Azam Khan, the famously hard-hitting batsman for the Desert Vipers, is optimistic about the 2025 ILT20. In the previous season, when the Vipers just missed out on a playoff berth, the right-handed Pakistani international (14 T20Is) was a key player. As the new season draws near, Azam is prepared to deploy his aggressive style of play on the pitch once more.
Azam Khan shared his excitement for the ILT20 2025, saying, “There will be new challenges, but we’ll focus on executing on the ground and winning for the team.”
In the history of the competition, the power hitter recorded the fastest half-century at ILT20 2024. The Vipers defeated the Gulf Giants thanks to Azam, who achieved the milestone in just 18 balls while hitting five fours and four sixes.
Reflecting on the accomplishment and sharing his take on the sport, Azam remarked, “I’ve always stated that cricket is a game that will not only give you success, but it will also bring you disappointments throughout your career. For me, the goal is to take the opposing side and dominate it. I make it a point to do that anytime I go out.
Because he is one of the most aggressive batters in the game right now, Azam has become a fan favourite, and in 2024, the fans will scream “Azam, Azam” during his batting sessions. “Every time I go out to bat and hear the crowd roaring, it’s a great adrenaline rush for me,” the 25-year-old remarked, thanking everyone for their love and admiration. Any batter, any player, can experience this wonderful emotion. I’ll make an effort to ensure that I provide the supporters with the same level of excitement this year.
Azam Khan continued by highlighting the ILT20’s competitiveness, saying, “I think it’s a tough competition.
” Having nine international players on one team makes it extremely difficult for the players to succeed, in my opinion, based on my conversations with numerous players about the competition. “It becomes challenging for the guys,” he said, adding that even the players on the bench are top performers.
According to Azam, the grassroots initiative and the innovative structure act as a stimulant for the growth of UAE cricket players. “I think it’s a fantastic opportunity for the young people in the United Arab Emirates, especially since they get to share the dressing room with the game’s greats and legends.” They can strive to implement the feedback they receive, learn from it, and utilise it to improve their daily lives, which is really beneficial for their future,” he said.
Azam went on, “I know a few of them personally, and it’s really pleasant when all these young men approach you and want your advice. They ask for my advice, which is good, and I’m always available to them.
He noted, “I think Tanish Suri is a fine wicketkeeper and batter,” referring to other outstanding UAE players. Last year, Ali Nasser was exceptional, and Dhruv Parashar, who was reselected by Desert Vipers for Season 3 in the UAE Player Selection Process last week, was one of the individuals who played with us. These guys are among the most gifted ones.
On Sunday, January 12, the Desert Vipers will play their first away game against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi. Azam spoke to the supporters and asked for their support. Just show up and cheer us on, and we’ll strive to win this year’s event. I can’t guarantee that, but I’ll make sure to give it my all everytime I dig in,” Azam concluded.
The six ILT20 franchises have retained T20 superstars like Andre Russell (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Sunil Narine (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Alex Hales (Desert Vipers), Sherfane Rutherford (Desert Vipers), David Warner (Dubai Capitals), Rovman Powell (Dubai Capitals), Chris Jordan (Gulf Giants), Shimron Hetmyer (Gulf Giants), Akeal Hossein (MI Emirates), Nicholas Pooran (MI Emirates), Adil Rashid (Sharjah Warriorz Wildcard Pick in Season 2) and Johnson Charles (Sharjah Warriorz).
After making two appearances for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders last season, Jason Roy (Sharjah Warriorz), the legendary white-ball player from England, is back in the league. Jason Holder, once captain of the West Indies, will play for the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. The all-round player was a member of the Dubai Capitals the previous season.
Additionally, Fakhar Zaman (Desert Vipers), Shai Hope (Dubai Capitals), Lockie Ferguson (Desert Vipers), Roston Chase (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Matthew Wade (Sharjah Warriorz), Ibrahim Zadran (Gulf Giants) and Romario Shepherd (MI Emirates) are set to make their ILT20 debuts in Season 3.
The third season of the ILT20 will run from January 11 to February 9, 2025.
India
