Hasan Nawaz Joins Desert Vipers For ILT20 2026

Hasan Nawaz scored 96 vs India in Asian Games 2026 final [PC- AFP]

Pakistan's swashbuckling batter Hasan Nawaz has been in the news ever since he played a marvellous innings against India in the Asian Games 2026 final. The attacking batter has been signed up by Desert Vipers for ILT20 2026. 

Although Nawaz went unsold in the first-ever auction held in ILT20, he has been signed as a replacement player by the defending champions.

Hasan Nawaz replaces Aneurin Donald in Desert Vipers squad

The prolific Hasan Nawaz has joined the likes of Babar Azam, Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah in the already star-studded Desert Vipers squad. 

The dasher, who has represented Pakistan in 30 T20Is and four ODI matches, has replaced England's Aneurin Donald, who has been named in the English T20I squad to face Australia. 

"The fact we have been able to secure the services of Hassan as his replacement is fantastic from our perspective," Desert Vipers' CEO Phil Oliver said in a press release. “We look forward to welcoming Hassan back to the Vipers for Season 5 and hope he will play his part as we look to go back-to-back in the upcoming tournament.”

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Nawaz was a part of the Desert Vipers-winning squad that lifted its maiden silverware last season under Sam Curran's leadership. However, he could only rack up 124 runs in 10 innings, which is why he was let go by the franchise. 

However, since scoring an electrifying 96 in the Asiad 2026 final, the 24-year-old batter's stocks have risen in the T20 setup. 

Hasan Nawaz strengthen already bulky Desert Vipers core

Already a well-estabilished star in Pakistan circuit and PSL, Hasan Nawaz has already played in global leagues such as the CPL, BPL and ILT20. He has 110 T20 matches under his belt, hitting 2603 runs at a whopping strike rate of nearly 140, featuring two centuries and 13 half-centuries. 

With players like Sam Curran, Max Holden and Tom Bruce out of the picture for ILT20 2026, Hasan Nawaz would be entrusted more in the middle order. 

That said, the Vipers have picked a strong core of players, comprising the newly-inked Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Harry Tector and Nangeyalia Kharote.

Desert Vipers Squad for ILT20 2026

Nangeyalia Kharote, Saleem Safi, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Hassan Nawaz, David Payne, Joe Clarke, Harry Tector, Bilal Tahir, Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Ishtiaq Ahmed, Khuzaima Bin Tanveer, Vriitya Aravind, Nilansh Keswani, Sanjay Pahal, Wali Muhammad, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Dan Lawrence, Andries Gous, Shimron Hetmyer. 

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