Winners of the ILT20 2023 competition Desert Vipers have signed Mohammad Amir for the tournament’s second season. Amir, who has 303 T20 wickets, will join fellow countrymen Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Azam Khan in the Vipers side, further strengthening their fearsome roster.
Amir brings tremendous experience and form to the Desert Vipers, having recently competed in the Abu Dhabi T10, where he played a key role in the New York Strikers’ championship success. His noteworthy accomplishments in several T20 tournaments, such as being the leading wicket-taker for Karachi Kings in the PSL last year, highlight his significance in the format.
Tom Moody, the Desert Vipers’ director of cricket, expressed excitement over Amir’s acquisition, citing the bowler’s knowledge with both T20 cricket and UAE conditions. Moody emphasised Amir’s previous success in the T10 tournament under Vipers coach Carl Crowe as a key factor in the signing.
“In signing Amir, we have lined up a player who knows both the format, and the conditions in the UAE, inside-out,” Vipers’ director of cricket Tom Moody said in a media release. “He was playing in Abu Dhabi as recently as last month, for the New York Strikers in the T10 tournament, under one of our coaches, Carl Crowe, with the Strikers going on to win that event in large part due to Amir’s contributions with the ball.
“And in a world where player availability is not always guaranteed because of international commitments, the fact he no longer plays for Pakistan means call-ups for his national team are not an issue.
“Amir adds further depth to our quality pace attack and we look forward to welcoming him to the Desert Vipers and to him contributing to what we hope and expect will be a successful campaign.”
Amir stated his excitement about joining forces with great and seasoned players such as Alex Hales, Colin Munro, and Sheldon Cottrell in the forthcoming season. The Pakistani speedster is excited to join compatriots and fellow Vipers Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Azam Khan on the pitch.
“The dressing room has some very talented and experienced players like Alex Hales, Colin Munro and Sheldon Cottrell, and some exciting new faces, and I am really looking forward to playing with my fellow Pakistanis Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan and Azam Khan,” he stated in a press release.
“I always enjoy playing in the UAE because the cricket fans always support Pakistan players and cheer us on. I know the local conditions as I have played a lot of cricket there, so that will be an advantage for me. I cannot wait to come to Dubai, and meet the team and all the amazing coaching staff, including Carl Crowe, who I worked with in the T10 tournament last month.”
As the Desert Vipers prepare for their first game against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on January 21 in Dubai, Amir’s addition deepens their pace attack, laying the groundwork for a strong season. The Vipers hope to make a huge impact in the highly anticipated ILT20, which begins on January 19, with a mix of seasoned players and young stars.
Amir, who is familiar with the cricketing landscape in the UAE, is looking forward to meeting the team and coaching staff, especially his past colleague, Carl Crowe. The Desert Vipers’ squad, now strengthened by Amir’s presence, hopes to improve their performance and capture the coveted crown in the forthcoming season.
