Desert Vipers have moved to offset the loss of a trio of Pakistan internationals by signing England stars Sam Curran and Phil Salt.
The pair have been enlisted to help the side’s push for a play-off place at the DP World International League T20.
The Vipers return to action on Friday in Dubai. They will face Dubai Capitals, with whom they are vying for a place in the top four.
The past two days have seen a raft of changes in the league, with players departing for international duty as well as other leagues, plus some arriving from the SA20.
Kieron Pollard has join the ranks of league-leading MI Emirates after arriving from South Africa.
Curran was in action until Saturday with MI Cape Town. Phil Salt was on the opposing side, opening the batting for the Pretoria Capitals.
They have been brought in to cover the departure of four leading players. Shaheen Afridi, Azam Khan and Shadab Khan have returned to Pakistan to get ready for the Pakistan Super League.
Wanindu Hasaranga has also returned to Sri Lanka for international duty.
“Both players are proven international performers with exceptional Twenty20 records and they will add an extra dimension to our team,” said Tom Moody, the Vipers coach. “I know Sam extremely well having worked with him for the Oval Invincibles at The Hundred and I know the quality he offers with bat, ball and in the field.
“He loves to be involved in big games at important times and that is the sort of attitude we want from our players.
"Phil has developed into one of the most exciting players in world cricket at the top of the order, as he showed in the Caribbean with England in December, and he is also an excellent wicketkeeper and so provides us with options in that regard.”
Desert Vipers v Gulf Giants - in pictures
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Shaheen Afridi took 3-22 took for Desert Vipers as they beat Gulf Giants by six wickets in their ILT20 clash at Dubai International Stadium on January 24,2024. All images by Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Shimron Hetmyer scored 11 as Gulf Giants reached 160-6 in their innings. -
Vipers bowler Tymal Mills celebrates after taking the wicket of Giants' Chris Lynn. -
Jordan Cox scored 32 off 29 balls for Gulf Giants. -
Shadab Khan was wicketless off his four overs for the Vipers that went for 40 runs. -
Chris Lynn hits a six for Gulf Giants on his way to 63 off 42 balls. -
Vipers bowler Shaheen Afridi celebrates of taking the wicket of Giants opener Jamie Smith for five. -
Wanindu Hasaranga scored 42 off 19 balls for Desert Vipers who reached their target with eight balls to spare. -
Giants bowler Richard Gleeson celebrates claiming the wicket of Vipers captain and opener Colin Munro for six. -
Giants' Aayan Khan after catching out Vipers batter Alex Hales. -
Vipers opener Alex Hales scored 21 off 20 balls. -
Giants captain James Vince directs the field during the game. -
Azam Khan scored an unbeaten 26 off 14 balls for Desert Vipers.
