Desert Vipers Takes U-Turn; Rethink Plans To Exit ILT20

Desert Vipers team [Source: X]

In a recent turnaround, Desert Vipers, one of the most successful franchises in the UAE-based tournament ILT20, have rethought their decision to exit the tournament. 

For the unaware, the Lancer Capital-owned and Avram Glazer-promoted franchise had earlier been contemplating an exit from the competition due to differences over franchise fees and issues involving the league's business model. However, in the latest development, the team is contemplating a reversal of its exit decision from the ILT20.

Desert Vipers rethink ILT20 exit

Reportedly, the Vipers were trying to negotiate a settlement over differences that surfaced about two years ago with the league's top brass and were essentially unhappy with the business model being followed. However, neither the league management nor Desert Vipers have confirmed the past or present developments or any negotiations between them. 

Now, according to a recent report by Cricbuzz, it is understood that there was an outreach from one of the parties, which resulted in the mending of ties between both sides with a renewed effort. 

It has also now been confirmed that the parties are very close to signing a pact that will ensure the continued participation of the franchise.

Vipers and league management’s pact still unconfirmed

The contract that the ILT20 management and Desert Vipers are said to sign is not fully known yet, and it is also unclear whether the settlement will be time-bound or not. 

However, senior officials from both parties attempted negotiations with each other, with promoter Avram Glazer himself participating in the talks. 

“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,” the CricBuzz report read.

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As things stood earlier, a Vipers official had written to the league management and informed the franchises about their intention to exit, and there were reportedly differences between the two parties, with financial management issues and an unviable business model being the primary reasons.

How are things going forward for Desert Vipers and ILT20?

While Vipers have been engaged in the business model fiasco, they have continued their cricketing activities and shared updates through media releases regularly. 

They are currently participating in the Global Super League in Guyana, where the Shadab Khan-led side has lost both of their games in the six-team competition.

The ILT20 2026 is set to begin on November 22 with five other franchises alongside Vipers, as the organisers are currently preparing for the Season 5 auction, which will be held on October 1. 

Had the Vipers pulled out, the team management would have had to look towards the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation and Kuwait Cricket for support, with only five teams remaining in the tournament. However, that is no longer necessary, as a patch-up is in the works with the Desert Vipers back in the mix. The auction will now take place with all six teams as intended.

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