to hear from the Desert Vipers’ Sustainability Lead, Ben Hardy-Jones, as we approach the annual Sustainability Match, this year against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday the 18th of January.

Ben talks us through what the day will involve from a Vipers perspective and also gives us an insight into the Vipers' actions in tackling the issues of plastic pollution and the ongoing climate emergency – and it’s a fascinating and engaging conversation.

If you would like to buy tickets for the Vipers’ Sustainability Match, or any of the team’s matches for this season, you can do so via a link at the ILT20 website or by using the link that you’ll find beneath the podcast description for this episode.

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It’s two from two for the Vipers as we can look back on another victory for Lockie Ferguson’s side – this time by six wickets with 14 balls to spare at the Dubai International Stadium against the Gulf Giants, the side that beat the Vipers in the inaugural final in 2023.

We hear from two key contributors for the side – opening batter Alex Hales, who had to battle some really testing bowling from the Giants seam attack, and left-arm fast bowler Luke Wood, who was one of the Vipers’ bowlers to impress in an excellent display in the field.

The Vipers' next match is on Thursday the 16th of January at the same venue against the defending champions MI Emirates.

If you want tickets for that match, or any the Vipers are playing this year then you can purchase them using the link below the podcast description for this episode or at the DP World ILT20’s own website.

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We hear from Sam Curran, who was a key part of an opening match win for the Vipers against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi.

Sam made 50 not out from 37 balls, and with Dan Lawrence making 70 in 39 deliveries, the duo added 95 in 10 overs as the side ultimately made light of a potentially tricky chase after ADKR made 166 for four in their 20 overs, winning with eight balls in hand.

Buy tickets for all Vipers matches this season either using the link below or at the ILT20's official website.

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It’s almost time! In this episode, recorded around 24 hours before the Vipers’ first match of season three, against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi, we check in with new captain Lockie Ferguson. 

Lockie’s had a whirlwind introduction to the Vipers having arrived from Australia, where he was playing for the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League, on Thursday afternoon.

We chat with the captain about how he’s getting his feet under the table with his new team-mates, how he’s preparing for the action to come, what he thinks about the side’s first opponents – and plenty more. It’s a fantastic interview and one you’ll thoroughly enjoy.

Tickets for all Vipers matches are now on sale and you can purchase them using the link below the podcast description for this episode or at the DP World ILT20’s own website.

The match against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders is the first of 10 group games in 23 days for the team ahead of the finals series. The Vipers are playing matches at all three tournament venues, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, so get your tickets to ensure you can catch the action in person.

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In this edition we hear from Tom Moody, the Vipers’ Director of Cricket, two days out from the side’s opening match of season three, against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi on Sunday the 12th of January.

We spoke with Tom to reflect upon the Vipers encouraging warm-up match against the Gulf Giants and Tom reflects on that performance and what it means for the days ahead.

He also discusses the arrivals of several of the team’s big guns, including new captain Lockie Ferguson, batters Dan Lawrence, Sherfane Rutherford, and Alex Hales and all-rounders Kusal Malla and Wanindu Hasaranga and what that means for selection and for the team dynamic.

And Tom speaks at length about the value he believes the league is providing for UAE players to develop their games alongside some of the world’s best talents.

There’s a hint of three about the make-up of the side for that opening match in Abu Dhabi and his assessment of the opposition for that first match of the tournament for the Vipers.

As ever with Tom, it’s thoroughly engaging stuff and well worth your time.

And for Vipers tickets, please use the link below this podcast description.

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This time we’ve got some cricket to reflect upon as the Vipers have played their one and only warm-up match ahead of the tournament, against the Gulf Giants at the ICC Academy.

And as a build-up to the main event, it couldn’t have gone much better.

The Vipers bowled out the Giants for 125 in only 16.1 overs, then cruised towards that target to such an extent that both head coaches, James Foster of the Vipers, and the Giants’ Andy Flower, agreed to a revised target of 186, 60 more runs than the original requirement.

The Vipers fell short by just three runs of reaching that goal but it was still a match filled with positives and coming up we’ll reflect on those with two of the stars of the day from a Vipers perspective, leg-spinner Nathan Sowter and batter Adam Hose.

