Defending champions Desert Vipers have signed Pakistan middle-order batter Hasan Nawaz for the 2026 edition of the ILT20, replacing England's Aneurin Donald in the squad. The tournament's fifth season runs from November 21 to December 20, with Desert Vipers opening their title defence against MI Emirates at Dubai International Stadium.
The 24-year-old arrives on the back of a string of strong performances. Nawaz struck 96 off 51 balls in the Asian Games T20 gold medal final against India, though Pakistan fell 19 runs short while chasing 212. He also hit 47 in the Caribbean Premier League final to help Antigua and Barbuda to the title. Nawaz previously played for Desert Vipers during their title-winning fourth season, giving him familiarity with the squad's set-up.
His arrival takes the number of Pakistan internationals in the Desert Vipers squad to five, alongside Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan.
"He was a key member of the Vipers squad in our successful Season 4 and so he will slot in very easily to our set-up," Desert Vipers chief executive Phil Oliver said in a statement confirming the signing.
Nawaz's addition strengthens a middle order already built around established internationals, and gives the champions extra firepower as they attempt back-to-back titles in Dubai. ILT20 continues to draw some of the biggest names in franchise cricket to the UAE each winter, and this season's roster moves suggest teams are again recruiting aggressively ahead of the November 21 start, with Desert Vipers looking to retain the depth that carried them to last season's trophy.