Desert Vipers CEO explains why franchise signed Babar Azam for ILT20

Desert Vipers CEO Phil Oliver has explained why the UAE-based franchise decided to sign Pakistan star batter Babar Azam for the 2026 International League T20 (ILT20) season.

Desert Vipers CEO Phil Oliver has explained why the UAE-based franchise decided to sign Pakistan star batter Babar Azam for the 2026 International League T20 (ILT20) season.

According to Oliver Babar Azam holds an exceptional position in T20 cricket and brings significant experience and value to the franchise. He pointed out that Babar is the leading run-scorer in T20 international cricket and also remains the Pakistan Super League’s top run-scorer.

Oliver said the franchise needed to create a balanced squad before the auction and had identified Babar as one of its priorities.

He explained that batting in UAE conditions requires different skills and approaches and Babar’s inclusion at the top of the batting order gives the team a strong combination.

The Desert Vipers CEO suggested that Babar’s ability to anchor an innings while maintaining control at the top of the order could be particularly valuable under UAE conditions.

Babar Azam was purchased by Desert Vipers during the ILT20 auction held in Dubai on October 1. The Pakistan batter was acquired at his base price of $80,000.

Pakistan players Fakhar Zaman and Naseem Shah were also signed by Desert Vipers at the same base price.

The decision to bring Babar into the squad adds another high-profile Pakistani name to the Desert Vipers setup and gives the franchise an experienced top-order option ahead of the upcoming ILT20 campaign.

The franchise’s management has emphasized squad balance as a key factor behind its recruitment strategy, with Babar’s experience and record in T20 cricket forming an important part of the decision.

Babar’s signing is expected to attract considerable attention from Pakistani cricket fans as he prepares to feature in the UAE-based T20 competition.