Tom Moody sees growth and ambition for Desert Vipers and UAE cricket

Al Etihad

4 days ago

9 July 2025 00:50
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)Desert Vipers coach Tom Moody is optimistic about both his team's trajectory in the International League T20 (ILT20) and the wider development of UAE cricket, citing progress in player maturity, strong franchise stability and a consistent upward curve.Having guided the Vipers to two finals in the three seasons of the UAE's flagship franchise cricket tournament, the veteran Australian coach also conceded that the franchise has done everything and yet, fell short of winning the title.'We had the opportunity to reflect on what we've done well. And there are a lot of things that we've done well. You don't reach two finals in three years without getting a lot of things right,' Moody said.'As we look to continue to evolve and grow as a franchise, that's exactly what we're intending to do in Season 4 and beyond – evolve both on and off the field.'This season the league has advanced as it vies for better positioning in a crowded cricket calendar and the T20 World Cup happening next year in India in that time frame. A few more tweaks are also being introduced for ILT20 4.A strong proponent of the ILT20, Moody said. 'The ILT20 as a whole has got a big advantage that it is contained in one geographical spot. So when it comes to logistics, travel, training and recovery – all those types of things – we're pretty central. Our circus is very much contained, and that's a huge plus for a positive environment. A lot of players and coaches like the consistency of that.'All six participating franchises have announced a few players they would retain, and Vipers, known for including a quartet of Pakistani players last season as the only franchise to sign the countrymen, have not yet expressed intention to retain any of them early enough.The rest of the five franchises have Indian owners and so Vipers remain the only avenue for players from Pakistan and Bangladesh. To a question from Aletihad on the luxury of exclusivity on such player options, Moody, chose to play with a straight bat.'Everyone's got the opportunity to pick from the global cricketing pool,' he said. 'We have enjoyed the relationships we've had with a few Pakistan players over the last couple of years. We pick what we feel is the most fitting players and skill sets that we need for our squad.'Moody did take note of the development in UAE's local talent. 'The exposure that the UAE players have got from the beginning to this point now, we've seen a huge uptick not only in skill improvement but also in performing under pressure,' he said.'There is improvement, both mentally and technically. And I'm sure that this upward curve is only going to continue... patience is required,' Moody said. 'We've only really seen the rise of UAE cricket over recent years. What we're seeing is significant growth and players continuing to develop with exposure, particularly through the ILT20 and the various development tournaments.'For UAE cricket to take the next leap, Moody believes consistent performances from the national side players in the ILT20 will in due course attract attention on the world stage. 'Once the consistency of performances in existing tournaments is there, naturally the opportunities will continue to be given to the UAE to take that next step up.'On action elsewhere, Moody last week questioned India's chances in the second Test against England, which India won, thanks to Shubhman Gill's team having more all-rounders than specialist batsmen.
Comparing the argument with the demand for all-rounders in T20 leagues, Moody said: 'In Tests, you're dealing with ever-changing conditions, over five days of cricket. And you want more specialists in those positions, whereas in T20 cricket, having the depth is an option that provides you with the opportunity to pivot a lot quicker in the shorter format.'
Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi