Hassan Nawaz returns to Desert Vipers for ILT20 season 5

Pakistan batter Hassan Nawaz has been called up to the Desert Vipers squad for Season 5 of the DP World International League T20 (ILT20), replacing England’s Aneurin Donald, who will miss the tournament following his selection for England’s T20I series in Australia in November and December.

The Desert Vipers confirmed the recruitment on Friday, October 16, as the defending champions prepare to begin their title defence in the upcoming edition of the tournament, scheduled to run from November 21 to December 20.

Hassan returns to the franchise after playing a key role in their title-winning campaign in Season 4. His familiarity with the squad and impressive performances across franchise cricket made him a suitable replacement for Donald.

Desert Vipers CEO Phil Oliver expressed disappointment at losing Donald but congratulated the England batter on his international selection, describing it as recognition of his outstanding form.

Oliver also welcomed Hassan’s return, highlighting his contributions to the Vipers’ previous title-winning campaign and his performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Caribbean Premier League (CPL) during the year.

Hassan scored 291 runs at a strike rate of 134.1 in the PSL, while he finished as the joint-highest run-scorer for the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons in the CPL, accumulating 220 runs at a strike rate of 127.16. The Falcons went on to win the CPL title.

The right-handed batter also impressed with his fielding during the previous ILT20 season, taking 12 catches in 13 matches to contribute to the Vipers’ successful campaign.

His versatility adds further value to the squad, having batted at five different positions for Pakistan in T20 internationals, from opener to number six. He was primarily used as a finisher by the Vipers in Season 4 but recently showcased his ability higher up the order with a blistering 96 off 51 balls at number four against India at the Asian Games in Japan.

The Vipers will begin their title defence against MI Emirates at Dubai International Stadium on the opening day of Season 5, in a repeat of last season’s final.

The squad also features several prominent Pakistan internationals, including Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan, alongside international stars such as Shimron Hetmyer, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Andries Gous.