KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 25

Nepal's all-rounder Kushal Malla is set to feature for the Desert Vipers in the International League T20 (ILT20) in the United Arab Emirates for the upcoming season.

Malla was signed by the franchise as a replacement for injured Dutch all-rounder Bas de Leede, who sustained injuries while playing for the Pokhara Avengers in the Nepal Premier League.

Desert Vipers' Director of Cricket, Tom Moody, said, 'We warmly welcome Kushal Malla to the team. We are thrilled to have you join us for the 2025 season following your consistent performances in the Nepal Premier League and for your national team. You have demonstrated remarkable consistency over an extended period. Being young with immense potential, we are excited to help you develop further through opportunities in the ILT20.'

Malla has represented Nepal in 47 T20 Internationals, amassing 917 runs, including one century and four half-centuries. In 39 One-Day Internationals, he has scored 768 runs. As a slow left-arm orthodox bowler, he has claimed 43 wickets, including 24 in ODIs.

Earlier this year, Malla was part of the Nepal squad that competed in the ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean. He also excelled in the recently concluded Nepal Premier League (NPL), where he captained the Chitwan Rhinos to the playoffs with an impressive tally of 223 runs and eight wickets.

Joining the Desert Vipers, Malla will join star players such as Lockie Ferguson, Mohammad Aamir, Alex Hales, Wanindu Hasaranga, Sheldon Cottrell, and Sam Billings, among others.

The Desert Vipers, runners-up in the inaugural ILT20 season, are set to face the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the opening match of the new season.