Desert Vipers pull off a real coup ahead of ILT20 Season 4

Dubai: The man who once sank the Desert Vipers in a final is now out to help them win one. West Indies big-hitter Shimron Hetmyer has joined the franchise as their wild card pick for season four of the DP World ILT20, in a move Director of Cricket Tom Moody called “a real coup.”

Welcoming Hetmyer to their squad, Tom Moody, the team’s Director of Cricket, said: “Shimron is a player we rate extremely highly, and to secure his services is great news. He’s been a thorn in our side in previous seasons, so having him now on our side is a big boost.”

Memorable knock

The explosive left-handed batter spent the first three seasons with the Gulf Giants and produced several memorable innings against the Vipers, including a blistering 70 off 35 balls in season one — the year the Giants defeated the Vipers in the final to lift the title.

With a strike rate of over 150 across his ILT20 appearances, Hetmyer has scored 666 runs, including 48 fours and 33 sixes, demonstrating his ability to dismantle bowling attacks on any given day.

Final piece of victory puzzle

Hetmyer expressed excitement about joining a team he has fiercely competed against: “I’ve enjoyed my contests with the Vipers over the last three seasons, but it will be great to play alongside them rather than against them. The team is filled with quality players, and, hopefully, my arrival will be the final piece of the puzzle to win that first title.”

The 28-year-old brings a wealth of global T20 experience, having played in The Hundred, Pakistan Super League, Indian Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, Major League Cricket, and the DP World ILT20. He also captained the West Indies to victory at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2016.

Moody believes Hetmyer’s versatility will be invaluable: “Shimron is a game-changer with the bat. He can bat up the order or finish the innings, and his power, cricketing intelligence, and ability to clear the fence are exactly what we need. He will be a huge asset for us this season.”

Vipers chasing maiden title

The Desert Vipers have finished runners-up twice in the first three editions of the ILT20 but are still chasing their maiden championship. Hetmyer is determined to help change that narrative: “They’ve come so close before, and I can’t wait to help push us over the line. I love this tournament and look forward to linking up with the team in Dubai later this year.”

Retained players: Lockie Ferguson (New Zealand), Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka), Sam Curran (England), Max Holden (England), Dan Lawrence (England), David Payne (England), Khuzaima bin Tanveer (UAE).

Direct signing: Andries Gous (USA).

Wild card signing: Shimron Hetmyer (WI).