DUBAI: The month-long Desert Vipers Indoor Cup 2023 has begun in Dubai, with the goals of the competition to engage with the local community and offer a platform for UAE-based cricketers to perform and show off their skill.
The tournament, which runs from January 15 to February 15, 2023, features a total of 24 corporate teams competing at the state-of-the-art ICC Academy indoor facility.
Sponsored by the Desert Vipers team, one of six teams participating in the DP World ILT20 tournament, the Desert Vipers Indoor Cup will be an annual event, with match officials’ uniforms also bearing the Desert Vipers logo.
Local UAE star Rohan Mustafa and Desert Vipers fast bowling coach Azhar Mahmood took some time out to visit the facilities and were very pleased with the initiative.
Rohan Mustafa said: “We have a lot of local talent here in the UAE, but there is always a need for more competitions for them to keep their skillset in top shape. The Desert Vipers Indoor Cup is a step in the right direction and will go a long way in helping promote the game that I love so deeply, here in the UAE.”
Azhar Mahmood the fast-bowling coach added: “I have visited Dubai many times and I am aware of the talent that is here. The Desert Vipers are committed to helping towards the development of cricket in the community here in the UAE, and also unearthing new talent. As a team, we have a commitment of picking four UAE players for each season of the ILT20, and this tournament will only help build a wider pool of cricketing talent.”
This year the competition is running in parallel with the DP World ILT20, and the top performers, like the Player of the Match at the Desert Vipers Indoor Cup 2023, will be awarded match tickets to go watch the Desert Vipers live at the three venues where the tournament is being held: Dubai International Stadium, Sharjah Cricket Stadium and the Sheikh Zayed Stadium Abu Dhabi.
About the Desert Vipers
Owned by Lancer Capital, The Desert Vipers team is one of six to compete at the inaugural ICC-sanctioned ILT20 tournament to be held in the UAE in January-February 2023. Cricket Director Tom Moody and Head Coach James Foster lead operations in the star-studded Desert Vipers camp, which includes players like Sam Billings, Wanindu Hasaranga, Alex Hales, Colin Munro, Tom Curran, and Sheldon Cottrell.
Other key staffing appointments include Azhar Mahmood (fast bowling coach), Carl Crowe (spin bowling coach), Simon Helmot (fielding coach), and Neil McKenzie (batting coach
