News DeskDubai, UAE – Head Coach James Foster has confirmed that New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson will continue to captain the Desert Vipers in the upcoming fourth season of the DP World ILT20. The announcement was made during an interview on the Vipers Voices podcast, where Foster discussed the team’s strategy for the inaugural player auction.
The team has retained a core group of seven players, including Ferguson, all-rounders Dan Lawrence and Sam Curran, batter Max Holden, and bowlers David Payne, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Khuzaima Bin Tanveer.
Foster explained the decision-making process, stating, “It has been a brilliant last three seasons and what is important to us is trying to keep a core of players. But you can only retain or direct sign a certain number of players within a salary cap, so our hands were tied in that respect.”
Captaincy an “Easy Decision”
The coach had high praise for Ferguson, calling the decision to retain him as captain an easy one. “Lockie was fantastic for us this year,” Foster said. “I absolutely loved everything about Lockie and what he brought to the table through his values. The players loved working and playing under him. He will definitely be captain next season.”
Curran’s England Recall “Thrilled” Team
Foster was particularly excited about all-rounder Sam Curran’s return to the England white-ball squad. “Sam has been phenomenal for us, not just his form with the bat and ball, but his character and the way he leads around the group,” Foster said. “Everyone at the Desert Vipers was absolutely thrilled for him. He really, truly deserves this opportunity.”
Curran had also stepped in as captain for Ferguson on several occasions, earning praise from the coach for his leadership and ability to “galvanize the group.”
Hetmyer a Key Addition
The Vipers have also made a strategic wild card signing with West Indies batter Shimron Hetmyer. Foster, who has worked with Hetmyer in other leagues, expressed his delight with the acquisition.
“He is a sought-after player,” Foster said. “He is another good guy who will fit in our environment perfectly. The environment piece is a very important piece for us as a franchise, and he ticks that box hugely.”
Foster highlighted Hetmyer’s left-handed power hitting, experience, and fielding skills as valuable assets for the team.
Auction Day Excitement
Looking ahead to the first-ever player auction on October 1, Foster acknowledged the “excitement and unpredictability” it will bring.
“It will be fascinating to see how it works,” he said. “We will go into that process fully planned. We have got Freddie Wilde who will be overseeing that, and he is arguably one of the best going around.”
The Vipers’ retained players and direct signings for the season are:
- 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)
