Kathmandu: Nepal’s all-rounder, Kushal Malla, has been signed by the Desert Vipers for the upcoming season of the International League T20 (ILT20) in the United Arab Emirates. Malla will replace Dutch all-rounder Bas de Leede, who is sidelined due to injury sustained while playing for the Pokhara Avengers in the Nepal Premier League (NPL).
Tom Moody, the Director of Cricket for Desert Vipers, expressed excitement over Malla’s addition to the team. “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,” said Moody.
Malla, 21, has made a mark on international cricket, representing Nepal in 47 T20 Internationals, where he has scored 917 runs, including one century and four half-centuries. In One-Day Internationals, he has accumulated 768 runs in 39 matches. Known for his slow left-arm orthodox bowling, Malla has also claimed 43 wickets, with 24 coming 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 impressed in the Nepal Premier League (NPL), where he captained the Chitwan Rhinos to the playoffs, accumulating 223 runs and taking eight wickets.
As a new member of the Desert Vipers, Malla will join an impressive squad featuring cricket stars like Lockie Ferguson, Mohammad Aamir, Alex Hales, Wanindu Hasaranga, Sheldon Cottrell, and Sam Billings. The Desert Vipers, who were runners-up in the inaugural ILT20 season, will begin their campaign with a match against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the opening game of the new season.