Michael Pepper
Player Information
Who Is Michael Pepper?
Michael Pepper is an English wicketkeeper-batter who returns to Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for DP World ILT20 Season 5. Born on 28 June 1998, he bats right-handed and is known for an attacking style suited to T20 cricket. Pepper also represents Essex in English domestic cricket and has developed into a regular short-format performer.
Michael Pepper ILT20 Record
Pepper enters Season 5 with 21 ILT20 appearances for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. He has scored 494 runs at an average of 23.52 and a strike rate of 142.0. His record includes four half-centuries, 61 fours and 15 sixes, with a highest score of 83.
ILT20 Performance by Season
Pepper scored 229 runs from 10 matches in the 2024 ILT20 season, including a highest score of 59. He followed that with 90 runs from six matches in 2025 before producing his strongest campaign in Season 4, when he scored 175 runs from five innings at an average of 35.00 and a strike rate above 150.
Career-Best 83 in ILT20
Pepper’s highest score in the competition is 83, recorded during the 2025-26 season. That campaign included two half-centuries and showed his ability to score quickly at the top and through the middle overs. His 175 runs in only five innings made Season 4 his most productive ILT20 edition before Season 5.
Essex T20 Career
Outside the ILT20, Pepper has established himself as an important T20 batter for Essex. He was the county’s leading run-scorer in the 2024 Vitality Blast with 535 runs and again led Essex in the 2025 competition with 364 runs. His domestic record highlights the attacking batting style that has also made him useful for ADKR.
Wicketkeeping Role
Pepper provides Abu Dhabi Knight Riders with a specialist wicketkeeping option as well as aggressive batting. He is officially classified as a wicketkeeper and right-handed batter, giving ADKR flexibility when selecting their batting order and determining who takes the gloves.
Michael Pepper in ILT20 Season 5
Abu Dhabi Knight Riders bought Pepper for USD 40,000 at the Season 5 player auction. He returns with three previous ILT20 seasons behind him and nearly 500 competition runs, giving the franchise an experienced option who already understands ADKR’s environment and UAE conditions.
Michael Pepper FAQs
Which team does Michael Pepper play for in ILT20 2026?
Michael Pepper plays for Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in DP World ILT20 Season 5.
How many ILT20 runs has Michael Pepper scored?
He had scored 494 runs in 21 ILT20 matches before the start of Season 5.
What is Michael Pepper’s highest ILT20 score?
His highest ILT20 score is 83.
How many ILT20 fifties has Michael Pepper scored?
He had scored four ILT20 half-centuries before Season 5.
What is Michael Pepper’s role?
He is a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter.
Explore More ADKR Players
Read about fellow wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker or explore batter Colin Munro ahead of ILT20 Season 5.