Desert Vipers having a rethink on ILT20 exit plans

Desert Vipers appear to be having a rethink on their threat to pull out of the ILT20, the UAE-based franchise T20 league. After previously contemplating an exit from the competition, the Lancer Capital-owned and Avram Glazer-promoted franchise — the defending champions — are believed to have reached, or to be close to reaching, some kind of settlement with the ILT20 management. Neither party, though, is speaking about the development, past or present.

As Cricbuzz reported, the Vipers were unhappy with the league's business model and wanted to exit after failing to arrive at a negotiated settlement over differences that had surfaced about two years ago.

But it is understood that there was an outreach from one of the parties, resulting in renewed efforts from both sides. It is further understood that the parties are close to a pact that will ensure the continued participation of the franchise, incidentally the only team in the league owned by non-Indian promoters.

The nature and details of the planned settlement are not known, and it is also unclear whether it is time-bound. However, this website can confirm that a compromise was attempted with negotiations between senior officials from both sides. Glazer himself may have participated in the talks.

As per the initial information, a senior US-based Vipers official had written to the league management and informed other franchises about their intention to exit. He is understood to have cited an unviable business model as the reason.

Sources also said the league had adequate back-up from the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation and Kuwait Cricket, with whom it has been collaborating for some time, should the Vipers have pulled out. But at this stage, there does not appear to be any need for that.

Cricbuzz reached out to both ILT20 and Vipers management.

Meanwhile, Desert Vipers have continued with their cricketing activities putting out media releases regularly. They are currently participating in the Global Super League in Guyana, albeit without much success so far. The Shadab Khan-led side has lost both its games in the six-team competition.

Apart from Vipers, the ILT20, the fifth edition of which will begin on November 22, has five other franchises — Reliance-owned MI Emirates, Shah Rukh Khan’s Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, GMR’s Dubai Capitals, Adani Group-owned Gulf Giants, and Rajesh Sharma-owned Capri Global’s Sharjah Warriors.

Season 5 Auction on October 1

Meanwhile, the organisers have said that the Season 5 auction will be held on October 1. The venue for the auction, though, has not been specified in a communication shared with the franchises.

Each franchise has been allowed four RTM cards, which can be used in the following manner — one for a Full Member player, one for a UAE player, one for a Saudi or Kuwait player, and one for any Associate player. Each franchise has an auction purse of $ 2 million, with teams permitted to retain or directly sign four players.

As reported by this website on June 3, teams must have at least four Afghanistan players and one Irish player in their squads. These five players will have to be accommodated within the quota of 11 overseas players permitted in an overall squad of between 21 and 23 players.

The playing XI must include at least two UAE players, at least two Afghanistan players and at least 1 further Associate player. The additional Associate player may come from the UAE, a GCC or any other Associate nation.