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Arab News
6 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Is this the UAE's most climate-conscious sporting event?
DUBAI: The Desert Vipers have released a sustainability match report outlining the environmental impact of their headline sustainability fixture, saying it is possibly the lowest-emission professional sporting event ever held in the UAE. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Timed to mark World Environment Day, the report details how the Vipers, a founding team in the DP World International League T20, or ILT20, say they reduced the carbon footprint of a professional cricket match to just 30.86 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, translating per fan to a low 8.6 kg of CO2 equivalent, a rarity in global sport. 'While mega-events like the Paris 2024 Olympics (emitted 1.59 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent) and Euro 2024 (generated 490,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent) understandably carry large footprints due to international travel and scale, the Vipers' match sets a benchmark in per capita emissions. At 8.6 kg CO2 equivalent per attendee, this may be among the most climate-conscious fan experiences in professional sport,' said Ben Hardy-Jones, head of sustainability and lead author of the report. Hosted during season 3 of ILT20, the Vipers match featured: 100 percent recycled team and fan kits, made locally; hospitality menus free from red meat, with reduced dairy; biofuel-powered pitch machinery; fan travel emissions limited to under 11 percent of total footprint; water-awareness labelling in hospitality menus; a digital reach of 15.4 million and more than 265,000 engagements, amplifying the sustainability message, with virtually zero additional carbon impact. 'As one of ILT20's founding franchises, we wanted to show how elite sport can lead on climate action without compromising experience,' said Phil Oliver, Desert Vipers CEO and recent Middle East CEO of the Year at the SPIA Awards. 'This wasn't just about lowering emissions, it was about setting a practical example others can follow.' Though the match was a finalist at the Gulf Sustainability Awards 2024 in the 'most sustainable event' category, the data and design of the match are now serving as a template for the wider sports sector, as the Vipers call on teams, leagues and venues to join them in transforming environmental standards. 'This isn't a one-off stunt. It's a model we're evolving every season,' Hardy-Jones said. 'Our report is open-source because we want change across the board, from stadium design to catering decisions. Sport has that power.' With ILT20 season 4 launching on Dec. 2, the Desert Vipers say that they are planning deeper sustainability initiatives and calling on the global cricket community to help make sport a force for environmental good.
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Fourth season of ILT20 to begin on December 2.
The fourth edition of the DP World International League T20 (ILT20) cricket tournament will begin on December 2, the UAE National Day (Eid-Al-Etihad) here, the organisers announced on Wednesday. The T20 league will run till January 4, 2026. The tournament is making a strategic shift from its usual January-February window for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in February-March next year. Dubai Capitals defeated Desert Vipers in a last over thriller to win the title in the last edition. "We are delighted to confirm that the DP World International League T20 Season 4 will commence on the UAE National Day – Eid-Al-Etihad – which is one of the most important days on the UAE calendar," chairman of ILT20 and vice-chairman of Emirates Cricket Board said in a statement. ILT20 CEO, David White said the revised window for the tournament window was decided after extensive consultation with key stakeholders.. The previous edition of the league featured an impressive roster of global T20 stars, including Sam Curran, Shai Hope , Fazalhaq Farooqi, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, David Warner and Rashid Khan among others.
BBC News
14-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Curran named Surrey captain for T20 Blast
England all-rounder Sam Curran has been named Surrey's captain for the 2025 T20 Vitality who is succeeding Chris Jordan in the role after three years, was named player of the tournament when England won the T20 World Cup in month, he was named most valuable player at the International League T20 where his side Desert Vipers reached the has scored more than 4,000 runs and taken 250 wickets in T20 across his career, and scored his first T20 century against Hampshire in last season's Blast."I look forward to leading our team and will do everything I can to live up to the standards and expectations that Surrey prides itself on," Curran said."I am very determined to deliver trophies and try to replicate what has been achieved in the County Championship the last few years to make the members and fans proud." Curran made his first-class debut for Surrey in 2015 aged 17. The 26-year-old made his England debut in 2018 and has represented his country more than 120 times, but has largely been out of Brendon McCullum's squad since the 2023 World Cup. Surrey high performance cricket advisor Alec Stewart said it was the "right time" for Curran to take over as captain. "It's a great opportunity for him to put his mark on the team and help to take us that one step further to deliver silverware," he said."Sam has shown his leadership qualities already both at Surrey and in the IPL and he will bring a huge amount to the role." Stewart said that Jordan - who led the team to the past two Finals Days - will remain a "key part of the side on and off the field".
