ILT20: Tanish Suri’s remarkable rise continues with Desert Vipers call up

Tanish Suri’s dizzying ascent in cricket over the past month has continued after he was drafted into the Desert Vipers squad for the start of the DP World International League T20.

The Dubai-based university student will cover for Azam Khan, who will miss the opening game of the campaign as he is on international duty with Pakistan in New Zealand.

When Azam arrives, along with Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi, Suri will drop out of the official squad for the competition.

However, the franchise are likely to retain him as part of their training group, with a view to him returning as and when other availability issues arise.

They have also involved Dhruv Parashar, Suri’s UAE Under 19 teammate, in an unofficial capacity ahead of the start of the campaign this weekend.

Parashar was part of the Vipers squad last season. He remains a prospect they regard highly, even if there was not space in their official squad for him this time around.

Suri’s elevation is another landmark in his rapid rise. The wicketkeeper, who studies accountancy and finance at Heriot-Watt University in Dubai, was one of the standout players as the UAE stunned Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the Under 19 Asia Cup last month.

After the UAE finished runners up in that competition, he was rewarded with a debut for the senior team in their T20I series against Bangladesh in Sharjah at the turn of the year.

The Vipers registered him with the league on Tuesday, and Suri said he is thrilled to be part of it.

“I’m really excited, it’s a dream come true,” Suri said. “I cannot wait to link up with the squad and work alongside the great players we have.

“I know I have a lot of learning to do but alongside those players and with the coaching staff, it will be great to be