Follow UsShimron Hetmyer did not have the best of the seasons in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, in which he scored 239 runs in 13 innings at a strike rate of 145.73 for the Rajasthan Royals (RR). Expectations were high from him as he was retained for a massive sum of INR 11 crore ahead of the mega auction.
However, on August 12 (Tuesday), it was announced that the southpaw has signed up for a new team in the International League T20 (ILT20), with Desert Vipers securing his services for the upcoming season, as their wildcard signing.
Hetmyer played three seasons in the tournament for the Gulf Giants, for whom he smashed 666 runs at a strike rate in excess of 150 in 32 matches. He also played a key role in the Giants' winning the inaugural edition in 2023, incidentally pipping his new team, Desert Vipers, in the final in Dubai
“I am so happy to be joining the Desert Vipers. I have enjoyed my battles with the Vipers during the past three seasons. The franchise is filled with quality players, and I am looking forward to playing with them rather than against them," Hetmyer said upon joining the Vipers.
Director of Cricket Tom Moody says that he is delighted to have someone of the calibre of Hetmyer in the team. “Shimron is a player we rate extremely highly, so for us to secure his services is a real coup,” he said.
“He has proved a thorn in our side in the DP World ILT20 in the past, so to have him in our ranks now is great news.”
The fourth edition of the ILT20 is expected to begin on December 2, 2025 and will reach its conclusion on January 4, 2026.
Retained players: Lockie Ferguson (NZ), Wanindu Hasaranga (SL), Sam Curran (ENG), Max Holden (ENG), Dan Lawrence (ENG), David Payne (ENG), Khuzaima bin Tanveer (UAE)
Direct Signing: Andries Gous (USA)
Wildcard signing: Shimron Hetmyer (WI)