Shadab Khan named Desert Vipers captain for DP World ILT20 season 5

Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan has been appointed Desert Vipers captain for Season 5 of the DP World ILT20. Shadab becomes the franchise’s third permanent skipper after Colin Munro (Seasons 1 and 2) and Lockie Ferguson (Seasons 3 and 4).

He has captained the Vipers previously as well at the Global Super League (GSL) in Guyana in July earlier this year. However, it will be the first time he will take charge at the DP World ILT20, having previously played for the team in Season 2.

Shadab will come into Season 5 following his time with the UAE Bulls in the ongoing Abu Dhabi T10. He recently slammed his maiden international hundred, a stunning 113 not out from 96 balls in an ODI against England in Lahore last month. He added an unbeaten 89 for the last wicket with Haris Rauf to secure a thrilling one-wicket win.

Shadab brings extensive captaincy experience, having led Islamabad United in the PSL in the past seven editions of the tournament. He also led them in their title-winning campaign in 2024, when he was named player of the tournament.

After shoulder surgery in July 2025 kept him out for several months, the leg-spinner completed a tough rehabilitation programme and made a strong return with Islamabad United in the PSL earlier this year. He scored 173 runs during the season at an impressive strike rate from the lower middle order and also scalped 17 wickets, the third-highest tally in the tournament.

Desert Vipers Director of Cricket Tom Moody said that they’re thrilled to have him as their captain for the upcoming season, hailing him for his wealth of leadership experience.

“We are thrilled to have Shadab as our captain this season. Shadab has got a history with the Desert Vipers so he is very familiar with our support staff and, most importantly, our head coach James Foster, and that connection is very vital in any franchise set-up, so we are starting from a good position there,” said Moody in a media release.

“Shadab also brings a wealth of experience in leadership. He has captained many, many times in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Islamabad United, so he is very familiar with the leadership role and the responsibilities that come with that, and also the tactical nuances that are required to become a successful leader in T20 cricket,” he added.

Desert Vipers to begin campaign against MI Emirates

Shadab has represented Pakistan in all three international formats and has 2379 runs and 226 wickets to his name. He has also captained Pakistan in six Twenty20 Internationals (T20I). The leg-spinning all-rounder is the second most capped T20I player for Pakistan’s men, with only his Desert Vipers teammate Babar Azam ahead of him.  

Meanwhile, the Vipers have also launched their match kit for the new campaign and will once again play in green, highlighting their commitment to sustainability and the core value of ‘Playing with Purpose for People and the Planet’.

The Desert Vipers will begin their defence of their DP World ILT20 title against MI Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday, November 21. The franchise is eyeing to become first team in DP World ILT20 history to win back-to-back titles.