Aayal QureshiDubai, UAE – England all-rounder Sam Curran is poised to infuse his winning ways into the Desert Vipers in the DP World ILT20 this season. Following an impressive 2024, where he clinched The Hundred with the Oval Invincibles and the County Championship with Surrey, Curran aims to add another trophy to his collection in 2025.
In an interview with the Vipers Voices podcast, the 26-year-old highlighted the significance of team culture and camaraderie, which played a crucial role in his decision to rejoin the Vipers. “The vibe and the energy around the group are vital,” he said. “I hope we can win a trophy for the Vipers. That would be really special.”
Curran, alongside players like Mohammad Aamir, Dhruv Parashar, Tanish Suri, and Luke Wood, began preparations for the new season at the ICC Academy. The left-armer emphasized the importance of familiar faces such as Tom Moody, Darren Veness, and James Foster in his return to the Vipers.
Known for his leadership skills, Curran expressed excitement about contributing his experience to the team. “Even though I am still fairly young, I feel extremely experienced around T20 cricket,” he remarked.
Adding an intriguing twist to the tournament, Curran’s brother Tom has signed with the Gulf Giants, setting up a sibling rivalry that Sam looks forward to. “Whatever happens, as long as I hit him for six, I will be happy!” he joked.
The Desert Vipers, who missed the play-offs last season, are determined to start strong and maintain their momentum. With experienced players like Alex Hales, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Luke Wood, alongside UAE talents such as Ali Naseer and Tanish Suri, Curran is confident in the team’s potential.
The Desert Vipers’ first match of the 2025 DP World ILT20 is scheduled for January 12 against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
