In a latest development, team Desert Vipers are likely to exit the ILT20, as per a report in Cricbuzz. The Lancer Capital-owned franchise, seems to have communicated their decision to the organisers already; they happen to the defending champs of the ILT20, having won the trophy in January this year.
Desert Vipers-ILT20 organisers fail to resolve issues
The report further suggests, that the decision might have come about due to the differences over the franchise fee and the business model. In fact, it is said that the owners and the organisers have had differences for over two years, which have still not been resolved.
The franchise, in fact has reached out to the other five teams as well, informing of their decision. That said, nothing on this matter, has come from the ILT20 organisers. The players have already been signed for the next year, with coaching staff in place as well, and the organisers will have to have, a sixth team in place.
League to find replacement soon
It is likely, that a franchise from Saudi Arabia, or Kuwait might come out. But what remains to be seen is, if there is enough time to bring a new owner to the table or not. That is because the season 5 starts from November 5. The decision does come as bit of a surprise, considering Desert Vipers had issued a release, speaking about their participation in the Guyana Global Super League, for which they qualified, after winning the title.
The team had finished runners-up twice before winning their maiden title. A formal announcement about all this could be made soon. It also remains to be seen, what happens to the players, who are already part of the franchise.
Desert Vipers full squad: Fakhar Zaman, Max Holden, Hasan Nawaz, Shimron Hetmyer, Tawanda Muyeye, Bilal Tahir, Faisal Khan, Dan Lawrence, Tom Bruce, Sam Curran, Sanjay Pahal, Andries Gous, Vriitya Aravind, Naseem Shah, Khuzaima Tanveer, Lockie Ferguson, David Payne, Qais Ahmed, Faridoon Dawoodzai, Matiullah Khan, Noor Ahmad.
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