ILT20 2024: Ahead of the second season of the ILT20 2024, Desert Vipers have appointed Colin Munro as their captain for the second consecutive occasion. Under his captaincy, Desert Vipers reached the final last year and the franchise has once again put faith in his leadership.
Munro Reacts Becomes Desert Viper Captain For 2nd Consecutive Season
The Vipers would be hoping that Munro would lead the team to their first ILT20 title. Ahead of the start of the season, Munro extensively spoke about what he demands from the players. Here’s what he said in a media release by the Desert Vipers:
“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.”
Munro also explained why they intended to retain the core side. The franchise has also added some local players in a bid to build a good fan base while hoping to lift the title this time around.
“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.” He said.
“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.” He added.
ILT20 2024 starts from January 19
The second season of the ILT20 is slated to start on 19th January 2024. Sharjah Warriors will take on Gulf Giants in the first game of the season.
The final of the tournament will take place on 17th February 2024. The six teams participating in the tournament are Desert Vipers, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Sharjah Warriors, Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates, and Gulf Giants.
As many as 34 matches will take place from 19 January to 17th February 2024. All the teams will face each other twice in a double round-robin format, followed by playoffs.
The top four teams will take part in the playoffs. The first qualifier will take place between 1st ranked and 2nd-ranked sides. The third and fourth-placed teams will take on each other in the Eliminator match, scheduled to be played on 14th February 2024.
The qualifier 2 will take place between the winner of the Eliminator and the loser of the qualifier 1. The winning teams will then proceed to the final. The final of the ILT20, 2024 will take place on 17th February 2024.
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