Nathan took four for eight in a superb spell of bowling, while Adam found the middle of the bat in a stunning display of hitting, making 47 from only 23 balls before he retired out to give others a chance of time in the middle.

Tickets for all Vipers matches in the DP World ILT20 are available via the link below this podcast description or at the official tournament website.

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This time we hear from one of the Vipers’ new boys, Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman.

Fakhar has signed on to become the latest Pakistan star to join the franchise following on from Shaheen Shah Afridi, Azam Khan, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Aamir and he linked up with his new team-mates for the first time at the ICC Academy on Monday the 6th of January, six days ahead of the side’s first match, against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi on Sunday the 12th of January.

Fakhar has proved himself to be an exceptional talent at international and domestic levels over a number of years and he arrives at the DP World ILT20 with 11 white-ball hundreds for his country, including a double-hundred in One-Day Internationals, something that underlines his talent and emphasizes what a great signing he has the potential to be for the Vipers this season.

He has arrived in Dubai off the back of a successful domestic tournament in Pakistan, something that should provide him with a lot of confidence going into this campaign – and he talks about his recent action in our upcoming interview.

The left-hander also talks about what attracted him to play for the Vipers and his excitement at linking up with the star-studded group of team-mates around him, as well as the coaching staff. 

During our chat, Fakhar talks about the player he’s most looking forward to lining up alongside this season and, on top of that, he speaks about where he stands in terms of his international future – something that’s especially pertinent given Pakistan is all set to host the ICC Champions Trophy, a tournament in which he exploded onto the international stage in 2017 when his hundred in the final against India helped propel the side to victory.

He also reflects on his time in the UAE in the past, including when he played club cricket here, and what he expects from conditions during the tournament.

And if you want to watch Fakhar and his Vipers team-mates this season, you can buy tickets for all Vipers matches at the link below this podcast description.

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With the tournament just days away, we hear from England all-rounder Sam Curran.

Sam has been one of the first overseas players to arrive at the JA Resort as the squad starts to assemble in Dubai, and we caught up with him after the team’s first training session at the ICC Academy at Sports City.

It’s a case of many happy returns to the Vipers for Sam as he joined the side for the latter stages of season two twelve months ago, and now he’s back – this time for the whole thing.

He’s a player who’s been a star for England in all three formats and was player of the tournament when England won the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022, before going on to captain the Punjab Kings in the most recent edition of the Indian Premier League.

Credentials like that mean he’s a highly respected and very much in-demand talent, so it really is a coup for the Vipers to secure his services for this tournament, especially with so many others taking place at the same time in different parts of the world.

Coming up, Sam explains his thinking behind his decision to go all-in for the Vipers this season and how he hopes he can bring his winning mentality to the team after being part of trophy successes for both his county Surrey and the Oval Invincibles in England in 2024.

He also speaks about where he would like to see himself batting and bowling in the side and about the prospect of facing his older brother Tom, the former Vipers all-rounder, who’s now all set to line up against him for the Gulf Giants.

Sam provides us with his opinion on the impact substitute rule, which is being used for a second consecutive year in this season’s tournament and discusses where he sees himself in terms of his future with the England team.

And on top of that, there’s also chat about his brother Ben, who has now made his international debut for Zimbabwe, the country of their father Kevin’s birth, in Tests and One-Day Internationals.

It's a fascinating chat covering a range of topics - and it’s a chat that’s well worth your time.

And remember you can buy your tickets for all Vipers matches using the link below or by visiting the DP World ILT20's official website.

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This time we catch up with the team’s Head Coach, James Foster.

We chat with James about what he’s been up to since last season, his reflections on the previous campaign, his assessment of a host of players – some new and some returning from last term – and we get his assessment of where the squad stands ahead of the first match.

James talks about the rationale behind the choice of New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson as captain, and he also speaks of all four UAE players engaged by the Vipers – all-rounder Ali Naseer and wicketkeeper-batter Tanish Suri, who were retained from last season, as well as fast bowler Khuzaima Bin Tanveer and off-spinning all-rounder Dhruv Parashar, who were picked up the UAE player draft that followed the ILT20 Development Tournament late last year.

