Aayal QureshiDubai: Renowned hard-hitting batter Azam Khan is eagerly preparing for the third season of the DP World International League T20 (ILT20). The Pakistan international, who played a crucial role in the Desert Vipers’ previous campaign, is set to bring his aggressive style to the field once more as the new season approaches.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Azam Khan said, “I’m really excited for the next season. I had a great season last year, which brings the same excitement to go out and play for the Desert Vipers again. There will be new challenges, but we’ll focus on executing on the ground and winning for the team.”
Azam made headlines in DP World ILT20 Season 2 by registering the fastest half-century in the competition’s history, reaching the milestone in just 18 balls, with five fours and four sixes, leading the Vipers to victory against the Gulf Giants.
Reflecting on his approach to the game, Azam shared, “I’ve always said that cricket is a game that won’t just give you success, but it’ll also bring failures in your career. For me, it’s about going out there and dominating the other side. That’s what I always try to do whenever I go out there.”
Azam’s aggressive batting style has made him a fan favorite, with the crowd chanting his name during Season 2. He expressed gratitude for the support, saying, “It’s a great adrenaline rush for me whenever I go out to bat and hear the crowd roaring. It’s an amazing feeling for any player, any batter. I’ll try to make sure I bring the same excitement for the fans this year as well.”
Highlighting the competitiveness of the DP World ILT20, Azam remarked, “I think it’s a tough competition. With nine international players in one team, it makes it very tough for the players to perform. Even the guys sitting on the bench are world-class players, so it gets difficult for the guys.”
Azam also emphasized the tournament’s role in developing UAE cricketers and the grassroots program. “I think it’s a great opportunity for the UAE youngsters, especially as they can share the dressing room with the legends and greats of the game. It’s very good for their future, and they can learn from them, try to execute the feedback they get, and use it in their daily life to work on it,” he said.
Mentioning a few exceptional UAE talents, he noted, “I think Tanish Suri is a fine wicketkeeper and batter. Ali Nasser was outstanding last year, and Dhruv Parashar is one of the guys who played with us last year. These are a few of the guys who are very talented.”
With the Desert Vipers set to begin their campaign on Sunday, January 12, against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi, Azam urged fans to support the team. “Just come out and support us and we’ll try to win the tournament this year. I can’t promise that, but I’ll make sure that whenever I go in the ground, I’ll give my 100%,” he said.
The DP World ILT20 franchises have retained T20 superstars such as Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Alex Hales, Sherfane Rutherford, David Warner, Rovman Powell, Chris Jordan, Shimron Hetmyer, Akeal Hossein, Nicholas Pooran, Adil Rashid, and Johnson Charles. Additionally, players like Jason Roy, Jason Holder, Fakhar Zaman, Shai Hope, Lockie Ferguson, Roston Chase, Matthew Wade, Ibrahim Zadran, and Romario Shepherd are set to make their ILT20 debuts in Season 3.
The third season of the DP World ILT20 will run from January 11 to February 9, 2025, promising an exciting and competitive cricketing spectacle.
