News DeskDubai, UAE – The Desert Vipers have officially announced West Indies batting star Shimron Hetmyer as their wild card signing for the upcoming fourth season of the DP World ILT20. The announcement, made on August 12, 2025, sees the hard-hitting left-handed batter switch allegiances after playing for the rival Gulf Giants for the first three seasons.
Vipers’ Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, hailed the signing as a significant acquisition. “Shimron is a player we rate extremely highly so for us to secure his services is a real coup,” Moody stated. “He has proved a thorn in our side in the DP World ILT20 in the past, so to have him in our ranks now is great news.”
Hetmyer, who previously helped the Gulf Giants defeat the Vipers in the season one final, is known for his explosive batting. Across the first three seasons, he maintained a strike rate of over 150, with 390 of his 666 runs coming from boundaries. Moody believes Hetmyer’s ability to “fill multiple roles” as both a top-order batter and a finisher will be a huge asset to the team.
The 28-year-old batter expressed his enthusiasm about joining his new squad. “I am so happy to be joining the Desert Vipers,” Hetmyer said. “I have enjoyed my battles with the team during the past three seasons. The franchise is filled with quality players and I am looking forward to playing with them rather than against them.”
The Desert Vipers have finished as runners-up twice in the DP World ILT20 but are yet to secure a championship title. Hetmyer is hopeful that his addition will be the “final piece of the puzzle” needed to lead the team to victory in season four.
In addition to his success in the ILT20, Hetmyer has a wealth of experience from his time in various T20 leagues globally, including the Indian Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, and The Hundred. He also led the West Indies to victory in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2016.
This signing completes the Desert Vipers’ roster of retained players and direct signings, which includes notable names like Lockie Ferguson, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Sam Curran.
Desert Vipers’ Season Four Roster
- Retained players: Lockie Ferguson (NZ), Wanindu Hasaranga (SL), Sam Curran (ENG), Max Holden (ENG), Dan Lawrence (ENG), David Payne (ENG), Khuzaima bin Tanveer (UAE)
- Direct Signing: Andries Gous (USA)
- Wild Card Signing: Shimron Hetmyer (WI)
For more information, the Desert Vipers’ sustainable line of clothing from PALMFIT is available at their online shop.
