NEW DELHI: Khuzaima Bin Tanveer’s pace and clever variations have made him a key figure in the Desert Vipers squad. As the only UAE player retained ahead of the October auction, he enters the upcoming DP World ILT20 with a clear mission.

Speaking to the Vipers Voices podcast, Khuzaima said, “I have only one goal. I just want to make my team win the tournament.”

Reflecting on last season and final over lessons

The right-arm pacer made an instant impact in season three, taking 4-22 on debut against the Sharjah Warriorz and supporting the team in seven matches overall. He also bowled the final over in the title clash, which the Vipers lost to the Dubai Capitals — a moment he says he has reflected on extensively.

“I thought about the final and the last over for two months,” he revealed. “I considered how I could have bowled a yorker or a slower ball. I do not want to feel that again this year. I will go in with a strong mindset.”

Khuzaima credits the squad, coaches, and his captain Lockie Ferguson for instilling confidence. “Of course, we can win this time. The franchise is perfect, the coaches are perfect, and the captain believes in me,” he said.

Although he must wait another year to be eligible for the UAE national team, the Emirates Cricket Board has recognised his talent, inviting him regularly to national camps. His debut performance, which included wickets of Rohan Mustafa, Tim Seifert, Tim Southee, and Luke Wells, remains a career highlight.

“I was thrilled by my first game. Performing well in that debut gave me confidence for the rest of the season,” Khuzaima added.

Desert Vipers Squad – Season Four

Players recruited at the auction:

Bilal Tahir (KUW)
Faisal Khan (KSA)
Fakhar Zaman (PAK)
Faridoon Dawoodzai (AFG)
Hassan Nawaz (PAK)
Matiullah Khan (UAE)
Naseem Shah (PAK)
Sanjay Pahal (UAE)
Tom Bruce (SCO)
Vriitya Aravind (UAE)
Qais Ahmad (AFG)

Retained players:

Lockie Ferguson (capt) (NZ)
Dan Lawrence (ENG)
David Payne (ENG)
Khuzaima Bin Tanveer (UAE)
Max Holden (ENG)
Sam Curran (ENG)

Direct signing:

Andries Gous (USA)

Wild card signing:

Shimron Hetmyer (WI)

Replacement signing (for Wanindu Hasaranga):

Noor Ahmad (AFG)