Colin Munro has been officially named as the captain for the Desert Vipers in the ILT20 2024, a decision announced during the squad’s jersey launch at Soul Beach in JA Resort, Jebel Ali. Munro, who previously led the team to the final in the inaugural edition of the tournament, arrives from the Big Bash League, bringing valuable leadership experience.
The squad retains the core of the 2023 team while introducing new faces, including Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Azam Khan, and Mohammad Amir. Munro emphasizes the significance of planning and preparation in leadership, setting the tone for the upcoming season.
“I think as a leader you must show vulnerability sometimes, because I am not perfect and I am never going to be perfect; I don’t expect the players to be perfect, but one thing I do expect is for players to plan and prepare really well.
“Different players do that, and if I know what makes those boys tick so they can get ready for games then we can be just open and honest. You are not going to please all 22 players and it is extremely hard to keep all of them happy, but if I can do my best and make sure my communication to them is clear and honest, I hope they can take that and run with it.”
Head Coach James Foster expresses confidence in Munro’s captaincy, highlighting his vast experience and achievement of surpassing 10,000 T20 runs.
“It was a very easy decision (to retain Colin as captain),” he said. “Last year it was probably the first time he was a full-time captain but I was very clear and confident I wanted him to be captain last year, and I thought he did a brilliant job.
“He grew into the role and he has a wealth of experience. I was just looking the other day he has scored 10,000 T20 runs. He is an absolute world-class performer.“It is not easy being captain and I thought he did a phenomenal job. Everybody has got the answers from afar and commentators suggesting X, Y and Z. I thought he kept calm, and embodied that togetherness that we tried to create during the campaign and sense of belonging within the group.”
Also, Director of Cricket Tom Moody outlines the team’s goals, emphasizing continuity and improvement as they strive to build a fan base and surpass their runner-up performance from the previous season.
“We are looking to build a fan base here in the UAE and beyond the shores of UAE, where people can be familiar with the faces of those who represent the Desert Vipers. We also looked to improve on our squad; like every team we are looking to improve.
“Last year we were a step away from being champions, and we have set our sights on trying to make that final step in 2024. With the introduction of a few Pakistan players in our group, it is great to welcome such a strong cricketing nation to the UAE and the ILT20 and more importantly to the Desert Vipers. The likes of Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan, and Azam Khan, and players of that world-class quality are only going to add to the strength of the side and the excitement of cricket that we play and for the fans to watch.”
Sustainability takes center stage during the jersey launch, featuring an eco-friendly rowboat and a commitment to environmental goals. The event showcased Munro in the predominantly red match kit.
Thirty students from Gems Metropole School actively participated in a beach clean-up activity as part of the team’s community outreach program. The team has implemented changes towards sustainability, including replacing single-use plastic bottles with water dispensers and refillable bottles in the team room.
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