Defending ILT20 champions Desert Vipers seek league exit

Defending International League T20 (ILT20) champions Desert Vipers could shut down operations and leave the tournament before the new season starts later this year. 

According to reports from Cricbuzz, the possible split stems from a difference of opinion between the league and the team over franchise fees and the business model. The clash of thoughts first arose a couple of years ago, with both ILT20 and Desert Vipers giving themselves enough time to sort things out. However, there seems to have been no advances in the talks, which could ultimately result in the Vipers quitting the league altogether. 

Paul Voigt, one of the key associates of the Glazers, has informed the league organisers about the Vipers' intentions to quit. Voigt has also informed the remaining five franchises in the league of the same. 

Should they leave the ILT20, the organisers will be tasked with finding a new sixth team ahead of the new season. According to the aforementioned source, the league has deals set with the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation and Kuwait Cricket, making it relatively easy for them to find a replacement. However, with coaches and players already under contract, a new team becomes a must for ILT20 ahead of the 2026-27 season. Time, however, is not on the organiser's side, with the new season set to commence on November 22.

The decision to leave comes as a shock, as the Vipers are set to compete in the Guyana Global Super League as the defending ILT20 champions, alongside Guyana Amazon Warriors, Perth Scorchers, Lahore Qalandars and San Francisco Unicorns. The tournament is set to commence on July 23, a week after this news broke. 

Avram Grant, known for being the owner of Manchester United, is also the main stakeholder of the Desert Vipers. The ILT20 side is the family's first venture into cricket. The Glazer family was also rumoured to be interested in buying Royal Challengers Bengaluru and a team in The Hundred.