Desert Vipers may leave ILT20; back-up may come from Saudi, Kuwait

Desert Vipers are likely to exit the ILT20, the UAE-based franchise T20 league. Owned by Lancer Capital, promoted by Avram Glazer, the Vipers have conveyed their decision to leave the six-team league to the organisers. They are the defending champions, having won Season 4 in January.

The separation stems from differences over the franchise fee and business model issues. A dispute existed between the organisers and the franchise years ago, but unresolved differences persist.

US-based Paul Voigt, a key associate of Glazer, recently wrote to organisers conveying the management's intention to exit. Voigt also spoke to owners of the other five franchises.

With players signed and coaching staff in place, the league needs a sixth team. Given agreements with the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation and Kuwait Cricket, finding a replacement may not be difficult. The Vipers are the only franchise with a non-Indian owner.

Time is a factor for Season 5, starting November 22. The league had planned expansion, and interested parties could be roped in.

The ILT20 was Glazer's maiden cricket foray. He also has stakes in Manchester United and an NFL team. He had been linked with buying Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and acquiring a team in The Hundred.

The development comes as a surprise. On July 14, the Vipers issued a release about preparations for the Guyana Global Super League, for which they qualified by winning the ILT20 title. The side is led by Sam Curran.