It's James Foster looking back at last season, looking at the strength of the current squad and looking ahead to the challenges that lie ahead.

And a reminder you can now buy tickets for all Desert Vipers matches via the link below this podcast description or at the DP World ILT20 website.

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Happy New Year from Vipers Voices!

In this episode - our last one before the players and support staff start to assemble in Dubai ahead of season three of the DP World ILT20 - we speak with Desert Vipers’ UAE wicketkeeper-batter Tanish Suri.

Tanish was one of two UAE players, along with all-rounder Ali Naseer, on last season’s roster that was retained for this term, and coming up he talks us through his past 12 months, including his UAE debut and his debut for the Vipers in the side’s first match of the 2024 edition, as well as his hopes and expectations for the season to come.

Tanish also tells us about his background in cricket and how he started playing the sport in Dubai, and speaks about the Vipers' two new UAE signings for this season, Dhruv Parashar and Khuzaima Bin Tanveer.
 

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In this episode, our last of 2024, we hear from UAE off-spinning all-rounder Dhruv Parashar.

Dhruv was the Vipers’ first pick in the UAE player draft that took place in November and it’s a case of many happy returns for the 20 year-old as he is back with the franchise after being part of the squad in season one and then working as a net bowler for the Vipers during season two.

Being chosen by the Vipers capped off an incredible 12 months for Dhruv that's seen him make his T20I and ODI debuts, and we’ll hear all about it over the course of a terrific chat.

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In this episode we hear from Vipers leg-spin bowler Nathan Sowter, a man who has racked up the miles in pursuit of his craft in 2024.

The man Director of Cricket Tom Moody christened 'the racing snake' for his agility and speed in the field, Nathan made his debut for the Vipers in season two of the DP World ILT20 and impressed everyone, not only with the quality of his cricket, but also with his attitude around the squad, which was first-class. 

His experience of the tournament was the start of a busy year as Nathan then headed to Zimbabwe for a T20 tournament with his county side Durham before helping the team to the quarter-finals of the T20 Blast in the UK, after which he was voted their player of the tournament by his team-mates. 

Between the group stage and the quarter-final of the T20 Blast, Nathan slotted in for The Oval Invincibles in the men’s Hundred and, as was the case in 2023, he was part of the winning team in that competition. 

And just when he thought his season was drawing to a close then he got a call from the Caribbean and joined the Guyana Amazon Warriors to deputise for their injured leg-spinner Imran Tahir.

But that wasn’t it for the year as Nathan then headed to Nepal to play in that country’s inaugural Nepal Premier League.

So many tournaments then, so much cricket for Nathan, and he tells us all about it here on Vipers Voices, as well as discussing his advocacy for the Vipers’ sustainability initiatives, his excitement at the prospect of once again working alongside Sri Lanka leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, and how he rates the side’s chances of success in the upcoming action.

The logo for this episode is PalmFit, the UAE company that is producing the Vipers' kit for season three; it is something Nathan refers to in the podcast.

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In this episode we hear from new signing David Payne. Left-arm swing and seam bowler David has been a leading light in Twenty20 cricket in England for more than a decade and he has joined the Vipers for this season after being part of county side Gloucestershire’s success in last summer’s T20 Blast. 

In our chat he talks us through his 2024, his background, his reasons for signing with the Vipers - including his continuing international ambitions - and his hopes for the upcoming season of the DP World ILT20, and it’s a thoroughly engaging conversation. 

David is the leading wicket-taker among seam and swing bowlers in the history of the Blast, a tournament that’s been staged since 2003, and it’s that sort of statistic that’s ensured he’s been snapped up by the Vipers. He spent the previous two winters playing in the Big Bash League in Australia and he explains in the interview why he’s switched to the UAE for this winter’s action. David also explains his experiences in UAE conditions, he talks about the fact that the Vipers have once again filled their roster with left-arm seam and swing bowlers and, on top of all that, David, who joined us on Vipers Voices during a break in training at Gloucestershire’s headquarters in Bristol, talks about who he’s looking forward to playing alongside and against and how he rates the side’s chances for the season.

