UAE ILT20: Desert Vipers sign Sam Billings, Alex Hales, Wanindu Hasaranga, Sheldon Cottrell

UAE’s International League T20 franchise Desert Vipers have announced the signing of Sam Billings, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Sheldon Cottrell as their overseas players for the inaugural edition of the competition. scheduled to commence next year.

Desert Vipers, the franchise owned by Lancer Capital, have also roped in Sam Billing’s compatriot Alex Hales, who recently joined the 10,000-run club in T20s. Tom Curran and Ben Duckett are the two other Englishmen, who will be joining the ranks alongside Hales and Billings. The wicketkeeper-batter is currently leading the Oval Invincibles in the second edition of The Hundred. Meanwhile, Sheldon Cottrell will be returning from his much-maligned injury for St Kitts & Nevis Patriots in the upcoming edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL)

The side has also announced the appointment of Tom Moody as the director of cricket. The former Australian cricketer has had numerous high-profile roles in the past including stints as director of cricket and head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL apart from a coaching role with the Punjab franchise from 2008 to 2010. He also coached the Sri Lankan side between 2005 to 2008, leading them to a World Cup final in 2007.

We have assembled an excellent mix of youth and experience: Tom Moody

Former England wicketkeeper-batter James Foster, who is currently in charge of the Northern Superchargers men’s side in the Hundred, will be working alongside Moody. Moody reflected on his appointment and expects an entertaining and high-quality inaugural tournament next year. Talking about his team, the former all-rounder stated that they have got a perfect mix of youth and experience in a skillful team, labeling the competition an international event, featuring players from all across the globe.

“I’m honored to lead the cricket operations of Desert Vipers in what promises to be an entertaining and high-quality tournament. We have assembled an excellent mix of youth and experience in a highly skilled squad and I warmly welcome our players from all over the world in what is truly an international event,” Moody said in an official statement.