The Desert Vipers, the reigning champions of the UAE-based ILT20 league, are reportedly poised to exit the competition. Owned by Lancer Capital and promoted by American business tycoon Avram Glazer, the franchise is understood to have notified league organizers of its intention to withdraw just a few days ago. While neither the Vipers nor the league management have officially confirmed the departure, the decision is reportedly rooted in long-standing disagreements regarding franchise fees and the league's overall business model.
Tensions between the franchise and the organizers appear to have persisted for years. Although both parties attempted to resolve their differences after a dispute surfaced two years ago, the conflict remains unresolved. Paul Voigt, a US-based associate of Glazer, is believed to have communicated the management's intent to exit to the organizers and has also reportedly informed the owners of the other five participating franchises of the decision. Attempts to reach both Voigt and ILT20 officials for comment have not yet yielded a response.
The potential departure leaves the league in a difficult position, as it requires a sixth team to maintain its structure for the upcoming season, which is scheduled to begin on November 22. Given the existing agreements with the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation and Kuwait Cricket, organizers may look to those regions to secure a replacement. However, the tight timeline remains a significant challenge for the league, which had previously been planning for potential expansion.
The Desert Vipers, the only franchise in the league with a non-Indian owner, have been a prominent fixture in the tournament, having finished as runners-up twice before clinching the championship in 2026. The team, currently led by Sam Curran, recently issued a media release on July 14 regarding their preparations for the upcoming Guyana Global Super League. This development marks a notable shift for Glazer, whose foray into the Desert Vipers represented his first venture into cricket, adding to his existing business interests in Manchester United and the NFL. Reports had previously linked the businessman to potential acquisitions in the IPL and the English competition, The Hundred.
Ironically enough, they are the defending champions, having won Season 4 in January this year.
The ILT20 was Glazer's maiden foray into cricket.