Tickets are available for all Vipers matches. See the link below for your way to purchase them.

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In this episode, part two of our chat with the newly-installed Desert Vipers captain, Lockie Ferguson talks about his busy 2024 and much more besides.

There was the obvious low for him - and his New Zealand team-mates - of failing to progress out of the group stage at the ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean, but within that, Lockie achieved a remarkable bowling feat and he talks about that, as well as his time under Steve Smith and Ricky Ponting at Washington Freedom, the side that won this year’s Major League Cricket T20 tournament in the USA.

There’s also a hat-trick to reflect upon, something Lockie achieved for New Zealand against Sri Lanka on the Black Caps’ white-ball tour of the country in November. And, on top of all that, Lockie talks about his experiences of bowling in the UAE, his variations, his views on the value or otherwise of high pace on slow pitches, the Vipers’ green initiatives and who he’s looking forward to playing alongside and against during the upcoming DP World ILT20.

And To start with, Lockie spoke to us about his time in Australia ahead of the tournament, playing for the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.

Tickets are now available for all Desert Vipers matches with the side's first game on day two of the tournament, against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi on Sunday the 12th of January, a day game starting at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased via the league's own website - ilt20.ae or via the Virgin Megastore link below.

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In this episode we hear from newly-appointed Desert Vipers captain Lockie Ferguson, the New Zealand fast bowler.

Lockie talks us through his joining the Vipers and his appointment to lead the side, as well as his captaincy style, the schedule of 10 group matches in 23 days and how he can marry the role of being an attack leader with looking after the team on the pitch. He also answers the $64 million question: can the Vipers win the DP World ILT20 this season!

This is part one of a two part chat with Lockie; in the next podcast he speaks in depth about his bowling, his amazing year that's included a T20 World Cup record, a T20 title in Major League Cricket in the USA and an international hat-trick, as well as the players he's looking forward to lining up with and against and what he makes of the Desert Vipers' green initiatives.

You can now buy tickets for all Vipers matches at the tournament's official website - www.ilt20.ae. The side's first match is against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi on day two of the tournament, Sunday the 12th of January.

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This episode is the second part of our two-part chat with Desert Vipers Director of Cricket Tom Moody.

Last time out we chatted about the side’s fixtures for season three, the signings of Dhruv Parashar and Khuzaima Bin Tanveer in the UAE player draft, the captaincy and the overall strength of the squad compared to the past two seasons. And if you haven’t heard that episode, why not jump back and give it a listen.

This time we speak about some of the squad that will be on duty for this season’s action – newcomers and returning players. Tom gives us an insight into what prompted their signings or their retentions and, as ever, when we hear from him, it’s compelling stuff.

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In this episode we speak with Desert Vipers Director of Cricket Tom Moody, the first part of a two-part chat ahead of season three of the DP World ILT20. 

Tom talks with us about, amongst other things, the Vipers’ fixtures for the new campaign, he reflects on the lessons learned from season two, and he speaks about the captaincy and the two UAE players the Vipers have picked up in the player draft that took place on Wednesday the 4th of December – off-spinning all-rounder Dhruv Parashar and fast bowler Khuzaima Bin Tanveer.

The acquisition of Dhruv and Khuzaima means the Vipers have now completed their roster for the season and it’s another indicator that we’ve getting closer to the first ball of season three.

The Vipers begin their quest for the silverware on day two of the tournament, away to the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi on the 12th of January.

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In this episode we speak with one of the Vipers’ new recruits, the English top-order batter Max Holden, who plays his cricket for county side Middlesex and for the Manchester Originals in the men’s Hundred.

A former England under-19 player, Max tells us all about his background and also talks about his excitement at joining the franchise in a wide-ranging chat that’s coming up shortly.

Max may be one of the Vipers’ new faces for season three but he’s not new to the DP World ILT20 having played for the Dubai Capitals in season two.

Max tells us all about that experience in our conversation, as well as his development as a player and what it’s been like for him to play alongside two of the game’s best white-ball batters, Jos Buttler and Phil Salt, for the Manchester Originals.

