The Desert Vipers have unveiled a special sustainability-themed kit ahead of DP World ILT20 Season 5, bringing their environmental message into focus as the defending champions prepare for the new cricket campaign.
The announcement, shared ahead of the tournament, continues the franchise’s efforts to use cricket as a platform for environmental awareness. The team’s approach extends beyond its playing kit, covering initiatives related to biodiversity, plastic reduction, local manufacturing and carbon emissions.
For the Desert Vipers, sustainability has become an established part of the franchise’s identity, alongside its performance on the field.
A cricket kit with an environmental message
The latest kit announcement builds on the team’s previous efforts to make sustainability visible through its match apparel.
During earlier ILT20 seasons, the Desert Vipers worked with UAE-based sportswear manufacturer PALMFIT to develop clothing using recycled materials. The partnership focused on reducing the environmental impact of sportswear production while supporting local manufacturing.
In Season 4, the franchise also adopted an all-green playing kit featuring a snakeskin-inspired design. The colour and pattern reflected the team’s identity while drawing attention to nature conservation and declining wildlife habitats.
The precise fabric composition and manufacturing details of the newly announced Season 5 kit have not been independently confirmed. The latest announcement should therefore be distinguished from the specifications of the team’s earlier kits.
Desert Vipers expand their sustainability programme
The kit is part of a broader environmental programme developed by the franchise under its People & Planet initiative.
The Desert Vipers’ Season 4 People & Planet Report, published in July 2026, recorded a 27.2% reduction in the team’s carbon footprint compared with its first ILT20 season.
The report also recorded a 77.6% reduction in its plastic footprint against the Season 1 baseline.
Several measures contributed to this progress, including improvements in travel efficiency, changes to kit production, reduced plastic use and energy-related initiatives.
The franchise has also worked with partners to introduce water-refilling facilities for players and reduce the release of microfibres from laundry through filtration systems.
Its longer-term environmental target is to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 compared with the Season 1 baseline.
Why biodiversity matters to cricket
The Desert Vipers have increasingly connected their sustainability work with the natural environment on which outdoor sports depend.
Healthy ecosystems support water availability, soil quality and temperature regulation. These factors are relevant to cricket grounds, sporting facilities and the communities surrounding them.
In December 2025, the franchise organised a Sustainability Match at Dubai International Stadium. The special jersey for that occasion featured Biodiversity Stripes inspired by the work of Professor Miles Richardson of the University of Derby.
The design used changing colours to represent the decline in global wildlife populations over time. It was produced in the UAE by PALMFIT using 100% recycled materials, according to the franchise’s announcement.
The initiative demonstrated how a sporting event can also provide an opportunity to introduce environmental issues to players and supporters.
Desert Vipers prepare for ILT20 Season 5
The new kit announcement comes as the Desert Vipers prepare to defend their title in the fifth edition of the DP World ILT20.
According to the official tournament schedule, the franchise will begin its campaign against MI Emirates on November 21, 2026, at Dubai International Stadium. The match is scheduled to start at 6.30pm UAE time.
The 2026 tournament will run from November 21 to December 20, with matches taking place in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
For the Desert Vipers, the upcoming season presents another opportunity to combine competitive cricket with their wider People & Planet commitments.
The latest kit adds another visible element to that programme, although further details about its materials and manufacturing will be needed to assess its specific environmental impact.
Q1. What have the Desert Vipers announced?
The Desert Vipers have unveiled a special sustainability-themed kit ahead of DP World ILT20 Season 5.
Q2. When does ILT20 Season 5 begin?
ILT20 Season 5 begins on November 21, 2026, with Desert Vipers facing MI Emirates in the opening match.
Q3. Where will the opening match take place?
The opening match will take place at Dubai International Stadium.
Q4. What is the Desert Vipers’ sustainability programme called?
The franchise’s environmental and community initiatives operate under its People & Planet programme.
Q5. Who previously manufactured the Desert Vipers’ sustainable kits?
The franchise previously worked with PALMFIT, a UAE-based sportswear manufacturer, to produce kits using recycled materials.
Q6. How much has the Desert Vipers’ carbon footprint decreased?
Its Season 4 People & Planet Report recorded a 27.2% reduction compared with the Season 1 baseline.
Q7. What is the team’s carbon-reduction target?
The Desert Vipers aim to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 compared with their Season 1 baseline.
Q8. When will ILT20 Season 5 finish?
The tournament final is scheduled for December 20, 2026, at Dubai International Stadiu
