The Desert Vipers head into ILT20 Season 4 with a strong roster built around fast bowlers, explosive batters, and local talent. Their strategy seems to focus on balance, depth, and impactful matchups across all formats.
Here’s the comprehensive look into their squad, fixture list, and expectations this season.
Desert Vipers Squad 2025-26: Players List & Roles
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Batters | Vriitya Aravind, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Nawaz, Max Holden, Tawanda Muyeye, Tom Bruce |
| Bowlers | David Payne, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Khuzaima Tanveer, Lockie Ferguson, Matiullah Khan, Naseem Shah, Qais Ahmed |
| All-Rounders | Sam Curran, Sanjay Pahal, Wanindu Hasaranga |
| Wicket-Keepers / Batters | Andries Gous, Vriitya Aravind |
Squad Highlights
- Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah form a formidable Pakistani core in the team.
- Wanindu Hasaranga and Sam Curran add spin and seam all-round options.
- Vriitya Aravind is a local wicket-keeper bat, strengthening UAE representation.
- Young names like Hasan Nawaz, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Sanjay Pahal show the Vipers’ push to nurture future talent.
From auction to squad completion, the Vipers crafted a lineup blending star power and up-and-coming players.
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Match Schedule: Desert Vipers in ILT20 2025-26
Here are the matches in which Desert Vipers will compete (league stage):
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 02, 2025 | Dubai Capitals vs Desert Vipers | Dubai Intl Stadium | 06:30 PM |
| Dec 05, 2025 | Desert Vipers vs ADKR | Sharjah Cricket Stadium | 06:30 PM |
| Dec 08, 2025 | Desert Vipers vs Gulf Giants | Dubai Intl Stadium | 06:30 PM |
| Dec 09, 2025 | MI Emirates vs Desert Vipers | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | 06:30 PM |
| Dec 12, 2025 | Gulf Giants vs Desert Vipers | Dubai Intl Stadium | 06:30 PM |
| Dec 13, 2025 | Desert Vipers vs Dubai Capitals | Dubai Intl Stadium | 06:30 PM |
| Dec 14, 2025 | Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates | Dubai Intl Stadium | 06:30 PM |
| Dec 20, 2025 | Desert Vipers vs Sharjah Warriorz | Dubai Intl Stadium | 06:30 PM |
| Dec 21, 2025 | Desert Vipers vs MI Emirates (repeat) | Dubai Intl Stadium | 06:30 PM |
| Dec 26, 2025 | Sharjah Warriorz vs Desert Vipers | Sharjah Cricket Stadium | 06:30 PM |
| Dec 28, 2025 | Gulf Giants vs ADKR (not Vipers) | — | — |
(Plus knockout matches: Qualifier 1 on Dec 30, Eliminator Jan 1, Qualifier 2 Jan 2, Final Jan 4, depending on standings.)
Players to Watch
- Fakhar Zaman — Key top-order batter, consistency and aggression expected.
- Naseem Shah — Fast pace spearhead with wicket-taking ability.
- Wanindu Hasaranga — Spin all-rounder who can tilt the balance in middle overs.
- Sam Curran — Utility bat/ball option, especially useful as flex player.
- Vriitya Aravind — Local keeper-bat, important for associate quota and UAE identity.
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Desert Vipers Season Outlook
In Season 4, Desert Vipers have constructed a squad that can adapt to different match situations. If their bowling strikes early and their batting holds firm, they can be serious contenders. Their blend of seasoned international players and rising local stars gives them a competitive edge in a tough league.