He also lets us know how he’s been preparing for the upcoming season and reveals who, out of the Vipers roster, he’s most looking forward to lining up alongside once the action gets underway.

It’s a terrific chat and well worth your time…

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With the next edition of the DP World ILT20 just a couple of months away, it's time to kick-off a new season of Vipers Voices - and what better way to do it than to speak with Luke Wood and Azam Khan at the launch of the side's new playing kit for 2025.

What makes this kit fantastic is that it's produced locally, in the UAE, thanks to a new clothing agreement with PalmFit, and it's made from recycled material, in keeping with the Desert Vipers' sustainability drive. So the kit not only looks great but it's also great for the environment too!

In this episode we hear from Luke and Azam about their reflections on season two, what they've been up to since that last edition wrapped up in February, and their hopes and expectations for season three. It's a great listen so dive in...

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This is our final podcast from season two of the DP World ILT20.

The Vipers signed off from the tournament for this season with a comfortable win by six wickets over the Sharjah Warriors in Sharjah, a win that ensured that although the side failed to finish in the top four and therefore secure a spot in the play-offs, it did mean Colin Munro’s side leapfrogged Sharjah into fifth place in the table.

It was a fourth win this term for the Vipers who produced perhaps their most complete performance of what was ultimately a disappointing campaign.

Neither side was able to qualify and so pride was all that was at stake but the Vipers ensured they finished on a high and left the tournament on a positive note.

We hear from Head Coach James Foster with his reflections on the season as a whole, and there’s also the chance to listen to captain Colin Munro with his thoughts on both the victory over Sharjah and the season.

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This episode could easily be called Vipers heartache as Colin Munro’s side went down to a last ball loss against the Dubai Capitals for a second time this season.

The defeat leaves the franchise bottom of the six-team table and while they’re still not out of contention for a spot in the finals, it’s now out of their hands.

We hear from batter Alex Hales, who top-scored for the Vipers with 66 from 37 balls but, as you’ll hear, it was a bittersweet success for him on a night when the side suffered a gut-wrenching loss.

The Capitals needed six from the final delivery, bowled by Ali Naseer, and Sikandar Raza struck it over long-off for a maximum to seal the win.

There’s now just one regular season fixture left for the Vipers now – against Sharjah Warriors in Sharjah on Sunday the 11th of February – and if you want to attend that match then you can secure your ticket via the ILT20 website – www.ilt20.ae – or at any Virgin Megastore in the UAE.

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This time we have a real treat for you – a round-table chat with captain Colin Munro and Director of Cricket Tom Moody to look ahead to the match against the Dubai Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday night, the 9th of February.

It’s the penultimate match of the regular season for the Vipers and it’s a must-win encounter if the side wants to retain a realistic chance of making it to the play-offs.

In our chat with Tom and Colin, the pair reflect on the season so far, and also on what’s to come, starting with that clash against the Capitals.

We spoke about the return of Dan Lawrence from England duty for the next two matches, the arrival of Sam Curran and Phil Salt, both outstanding international cricketers in the Twenty20 format, and the impact, both on and off the field, of the Pakistan contingent – Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Azam Khan and Mohammad Amir – this season.

We also discussed the importance of the toss and the fact that the Capitals match is so high-stakes. It’s all about pressure and Colin and Tom have some very interesting thoughts on that.

We’re all set for what should be some unmissable action over the next few days with, first, the match against the Capitals and then an encounter against Sharjah Warriors that could define the whole season.

And if you want to be part of that action then getting hold of your tickets couldn’t be easier.

You can do so either via the ILT20 website – www.ilt20.ae – or from any Virgin Megastore in the UAE.

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In this episode we speak with the Vipers recruits Phil Salt and Sam Curran, the England internationals who have flown in from the SA20 in South Africa to bolster the side’s roster in the run-in to the end of the regular season of the DP World ILT20.

Wicketkeeper-batter Phil has arrived from Pretoria Capitals and all-rounder Sam, has joined from MI Cape Town and both of them are experienced internationals.

Both were part of the England squad that lifted the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022 with Sam being named player of the tournament on that occasion, and more recently Phil was absolutely superb in the T20I series against the West Indies in the Caribbean in December, when he scored two hundreds at the top of the order and made more than twice as many runs as any player from either team.

