The ILT20 is facing uncertainty ahead of its fifth season after defending champions Desert Vipers indicated they are likely to leave the competition. According to a report by Cricbuzz journalist Vijay Tagore, the franchise has informed league organisers of its intention to exit following long-running differences over franchise fees and the league’s business model.
If the move goes ahead, the league will need to secure a replacement franchise before the new season begins on November 22. With player squads already assembled and coaching staffs appointed, ensuring the competition continues with six teams has become an immediate operational priority.
Defending champions’ future in doubt
The development comes only months after Desert Vipers secured their maiden ILT20 title, having finished runners-up in the previous two editions. The franchise also recently announced its preparations for the upcoming Guyana Global Super League, where it qualified as the reigning ILT20 champion.
Led by Sam Curran, the Vipers remain scheduled to compete in that tournament despite the uncertainty surrounding their future in the UAE-based league.
Commercial differences remain unresolved
The proposed departure follows nearly two years of discussions over franchise fees and the league’s commercial model, with the two sides ultimately unable to resolve their differences.
The report states that Paul Voigt, a key associate of owner Avram Glazer, recently informed ILT20 officials of the franchise’s intention to leave. He is also understood to have spoken with the owners of the league’s other five franchises about the decision.
Neither the ILT20 nor Desert Vipers had publicly commented on the matter at the time of publication.
Potential replacement options
The league already has agreements with the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation and Kuwait Cricket, which could provide a pathway to bringing in a new ownership group if required.
At the same time, the ILT20 has been exploring future expansion, meaning some of the parties that have previously expressed interest in joining the competition could also come into consideration should a vacancy arise. With the new season scheduled to begin on November 22, completing any ownership transition within the available timeframe is likely to be the league’s biggest challenge.
Glazer’s first cricket venture
Desert Vipers are owned by Lancer Capital, promoted by Avram Glazer, and remain the only ILT20 franchise without Indian ownership.
The investment marked Glazer’s first venture into cricket, although he has previously been linked with reported interest in acquiring an IPL franchise, including Royal Challengers Bengaluru, as well as a team in The Hundred.
With neither the league nor the franchise having officially confirmed the development, attention will now turn to whether the two sides can resolve their differences before the ILT20’s fifth season gets underway on November 22.
