Sam Curran Eyes Success with Desert Vipers in ILT20 Season 3

England all-rounder Sam Curran is aiming to carry his winning momentum into the third season of the DP World ILT20 as he joins the Desert Vipers. The tournament, set to run from January 11 to February 9 in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, features six franchises competing for the coveted title.

Curran, 26, had a stellar 2024, clinching The Hundred title with Oval Invincibles and the County Championship with Surrey. Now, he hopes to start 2025 on a similar high note. “I love winning trophies, and the culture of this team is a big reason why I’m back,” said Curran. “The vibe, energy, and honesty within the group are vital. I hope we can bring home a trophy for the Vipers.”

Building on Familiar Foundations

Curran returns to the Vipers after a brief stint last season, citing a sense of comfort and familiarity with the team and management. The presence of Desert Vipers’ Director of Cricket Tom Moody, Head Coach James Foster, and Strength and Conditioning Coach Darren Veness, all of whom he has worked with before, played a significant role in his decision.

“The environment created last year was incredible, even though I was only here for ten days,” Curran noted. “Spending the next five weeks with this group gives me a lot of optimism about what we can achieve together.”

Sibling Rivalry in Focus

In an intriguing twist, Curran will face his brother Tom, who has signed with the Gulf Giants for this season. The brothers, who usually play together for Oval Invincibles and Surrey, are looking forward to the rivalry.

“We’ve already marked the Vipers vs. Gulf Giants game on the calendar,” Curran said with a grin. “It will be strange, but there will be no love lost on the field. As long as I hit him for a six, I’ll be happy!”

Desert Vipers Gear Up

The Vipers are bolstering their squad with experienced players like Lockie Ferguson, who will captain the side, and promising local talent like UAE pacer Khuzaima bin Tanveer. Coach James Foster praised Ferguson’s leadership qualities, describing him as “calm, consistent, and a player who brings X-factor skills.”

The ILT20 will also feature global T20 stars such as Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and David Warner, alongside debutants like Tim Southee and Fakhar Zaman.

As the Desert Vipers chase their first title, Curran’s winning mentality and the team’s strong roster will be key factors in their quest for glory in the competitive league.