The good news for them both – as they touch upon in our chat that follows is that they’ve had time to get their feet under the table with a couple of training sessions after arriving before getting their teeth into two massive matches, the first of which is against Dubai capitals at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday evening, February the 9th.

The Vipers' final two group matches are against the Capitals and the Sharjah Warriors. Two wins should be enough for a place in the play-offs but it also means that every game is a virtual knock-out from hereon in.

What that should produce is compelling cricket and if you want to watch the matches against the Capitals or against the Warriors at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium then it couldn’t be easier to get hold of tickets.

You can do so either via the ILT20 website – www.ilt20.ae – or from any Virgin Megastore in the UAE.

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In this episode we look back at the Vipers’ Sustainability Match, against the Gulf Giants at the Dubai International Stadium last Saturday, in the company of the Desert Vipers CEO Phil Oliver and Sustainability Manager Ben Hardy-Jones.

The Vipers have nailed their colours to the mast by putting Sustainability and the climate crisis front and centre of their agenda and the match against the Giants was a manifestation of that approach.

We hear from Phil and Ben about how the match went and what happens next and how the Vipers will look to continue the progress that’s already been made.

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In this episode we reflect on a 30-run loss at the hands of MI Emirates in Abu Dhabi on Sunday February the 4th, the Vipers’ eighth game of this campaign.

We have reaction from debutant leg-spinner Nathan Sowter, who performed admirably in taking one for 27 and there’s also the views of Ali Naseer, the UAE all-rounder who had his maiden DP World ILT20 half-century, weighing in with an unbeaten 63 from 47 balls which ensured the damage to the Vipers’ net run-rate in the face of the loss wasn’t as damaging as it could have been.

The loss leaves the side battling it out with a host of other sides for a place in the top four – and therefore a spot in the end-of-season play-offs – and it looks like a battle that’s going to go down to the wire.

The Vipers now have two matches left in the regular season, against the Dubai Capitals in Dubai on Friday February the 9th and then Sharjah Warriors in Sharjah two days later.

And if you want to watch either or both games then it really couldn’t be easier to secure your tickets. You can do so via the league’s own website – www.ilt20.ae – or at any Virgin Megastore across the UAE.

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This time we look back on an emphatic win for Colin Munro’s side against the Gulf Giants – a six-wicket success with more than three overs in hand.

Coming up we have reaction from opening batter Alex Hales, wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan, who scored the fastest fifty in the history of the tournament, and also head coach James Foster, with the result seeing the side surge up the table from sixth to third. 

It means that qualification for the end-of-season play-offs is now very much back on the radar and if the side can replicate the quality of this display, who knows? Maybe even a top-two spot – and with it two chances to reach the final – could be a possibility.

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This is a very special episode of Vipers Voices. It's special because It was recorded on the day the Desert Vipers joined forces with the Dubai Sports Council.

Dubai Sports Council is the official body responsible for the development of the sports sector in the Emirate.

And in a ground-breaking partnership, Dubai Sports Council has become the Lead Partner in the Desert Vipers’ Sustainability Programme.

The announcement was made at the offices of the Dubai Sports Council in Dubai’s Design District in the presence of its Secretary General His Excellency Saaed Hareb as well as the Desert Vipers Owner Avram Glazer, Chief Executive Officer Phil Oliver, Director of Cricket Tom Moody and captain Colin Munro.

We hear from Colin, who talks about the partnership as well as looking back at the narrow defeat to Dubai Capitals and forward to the now-crucial game against the Gulf Giants at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday February the 3rd.

That match is the Vipers’ Sustainability Match, where the players will be wearing green kit, fans are being asked to attend dressed in green and are also be invited to bring in old and used sportswear which can then be recycled and upcycled in keeping with the Vipers commitment to sustainability and the environment.

We hear, too, from Tom Moody, who speaks about Shaheen Shah Afridi after the Pakistan Twenty20 International captain signed off for this season with that match against the Capitals.

Tom talks about Shaheen’s influence on and off the field and how the Vipers will deal with his absence.

