Aayal QureshiDubai, UAE – The Desert Vipers have announced New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson as their captain for the upcoming DP World ILT20 season. Head Coach James Foster expressed confidence in Ferguson’s leadership abilities, citing his exceptional skills and experience as the foundation for his appointment.
Ferguson succeeds fellow New Zealand international Colin Munro as captain and will lead the Vipers in their pursuit of the championship. Speaking on the Vipers Voices podcast, Foster praised Ferguson’s all-round contributions to the team.
“Lockie brings high-quality bowling, incredible fielding, and useful lower-order runs to the table,” said Foster. “His calm demeanor, belief in his players, and consistent approach make him a perfect fit for this role. Although he hasn’t had extensive captaincy experience, he excelled when he led New Zealand in Bangladesh in 2023.”
The fast-bowling unit also gets a boost with the inclusion of UAE quick Khuzaima bin Tanveer. Foster described the young bowler as an exciting talent with raw pace and a strong desire to learn. Khuzaima was scouted during the ILT20 development tournament, where he stood out as one of the top performers.
Learning from the Past, Eyeing the Future
Reflecting on the team’s performance last season, where they missed the play-offs, Foster acknowledged the lessons learned but emphasized moving forward with renewed focus. “Last season is done and dusted. It’s about applying what we learned and bringing it into this season,” he said. “We have a brilliant squad with a mix of experienced players and exciting new additions.”
The Vipers are approaching the 2025 season with a winning mindset. “Our aim is not just to qualify but to win the competition,” Foster added. “This requires effort, preparation, and focus on doing the simple things right.”
Fixture and Preparations
The Desert Vipers will kick off their campaign on January 14 against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, at 2 PM. With a packed schedule ahead, Foster highlighted the importance of strategic squad rotation and preparation to maintain performance levels throughout the tournament.
The Vipers are optimistic about their chances this season, with Foster reiterating their commitment to delivering a “red hot crack” at securing the title.
