David Payne
Player Information
Player Overview
David Payne is an England left-arm fast-medium bowler who returns to Desert Vipers for DP World ILT20 Season 5. Born on 15 February 1991, Payne has built a long professional career in English domestic cricket and has also represented England at international level. He has become an established member of the Desert Vipers bowling attack, playing in two ILT20 finals and helping the franchise win its first championship in Season 4.
Career Background
Payne began his professional career with Gloucestershire as a teenager. His List A debut came against Hampshire in August 2009, when he was 18 years old. He developed into an experienced left-arm seamer and later gained opportunities in several short-format competitions around the world. Payne also represented England in ODI cricket in 2022. His career has included spells in competitions such as the Big Bash League, The Hundred and the ILT20, giving him experience against international-level batters in different conditions.
Playing Style
Payne bowls left-arm fast-medium and offers a different angle from a right-arm pace bowler. Desert Vipers describe his approach as being based on movement, angle, cutters and clear plans rather than extreme pace. He can operate with the new ball and has also been trusted during the closing stages of T20 innings. That ability to contribute at different points of an innings has been important during his time with the Vipers.
David Payne’s ILT20 Record
Payne has taken 27 wickets in 17 matches for Desert Vipers across his first two seasons with the franchise. He took 10 wickets during the Vipers’ run to the Season 3 final and improved that return to 17 wickets during their championship-winning Season 4 campaign. One of his standout performances came in a one-run victory over MI Emirates, when he finished with 4 for 29 and took three wickets in the penultimate over.
Season 4 Championship Performance
Payne played an important role in Desert Vipers winning their first ILT20 title on 4 January 2026. Defending 182 against MI Emirates at Dubai International Stadium, he took three wickets in four balls and finished with figures of 3 for 42. Naseem Shah also took three wickets as MI Emirates were dismissed for 136 in 18.3 overs. The Vipers won by 46 runs, completing a season in which Payne finished with 17 wickets.
Which Team Does David Payne Play for in ILT20?
David Payne plays for Desert Vipers in the DP World ILT20. The franchise brought him back through the Season 5 player auction on 1 October 2026. Payne was the Vipers’ most expensive purchase of the auction at US$150,000. He is one of ten players from the championship-winning Season 4 squad secured again for the new campaign, providing continuity in the team’s bowling group.
David Payne in ILT20 Season 5
Payne enters Season 5 as one of the most experienced ILT20 bowlers in the current Desert Vipers squad. The defending champions begin their campaign against MI Emirates at Dubai International Stadium on 21 November 2026, repeating the previous season’s final. Season 5 runs until 20 December, with each team playing 10 group matches. Payne’s Season 5 wickets and bowling figures will be added to his record once the new competition begins.