Mid East Info
26-02-2025
- Sport
- Mid East Info
'PLAYING FOR EACH OTHER': CAPTAIN SAM BILLINGS ON DUBAI CAPITALS' MAIDEN TITLE AT THE DP WORLD ILT20
The Dubai Capitals secured their first-ever DP World ILT20 title with a thrilling four-wicket victory over the Desert Vipers in the final. After a rollercoaster season that saw them recover from a tough start, the Capitals' resilience led to a dramatic finish. Sam Billings, the captain of the Dubai Capitals, reflected on the team's journey and shared his thoughts on their redemption, as well as the importance of composure in such a tense contest. Reflecting on the summit clash in the final, Billings said, 'We've had some brilliant matches against the Desert Vipers, and tonight was an outstanding contest. The composure shown by some of the players at the end was remarkable. In T20 cricket, especially when chasing in this part of the world, you're never out of the game if two players get going.' Last season, the Dubai Capitals finished as runners-up, and this year, they staged a remarkable turnaround. After three consecutive losses, they bounced back with six wins in seven matches, climbing from the bottom of the table to claim the title. On the team's redemption, Billings said, 'Similar to last year, we were at the bottom of the table before winning several in a row to reach the final. We've played some good cricket in different ways, and thankfully, we got across the line today.' He further added, 'I was gutted when we couldn't get the job done last year. Winning this trophy is very special, and the manner in which we did it makes it even more meaningful. I think we've done it the hard way over the last couple of years, so I'm incredibly proud of everyone associated with the franchise.' After Rovman Powell and Shai Hope set up the run chase, Sikandar Raza sizzled with 34 runs in 12 balls, along with Dasun Shanaka's quick-fire 21, to bring the Capitals home. Speaking on his knock, Billings added, 'I've told him over the last couple of games that he'd be the one to hit the winning runs, and he's done it many times. What's brilliant is that Rovman, Shai, and Dasun have also made a huge impact, but they each bring something different, complementing each other perfectly. Experience in those key moments is priceless, Raza's been in that position countless times around the world, and that makes a big difference. You can see why he's such a valuable asset globally.' Looking back at the season and what set the Capitals' campaign apart, Billings opined, 'I've been part of a lot of winning teams, so you learn along the way about different behaviours and ways of bringing the group together. A team is always stronger when it's moving in the same direction, and I think that's what we've done brilliantly this year. You can see those close wins; they're the difference when a team plays for each other and together.' The victory marks the GMR Group's first franchise tournament championship. While Billings attributed the success to comprehensive team efforts, the Capitals were buoyed by various outstanding individual performers as well. Opener Shai Hope claimed the Green Belt, awarded to the best batter of the season. Hope amassed 527 runs at an average of 58.55 in 12 innings, including three half-centuries and a century. Meanwhile, Gulbadin Naib was amongst the top all-rounders of the season with 381 runs, four half-centuries, and 11 wickets across the campaign. Though Dushmantha Chameera missed out on the final, he and Obed McCoy excelled through the competition with 13 wickets each.
The National
13-02-2025
- Business
- The National
Mumbai Indians Muscat and Gulf Giants Doha: What could an expanded ILT20 look like?