So, plenty of chat – as ever – on this episode, but before we get into that, just a quick reminder that if you’d like to attend the Sustainability Match or any of the Vipers games this season, you can do so by picking up a ticket either at the league’s website – www.ilt20.ae – or at any Virgin megastore across the UAE.

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This time we reflect upon the side’s sixth match of the second edition of the tournament and it’s a match that ended in defeat for the Vipers – a four-wicket loss at the hands of David Warner’s Dubai Capitals, off the final ball of the match.

Coming up we hear from Director of Cricket Tom Moody, who offers us his perspective on the narrow reverse and we also get the thoughts of UAE all-rounder Rohan Mustafa, who scored 50 as opener and took a wicket with his off-spin.

There are four more group games left for the Vipers to secure a spot in the play-offs that follow the league stage of the competition, starting with a match against the Gulf Giants, a repeat of last year’s final. It’s the game that’s been designated the Vipers’ Sustainability Match and it takes place at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday February the 3rd.

If you want to attend the match then obtaining a ticket could not be easier. You can do so via the league’s own website – www.ilt20.ae – or at any Virgin Megastore across the UAE.

And if you are coming along then make sure you wear green and also bring with you an old or unwanted item of sportswear; the Vipers will swap it for a green shirt and also recycle or upcycle what you bring along, all part of the franchise’s sustainability strategy.

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In this episode we look back at the dramatic victory over MI Emirates, forward to the next match, against the Dubai Capitals, and also assess how the team is doing at the halfway point of the group stage, all in the company of captain Colin Munro.

Colin offers his usual fair and honest appraisal of his own and his side’s performances in the tournament so far and, as ever, it’s an interview you won’t want to miss.

 
Colin also talks about his and Shadab Khan's Spirit of Cricket gesture during the match against Sharjah Warriors after they withdrew their appeal for run-out against Sharjah batter Martin Guptill.

After the last-ball success against MI Emirates, you won’t want to miss the next Vipers match, against David Warner’s Dubai Capitals, or any Vipers match in the tournament for that matter. And getting hold of tickets for the action couldn’t be easier. You can do so via the ILT20 website – www.ilt20.ae – or at any Virgin Megastore in the UAE.

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It’s a happy podcast this time as we have reaction after the Vipers' second win of this season's DP World ILT20, one secured by the narrowest of margins - by two wickets off the final ball in an absolute thriller against MI Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium.

We hear from head coach James Foster and also UAE all-rounder Ali Naseer, who took a game-changing catch to dismiss MI Emirates captain Nicholas Pooran.

The result lifts the Vipers off the bottom of the table but it really couldn’t be any closer at the halfway point of the group stage as the team is one of four sides on the same number of points – four, with Sharjah warriors on six and Mi Emirates on eight. It really does mean it’s all to play for with finals spots very much up for grabs.

This was undoubtedly the match of the tournament and if you’d like to sample some Vipers excitement first-hand then it couldn’t be easier to do so. You can get your tickets at the ILT20 website – www.ilt20.ae and at any Virgin Megastore across the UAE, with the Vipers next match is against the Dubai Capitals at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday February the 1st.

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It’s time to hear from the Desert Vipers CEO Phil Oliver as we build up to the franchise’s Sustainability Match, against the Gulf Giants at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday February the 3rd.

The match is a first for the Vipers and for the DP World ILT20 as it’s been put in place to highlight all that the Vipers are doing to raise awareness of the issues of sustainability and, more broadly, the climate crisis.

There’ll be a whole range of activities and initiatives around the day and Phil tells us all about them in this interview.

First and foremost, the plan is to turn the stadium green, literally and metaphorically, on the day, with recycling, upcycling and activities highlighting sustainability inside and outside the venue.

Fans are also going to be given green shirts to wear, the Vipers will be playing in green, and people can also bring in their old and unwanted sports kit so that they can be put to good use by those who need them.

And if you fancy getting involved in the day by attending the match – or any Vipers match this season, for that matter – it couldn’t be easier to get hold of tickets. You can do so by visiting the ILT20 website – www.ilt20.ae – or going to any Virgin Megastore across the UAE.

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