Exclusive | ‘Not raising the trophy is disappointing, but we are close’: Tom Moody Desert Open the retention of the wipers, the ELT20 evolution and the road. Cricket news
International League T20 (ILT20) – UAE’s premiere franchise League – has taken a big step towards its fourth season with the announcement of player retention. Each team was allowed to maintain eight players before the first ILT20 auction set for September.Among them, Desert Wipers took the most important step, maintained seven players from their 2025 squad – most signed by any franchise – and USA wicketkeeper – Better – Better Andries Gaus signed as their lonely addition. The decision aligns with their philosophy of continuity and stability.The retired list of the wipers includes Locky Ferguson (Captain), Sam Curan, Vanindu Hasranga, Max Holden, Dan Lawrence, David Payne and Khujima bin Tanveer, one of the UAE -emerging bowlers.Go beyond the border with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!In a special interview with Timesofindia.com, the director of the cricket team, Tom Moody admitted that it was a challenge to drop the squad down to complete the retention cap, especially emphasizing stability and squad harmony over the team’s years.He said, “This is a very difficult process, especially looking at the philosophy that we have tried to take through a year and is to try some kind of continuity and stability with our squad. To build the familiarity around the environment we are building,” he explained. “Unfortunately, you have to make some difficult decisions.”
Tom Moody with Desert Wiper captain Lucky Ferguson at ILT20. (Cremas)
Despite remembering some games in the previous season due to rotation and fitness, Ferguson will continue as captain. Moody insisted that his off-next value and leadership made him an ideal candidate.“We think the role of leadership is more than a person who is available 100% of the time. There is no guarantee that the captain or any player is going to be available for 100% time for that case. What the lock can offer from a leadership perspective overtakes the fact that he could miss one or two games. ,Backing is Ferguson Curan, who stepped as captains during the absence of Lockie and impressed the management with his on-field maturity.“Sam has a lot of great leadership qualities and we have enjoyed handling the reins for some of those games,” Moody said.Auction focus: Pakistan players, local talent in sight
Lockey Ferguson is maintained by Desert Wiper for the fourth season of ILT2. (Cremas)
The upcoming ILT20 auction will be the first of its kind for the league, and moody experience with player auction in the IPL and other global leagues will be invaluable. He prepared a clear strategy – fill the remaining gaps and build on existing relationships.“We are looking at the auction for clear talent that fits the voids we have in our squad.”Wipers have earlier depicted several Pakistan players, and Moody confirmed that they remain part of the franchise recruitment radar.“We have many players from Pakistan and we have enjoyed a good relationship with both on the field and outside. They will be a sports group that we will see closely.”The team is also closely monitoring the UAE players.“We can only maintain a UAE player, and we believe that bin Tanveer is really exciting talent. We will definitely look at those with whom we have the relationship with us.”Moody warned that the auction could introduce unexpected challenges, but said that it is a significant lie to stay flexible and avoid emotional decisions.“The auction may be unstable. Players attract more attention than expected, and prices rise. It is important that you focus on your plan and not get too much in the spirit … and be well prepared with other options.”In order to break the heartbreak of the wipers in the final, Moody prefers to see the glass half -filled.
Desert Wipers retained Sam Curan for the next season of ILT20. (Cremas)
“It is disappointing not to take that final step. I am reluctant to think that we need to do a lot of things differently because I think once you get a franchise, both on and out, both get a lot of things, right to keep yourself in that consistent position of playing final, I think it’s a matter of jumping that the final hurdle.”“We only have to look at the previous final. It is the smallest in the margin that can change one of the last or the other … It is not important to get caught in those failures and disappointments.With a solid core, measured plan, and a clear developmental passage, Desert Wipers are not only pursuing silver pot – they are shaping their identity as one of the most consistent teams of ILT20.The effect of ILT20 and the big picture of the wiperMoody credited the ILT20 with increasing the standard of cricket in the UAE, what the IPL did for India in its early years compared to its role.“I personally have seen the development of young players with exposure and experiences that were in their first three sessions. We have seen that many players actually develop under our feet.”The ILT20 Development Tournament has become a major scouting ground for the franchise, which provides a platform for local talents to perform under pressure.“It enables us to perform the necessary scouts with proper performance in front of us.”