Discussions have taken place about expanding the DP World International League T20 to include other Gulf countries. The third season of the franchise competition reached a dramatic conclusion on Sunday in front of a packed crowd at Dubai International Stadium. Dubai Capitals became the third winners of the competition when they beat Desert Vipers in a thrilling final-over finish. The huge crowd was testament to the fact the league has found its place in the UAE sporting calendar, after its tentative beginning in 2023. Its organisers are now considering how to develop the league in the future. According to David White, the chief executive of the ILT20, that could involve fixtures elsewhere in the region. 'We are past the start-up stage and I'm very positive of the future,' White said. 'We are starting to see young children back their favourite teams and there is a stable following. 'We are very conscious of connecting with community and this year our social media numbers are phenomenal, and in association with Zee [the Indian broadcasters who own the TV rights for the league], the broadcast numbers are looking very good too. 'In my personal opinion, over time, the natural progression of this league is to expand into the greater Gulf region. We have got so many Gulf nations with cricket fans, and at some stage the expansion could happen.' The discussions are at an early stage, but the possibilities are many. An initial step could be retaining the same six franchises, but playing some regular season matches in other cricket-loving countries in the GCC. At present, the two places which appear best placed to host matches would be Muscat and Doha. Oman and the UAE shared staging rights for the 2021 T20 World Cup. The Oman Cricket Academy ground in Al Amerat is both well-appointed and scenic. The West End Park International Stadium in Doha has seen less international cricket played so far but has capacity for 13,000 spectators. Each of those destinations has shown an appetite for cricket in the past. The Emerging Teams Asia Cup in Muscat last year attracted appreciable crowds, which has also been the case when all-star exhibition matches have been played in Doha. As with any sport looking to expand its reach and attract investment, thoughts often spring towards Saudi Arabia. Saudi has big plans for cricket, including leagues of its own as well as hosting bilateral matches between India and Pakistan. As yet, though, there are no turf fields, let alone stadia ready to host major matches. As such, despite the significant advantages of heading to Saudi in terms of potential audience and sponsorships, it is unlikely to be a destination for ILT20 teams in the immediate future. The advantages of expanding the league's footprint would be many. Primarily, there would be the chance to attract more followers, and potentially sponsors, in new territories. Also, it could help ease cricket fatigue among the existing venues. As per the current schedule, there are 34 matches per season in the ILT20, with three venues in operation – Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Having multiple matches in the same place can be problematic. It has often proved difficult to sustain big crowds, particularly for midweek league matches. Whether any of the existing teams would want to base themselves full time in the new destinations, rather than travelling for occasional home fixtures, remains to be seen. As the only single-franchise entity in the competition, Desert Vipers, for example, have made significant efforts to establish themselves in the UAE, so would presumably be averse to moving. Others may be happy to relocate. A rebrand of MI Emirates to MI Muscat, for instance, might be doable and the side's owners might think the Mumbai Indians brand could transfer seamlessly enough. In an alternative scenario, if there are to be expansion franchises, there will be more players required. Hopefully this would have the natural effect of increasing the spaces available for local players to be recruited. UAE players have long been crying out for more opportunities in franchise competitions, not least in their home league. Whether new destinations could put up players of their own for selection would be intriguing to see. Oman have been the outstanding side from the region in recent years, but they are currently in a state of transition. They recently sacked many of the players who took them to the T20 World Cup last year over an internal discipline issue. The credentials of those who remain are less clear, but the likes of Bilal Khan and Jatinder Singh might garner interest from ILT20 recruiters. Phil Oliver, the chief executive of the Vipers, said the ILT20 has 'a foot in the door' within the franchise cricket circuit now. He did, though, warn about 'cautionary tales' in other leagues which have expanded before they are ready. 'I'd be slightly wary about running before we are walking in terms of developing into other regions,' Oliver said. 'We are aware that UAE is the flagship Associate [non-Test playing country] in this region. Who knows, maybe a wider GCC event further down the line could be on the agenda. 'There has been some discussion about that but there certainly needs to be planning. We are developing bonds with the community in the three cities we play in. 'All six teams have done that and we want to make sure we capitalise fully on that before we look to expansion.' Oliver said the league is unquestionably on an upward trajectory, as shown by Sunday's final, even if his side ultimately fell just short of winning. 'Whilst the result didn't go our way, it was a fantastic evening,' he said. 'There was a packed out Dubai International Stadium with a fantastic atmosphere. 'There is nothing quite like it in cricket when that stadium is full. There was so much noise, and it was great to witness that. 'I think that was a representation of where the league has got to in the space of three years. It is a competitive market in terms of cricket but also in terms of sport and things to do in UAE. That is always a challenge in trying to get people to come and support the teams.'
