Latest news with #DesertVipers'
Arab News
13-02-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Desert Vipers back extra opportunities for UAE players in future editions of DP World ILT20
DUBAI: The Desert Vipers' CEO Phil Oliver says the franchise would support an increase in the number of UAE players from two to three in the starting 11s of sides in future editions of the DP World ILT20. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Speaking during the Vipers Voices podcast, Oliver reflected on the 2025 tournament that ended on Sunday when the Vipers lost to the Dubai Capitals in a thrilling final in front of a capacity crowd at the Dubai International Stadium. On the status of UAE players, he said: 'I think it is very apparent that the talent is there to sustain two players in the starting 11s and potentially increase it.' He said there were 'some nuances around it in the super-sub rule. My view is that the introduction of the super sub, something that usually happens at the end of the first innings of matches, often means an international-quality player coming in.' This was 'something that often seems to reduce the opportunity to contribute for one of the two UAE players so there is a bigger picture for the franchises and the league to discuss.' He added: 'We could go to three UAE players or perhaps a player from one of the other Associate countries instead, as there is the requirement to have two Associates in the 18-man matchday squad. 'So maybe there is something on that Associate angle too, because we are really developing these Associate players, not only UAE players, through them having this exposure to fantastic coaches and players for the period of the tournament. 'I think options could be looking at the super-sub rule and asking could that be a UAE player who has to come in, or perhaps a third UAE player (in the starting 11). 'We would be supportive of any of these sorts of moves to be discussed and properly looked at because it is very apparent that the quality is there. 'We have had a fantastic group of UAE players throughout the first three years of this tournament. And the fact we had Khuzaima bin Tanveer break through this year and become a genuine frontline bowling option for us, I think, says it all, so the talent is there. 'We need to give the pathway for these players to develop so we very much look forward to introducing more opportunities for UAE players.' The tournament may be over for this year, but the Vipers' presence in the UAE will continue with a growing number of initiatives, including the franchise's schools outreach program that began in the second half of 2023. The program, which combines coaching and an introduction to the Vipers' sustainability agenda that references recycling, sustainability and the ongoing climate emergency, has exposed more than 12,000 children to the sport. Oliver said it would continue over the coming months. 'It is great that the schools program has been ticking along in the background,' he said. 'During the tournament the coaches were working hard and we were able to get a group of the players to go in and join a couple of sessions, so that was great for the kids to see the heroes up close and for the players to see what we do behind the scenes.'
Express Tribune
29-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Fakhar, Amir recall iconic CT win
The Desert Vipers' latest season of Straight Up with Vipers kicked off with an engaging episode featuring Pakistani cricket stars Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Amir. The duo reflected on their unforgettable performances in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, particularly the final against India, which secured Pakistan's historic win. Fakhar Zaman, who played a crucial role in the final, reminisced about his game-changing century. His knock of 114 runs came after a lucky escape when he was dismissed off a no-ball early in his innings. Reflecting on the moment, Fakhar revealed that he had jokingly wished for such luck before the match, which later turned into reality. "When I said that, it was just a casual comment during a conversation with my teammates. No one really took it seriously. But when it actually happened, everyone started saying I had seen it in my dreams!" he laughed. His stellar performance propelled Pakistan to a massive total of 338, laying the foundation for a famous victory. Mohammad Amir played an equally vital role, delivering one of the most memorable spells in Pakistan's cricket history. The left-arm pacer dismantled India's top order by dismissing Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shikhar Dhawan in quick succession. "Honestly, that pitch wasn't swinging much. Even in the morning, there wasn't a lot of movement," Amir said. "But I had this feeling that something special was going to happen. When I got Rohit out first, the energy just kept building," he added. Amir recalled that when Virat Kohli fell, he was almost certain that Pakistan had secured the match. "The moment Kohli got out, I thought, 'We've won 60% of the game.' It was a surreal feeling." he remarked. After lifting the trophy, both players were overwhelmed by the celebrations back home. Fakhar recalled struggling to exit the airport due to the massive crowds, while Amir described the joyous scenes in the streets of Karachi. "I didn't realize the magnitude of what we had achieved until we landed in Pakistan. People came from all over to celebrate with us," said Fakhar. The Champions Trophy 2017 remains one of Pakistan's greatest cricketing achievements, and both Amir and Fakhar cherish their contributions to the historic win. Shaheen ready to defend Pakistan's left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi expressed his determination to successfully defend the prestigious ICC Men's Champions Trophy title, stating he wants to wear the iconic white jacket. In a video shared by the apex cricketing body, Afridi recalled the national team's historic victory in June 2017 after a one-sided final against arch-rivals India at The Oval. The left-arm pacer revealed that he was playing Under-19 cricket for Pakistan back then and watched the blockbuster clash on TV. "I was playing for Pakistan U-19 when we won the Champions Trophy in 2017. I watched that game on TV, and it was a special moment for our country," he stated. Shaheen Shah Afridi then shared his plans for the upcoming eight-team tournament, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan from February 19 to March 9, and hailed experienced pacer Mohammad Amir and top-order batter Fakhar Zaman for their contributions in the final. "I want us to wear that white coat again after the final this time. I can never forget Fakhar Zaman's innings, which changed the game completely, and Mohammad Amir's spell," he added. "Everyone contributed to the win, but those performances stand out. I believe it was a team effort, and we need that again. We want to win the title once more and keep the trophy at home." For the unversed, Zaman's blistering century in the final helped Pakistan amass a massive total of 338/4 before Amir's fierce opening spell dismantled India's strong top order, which eventually resulted in the defending champions being bowled out for a meagre 158.
