Exclusive | ‘Not lifting the trophy is frustrating, but we’re close’: Tom Moody opens up on Desert Vipers’ retentions, ILT20’s evolution and road ahead | Cricket News
The International League T20 (ILT20) – UAE’s premier franchise league – has taken a major step towards its fourth season with the announcement of player retentions. Each team was permitted to retain up to eight players ahead of the first-ever ILT20 auction, scheduled for September.Among them, Desert Vipers made the most significant move, retaining seven players from their 2025 squad – the most by any franchise – and signing USA wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous as their lone direct addition. The decision aligns with their philosophy of continuity and consistency.The Vipers’ retained list includes Lockie Ferguson (captain), Sam Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga, Max Holden, Dan Lawrence, David Payne, and Khuzaima bin Tanveer, one of UAE’s fast emerging bowlers.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!In an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia.com, Tom Moody, the team’s Director of Cricket, admitted that whittling down the squad to meet the retention cap was a challenge, especially given the team’s emphasis on stability and squad cohesion over the years.“It’s a very difficult process, particularly given the philosophy that we’ve tried to carry through from year one and that’s to try to have some sort of continuity and consistency with our squad. To build that familiarity around the environment that we’re building,” he explained. “Unfortunately, you have to make some difficult decisions.”
Tom Moody with Desert Vipers captain Lockie Ferguson in ILT20. (Creimas)
Ferguson will continue as captain despite missing a few games last season due to rotation and fitness. Moody emphasised that his off-field value and leadership made him the ideal candidate.“We think the leadership role is more than someone that is available 100% of the time. There’s no guarantee the captain or any player for that matter is going to be available for 100% of the time. What Lockie could offer from a leadership perspective outweighed the fact that he might miss a game or two.”Backing Ferguson is Curran, who stepped in as captain during Lockie’s absence and has impressed the management with his on-field maturity.“Sam has got a lot of great leadership qualities and we enjoyed him taking over the reins for those few games,” Moody said.Auction focus: Pakistan players, local talent in sight
Lockie Ferguson has been retained by the Desert Vipers for the fourth season of ILT2. (Creimas)
The upcoming ILT20 auction will be the first of its kind for the league, and Moody’s experience with player auctions in the IPL and other global leagues will be invaluable. He laid out a clear strategy – fill remaining gaps and build on existing relationships.“We’ll be looking in the auction for obvious talent that fits the voids that we have in our squad.”The Vipers have previously featured a number of Pakistan players, and Moody confirmed they remain part of the franchise’s recruitment radar.“We’ve had a number of Pakistan players involved with us and we’ve enjoyed a good relationship with them both on and off the field. They’ll be a playing group that we’ll be looking at closely.”The team is also closely monitoring UAE players.“We could only retain one UAE player, and we believe Bin Tanveer is a really exciting talent. We’ll be certainly looking closely at ones we’ve had an ongoing relationship with.”Moody warned that the auction could present unexpected challenges, but said the key lies in staying flexible and avoiding emotional decisions.“Auction can be volatile. Players attract more attention than expected, and prices go up. It’s important that you remain focused on your plan and not get caught too much in the emotion… and be well prepared with other options.”As for the Vipers’ repeated heartbreaks in finals, Moody prefers to see the glass half full.
Desert Vipers have retained Sam Curran for the next season of ILT20. (Creimas)
“Not taking that final step is frustrating. I’d be reluctant to think that we need to do too many things differently because I think once you as a franchise, both on and off the field, get a lot of the things right to put yourself in that consistent position of playing finals, I think it’s a matter of time that you jump that final hurdle,” Moody said.“We only have to look at the last final. It’s the smallest of margins that can turn a final one way or the other… not getting too caught up in those setbacks and disappointments is important. If anything, we should celebrate that we’re consistently putting ourselves in a position to win trophies.”With a solid core, measured planning, and a clear developmental pathway in place, the Desert Vipers are not just chasing silverware – they’re shaping their identity as one of ILT20’s most consistent teams.ILT20’s impact and the Vipers’ bigger pictureMoody credited the ILT20 with raising the standard of cricket in the UAE, likening its role to what the IPL did for India in its early years.“I’ve personally seen the development of young players with the exposure and experiences that they’ve had in the first three seasons. We’ve seen a lot of players really develop underneath our feet.”The ILT20 Development Tournament has become a key scouting ground for franchises, offering local talent a stage to perform under pressure.“It enables us to do the necessary scouting with them performing right in front of us.”
