Desert Vipers Girls' cricket team triumph at R66T Cup 2025

Held at the iconic Sevens Stadium in Dubai and organised by Sportz Journey, this international schools’ cricket tournament welcomed elite youth teams from around the world, including representatives from New Zealand, the United States, and Oman. The event marked another proud milestone in the Vipers' mission to build a strong, inclusive cricketing future through grassroots development.

Powered by the Vipers' Schools Programme

The Vipers' success on the pitch is the direct result of their year-round investment in grassroots cricket. All 50 players representing the Vipers across the U13 and U15 age groups were scouted and selected through the Desert Vipers Schools Programme, an initiative designed to nurture talent in secondary school students aged 8–13 and create a clear pathway to elite youth competition.

Led by Development Head Jack Luffman (ECB Level 3 Coach), former English professional cricketer Arron Lilley, and former UAE Women’s Captain Chaya Mughal, the programme works across leading Dubai schools including GEMS Winchester School, Horizon International, English College, Al Waha, GEMS Metropole, Damac Hills, Uptown International, and Jebel Ali School.

“The Desert Vipers’ programme has given our students a transformative opportunity to develop their cricketing talent and confidence,” said Stuart Booth, Director of Sport at GEMS Winchester, Dubai. “It’s inspiring to see so many of them go on to proudly represent the Vipers at the R66T Cup, an experience that will stay with them for life.”

A win for gender-inclusive cricket

The U15 Girls’ Championship title underscores the franchise’s commitment to gender equity in sport. With standout performances from girls who were scouted and nurtured within the same school network, the Vipers continue to lead the way in offering high-quality cricket development opportunities for both boys and girls.

The Desert Vipers are proud to be the only cricket franchise in the region with an active and structured schools programme focused on long-term youth development. The continued support of our community and partners has been vital to the programme’s impact and growth.

This success wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of its partners: Balqis, Bluewater Group, Cleveland Clinic, PalmFit, and Carrefour. With a special thanks to Sportz Journey, led by founder Sam Charnley, for delivering a world-class tournament experience, and to R66T for creating an international platform that celebrates youth cricket excellence.

What's coming up:

• The Desert Vipers Schools Programme is expanding to Abu Dhabi, launching in May 2025.
• Coaching clinics will roll out across the UAE in May and June, offering young cricketers an opportunity to sharpen their skills under expert guidance.
• This summer, the Desert Vipers Schools Programme will also be delivered in the UK, continuing the franchise’s commitment to international development and talent exposure.
• The Desert Vipers invite more schools and sponsors to join our vision: to build the strongest development pipeline in cricket across the Middle East.

To partner with us or enroll your school in the Desert Vipers Schools Programme, contact [email protected].

For media inquiries, please contact

Hannah Hall – Desert Vipers PR and Marketing: [email protected]