Vipers retain Curran, Hasaranga for 4th edition of ILT20

The Desert Vipers are pleased to announce a list of seven retained players and one direct signing for the fourth edition of the UAE’s DP World ILT20 tournament.

Captain Lockie Ferguson leads the roster of returning players, which also includes all-rounder Sam Curran and Sri Lanka’s spin maestro Wanindu Hasaranga, an ever-present for the Vipers across the history of the tournament.

Director of Cricket Tom Moody welcomed the retained players on behalf of the Desert Vipers but also made it clear that although no Pakistani players featured in that retained list, they were certainly a part of the team’s wider strategy.

“Yes absolutely (we can expect Pakistani players to feature for the Vipers in season four),” he said. “I am sure now with an auction process that is happening in September, that we will see a few Pakistan players nominate for that auction.

“And we would be very keen to have a look at what talent is applying for that auction. We have got a good relationship with Pakistan and Pakistan cricketers and there is no mistaking their talent.

“If we can build our squad with two or three Pakistan players, we certainly will do, because they bring so much both on and off the field.”

Speaking about how the retained players were selected, the Director of Cricket said it was not easy to pick and choose: “We have built a long association with a core group in the first three years of the ILT20 and, we pride ourselves on trying to have that continuity and consistency with our playing group, but to be restricted to eight players was a challenge.”

Moody did confirm that Lockie Ferguson was being retained as captain of the team, as the management felt he was a huge success in season three and had impressed with his game awareness and player-management both on and off the field.

“We knew going into season three and even going into season four, that with Lockie, there was a strong chance he was not going to be able to play every game (because of injuries or the need to rest),” he said.

“We pride ourselves on having a squad that can accommodate the rotation of our fast bowlers, particularly ones that have got a history of picking up a niggle here or there. But Lockie’s leadership last season was brilliant.

“His connection with the players was second to none, as was his understanding of the game – after all, he has been around a long time.

“The players certainly embraced Lockie’s leadership style. And he did not let us down one little bit, both on and off the field.”

Also retained is all-rounder Sam Curran, who was chosen as player of the tournament in season three of the DP World ILT20 for his consistent performances with the bat and ball.

Curran was an easy pick, said Moody, with the duo having a long and successful working relationship across continents and leagues.

“Sam is a complete player and we are delighted to have him back with the franchise because he brings so many good qualities, whether it be leadership, his all-round talent on the field or his real competitive spirit out in the middle.