Desert Vipers Squad 2026 — ILT20 Season 5 Players & Team

Desert Vipers ILT20 Season 5 Squad & Team Overview

Desert Vipers enter DP World ILT20 Season 5 as the defending champions after winning their first tournament title in Season 4. They begin their title defence against MI Emirates at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 21 November 2026, in a repeat of the previous season’s final. Season 5 runs from 21 November to 20 December 2026, with matches played across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

The Season 5 squad combines returning players with new signings. Andries Gous, Dan Lawrence and Shimron Hetmyer were retained before the auction, while Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman joined as a direct signing. Desert Vipers then recruited 18 players at the 1 October 2026 player auction, including Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan and David Payne.

The squad changed after the auction when England batter Aneurin Donald withdrew following his selection for England’s T20I series in Australia. Desert Vipers announced on 16 October that Pakistan batter Hassan Nawaz would take his place. Nawaz returns after being part of the Vipers’ Season 4 title-winning squad. Following Aneurin Donald’s withdrawal, the franchise currently lists 21 active players for the season.

Desert Vipers Season 5 Signings and Auction

David Payne was the Vipers’ most expensive Season 5 auction purchase at USD 150,000. Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Naseem Shah and Shadab Khan were each secured for USD 80,000. Khuzaima Bin Tanveer joined for USD 75,000, while Vriitya Aravind was signed for USD 70,000. Bilal Tahir returned through the Right to Match option.

The squad includes players from Afghanistan, England, Ireland, Kuwait, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the United States and the West Indies.

Desert Vipers Coaching Staff

James Foster is the Desert Vipers Head Coach, while Tom Moody continues as Director of Cricket. Both remain part of the franchise’s cricket leadership ahead of ILT20 Season 5. The Season 5 captain has not yet been announced.

Desert Vipers Fixtures in ILT20 Season 5

Desert Vipers play 10 league matches in Season 5. They open against MI Emirates in Dubai on 21 November at 6:30 PM GST, face Sharjah Warriorz in Sharjah on 23 November at 6:30 PM, Dubai Capitals in Dubai on 25 November at 6:30 PM, and MI Emirates in Abu Dhabi on 28 November at 2:00 PM. Their November schedule ends against Gulf Giants in Dubai on 29 November at 6:30 PM.

In December, Desert Vipers face Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi on 2 December at 2:00 PM, Sharjah Warriorz in Sharjah on 4 December at 6:30 PM, Dubai Capitals in Dubai on 6 December at 6:30 PM, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Dubai on 12 December at 6:30 PM, and Gulf Giants in Dubai on 13 December at 6:30 PM. The Season 5 final is scheduled for 20 December 2026.

Desert Vipers ILT20 Record and Season 4 Title

Desert Vipers won their first DP World ILT20 championship in Season 4. They defeated MI Emirates by 46 runs in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on 4 January 2026. The Vipers scored 182 for 4 before bowling MI Emirates out for 136. Sam Curran made an unbeaten 74, while Naseem Shah and David Payne took three wickets each.