Kushal Malla joins Desert Vipers for ILT20 season 3

Nepal’s young batting all-rounder Kushal Malla has been signed by the Desert Vipers for the third season of the International League T20 (ILT20). Malla replaces Netherlands all-rounder Bas de Leede, who has been ruled out due to injury. The 20-year-old, known for his explosive batting and left-arm spin, brings significant international experience despite his young age.

Kushal Malla has already made a name for himself in international cricket. He debuted in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) at just 15 years and 340 days, becoming the eighth youngest male player to appear in the format. In T20Is, Malla is Nepal’s fifth-highest run-scorer, accumulating 917 runs in 47 matches at a remarkable strike rate of 147.66—the best by any Nepal batter with over 500 runs.

His standout performance came during the 2023 Asian Games, where he scored a record-breaking 137* off just 50 balls against Mongolia, the highest score by a men’s number three batter in T20Is. Malla has also demonstrated consistency in ODIs, scoring 768 runs in 39 matches, including a century and four fifties. With 43 wickets in white-ball formats, he adds valuable depth to the Desert Vipers squad.

Desert Vipers Director of Cricket Tom Moody praised Malla’s potential and versatility. “We are delighted to welcome Kushal to the Desert Vipers. Despite his young age, he has significant experience at a high level, and his recent performances in the Nepal Premier League underline his readiness for this stage,” said Moody.

Moody highlighted Malla’s ability to adapt, having batted in positions ranging from opener to number seven in T20Is, and noted that his left-arm spin fills a gap in the squad. “He is a player with high potential, and being alongside the experienced players at the Vipers will help him realize his talent,” Moody added.

The Desert Vipers, who were runners-up in the inaugural ILT20 season in 2023, will begin their 2025 campaign against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on January 12 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The ILT20, the UAE’s flagship T20 cricket tournament, features top international talent and promises an exciting season of cricket.