In the lead-up to the imminent commencement of the 2024 International League T20 (ILT20), the Desert Vipers have solidified their squad with the inclusion of former Pakistani speedster, Mohammad Amir. The seasoned pacer, known for his wealth of experience, enhances the Vipers’ bowling arsenal. Amir, having participated in 259 T20 matches across various leagues, boasts an impressive record of 303 wickets.
His addition complements the presence of fellow countrymen in the squad, including T20I captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, all-rounder Shadab Khan, and explosive wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan. The 31-year-old’s T20 international career, spanning 50 matches, saw him claim 59 wickets, with a memorable six-wicket haul in the ICC T20 World Cup 2009, contributing to Pakistan’s triumph under Younis Khan’s leadership.
“In signing Amir, we have lined up a player who knows both the format and the conditions in the UAE, inside-out. He was playing in Abu Dhabi as recently as last month, for the New York Strikers in the T10 tournament, under one of our coaches, Carl Crowe, with the Strikers going on to win that event in large part due to Amir’s contributions with the ball,” Vipers’ director of cricket Tom Moody said in a media release as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“And in a world where player availability is not always guaranteed because of international commitments, the fact he no longer plays for Pakistan means call-ups for his national team are not an issue,” he added.
Vipers possess an array of international talents
In addition to a formidable contingent of Pakistani players, the Desert Vipers have bolstered their squad with international talents including Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Dinesh Chandimal, Sheldon Cottrell, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Matheesha Pathirana. The acquisition of Amir is seen as a strategic move, possibly prompted by the uncertainty surrounding Tom Curran’s fitness for the upcoming ILT20, where the Vipers aim to build on their runner-up finish in the inaugural season.
The second edition of the UAE-based T20 league is scheduled to kick off on January 19 and conclude on February 17, featuring 34 matches across Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. In the 2023 final, the Vipers fell short to the Gulf Giants, losing by seven wickets.
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