ILT20: West Indies Star Shimron Hetmyer Joins Desert Vipers Khaleej Times

West Indies star Shimron Hetmyer joined the the Desert Vipers for season four of the DP World ILT20 (December 2-January 4).

The 28-year-old was part of the Gulf Giants in the first three seasons of the DP World ILT20, including season one where that team won the title by defeating the Desert Vipers in the final.

Desert Vipers Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, welcomed the new recruit.

“Shimron is a player we rate extremely highly so for us to secure his services is a real coup,” he said.“He has proved a thorn in our side in the DP World ILT20 in the past so to have him in our ranks now is great news.”

The left-handed batter has played some memorable knocks against the Vipers, including smashing 70 off just 35 deliveries in season one.

Hetmyer said he was looking forward to joining the squad.

“I am so happy to be joining the Desert Vipers. I have enjoyed my battles with the team during the past three seasons. The franchise is filled with quality players and I am looking forward to playing with them rather than against them.”

With a strike rate of over 150 across those three seasons, having scored 390 (48 fours and 33 sixes) of his 666 runs in fours and sixes, Hetmyer is a hard hitter who can bring down any opposition on his day.

Moody believes he could be a key disruptor for the team.

“Shimron is a game-changer with the bat and someone who can fill multiple roles,” he said.“He is capable of batting in the top order and as a finisher, and his power and his ability to clear the fence are attributes we welcome.

“But he is also a smart cricketer who knows the T20 format inside-out. I have no doubt Shimron will be a huge asset for the Desert Vipers in the coming season and we look forward to welcoming him to our team later this year.”

The Desert Vipers have twice been runners-up in the DP World ILT20 but are yet to win a championship, and Hetmyer is eager to change that statistic.

“I have seen the way the Vipers have been run, and the fact the team has reached two finals in three years speaks for itself,” he said.“They have been so close to the trophy and hopefully my arrival will be the final piece of the puzzle to make sure the team finishes season four as winners.

“I love the tournament. It is such a great experience as a player, and I cannot wait to link up with the team in Dubai later this year.”

Hetmyer brings with him a wealth of experience, having represented the West Indies at junior and senior levels, including leading them to victory in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in 2016.

The left-hander is also in great demand on the franchise circuit and has played across the globe including in The Hundred, the Pakistan Super League, the Indian Premier League, the Caribbean Premier League, Major League Cricket and the DP World ILT20.

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