Dubai – The Desert Vipers team got the first Pakistani player in the UAE Twenty20 cricket tournament while the Indian owners were hesitant. The Desert Vipers are the co-owners team of Manchester United. Azam Khan, the son of Pakistan’s wicket-keeper batsman Moin Khan, has signed a contract for the UAE Twenty20. The 24-year-old Azam has played only three Twenty20 matches for Pakistan.
He has played for Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United in the Pakistan League. He has also played in the Lankan Premier League and the Caribbean Premier League. Former England player James Foster is coaching the team. Tom Moody also serves as Director of Cricket. West Indies pacer Sheldon Cottrell, English players Tom Curran, Ben Duckett, Alex Hales, Benny Howell and Lankan spinner Vanindu Hazaranga are playing for the Desert Vipers team in the UAE.
At the same time, the Indian owners are of the position that Pakistani players should not be included in the team. As relations between India and Pakistan continue to deteriorate, the reason behind the decision is that there will be protests from Indian fans if Pakistani players are included in the team. Five teams in the UAE league are owned by Indians. MI Emirates, Abu Dhabi Knightriders, Sharjah Warriors, Gulf Giants and Dubai Capitals are Indian teams.
English Summary: Azam Khan becomes first Pakistan recruit at the tournament