Noticias de la Cámara
Balqis Capital Launches Pioneering Talent Pathway with The Desert Vipers
15/07/2025
Private credit experts Balqis Capital have joined forces with DP World ILT20 franchise team, The Desert Vipers, to launch a special high-performance programme to nurture the talent of young cricketers from across the UAE.
Targeting boys in the U-14, U-16 and U-19 age groups, the groundbreaking programme – the Desert Vipers Talent Pathway powered by Balqis Capital - offers a direct route into the Desert Vipers ILT20 first-team setup, with expert coaching and mentorship from a world-class team of international coaches.
The coaches have also identified a group of hugely talented girls in similar age groups, providing them with access to elite training environments and development opportunities, as part of the Vipers’ long-term commitment to growing the women’s game in the region.
This pioneering programme is Balqis Capital’s commitment to grassroots and professional cricket development and reflects the firm’s long-term vision for the sport in the region.
Steven Schofield, Talent Pathway Founder and Balqis Capital Director, said: 'We are proud to be a pioneer, launching a first of its kind programme that gives talented young boys and girls a clear pathway into professional cricket. At Balqis Capital, we believe in backing ambition, whether it is in sport, business or life.
“This initiative reflects our values of discipline, opportunity and long-term vision. We are delighted to be working alongside the amazing team at Desert Vipers to deliver this,” he added.
Phil Oliver, CEO of the Desert Vipers, said: “Through this initiative, we’re building a clear and aspirational pathway for talented young cricketers in the UAE. This is about more than just identifying talent, it’s about developing future professionals in an environment where excellence is the standard.”
Balqis Capital is a market leader in sourcing and structuring private credit opportunities. Balqis offers clients access to market leading private credit high yield and growth opportunities. Highlights include pre-IPO investments on London Stock Exchange-AIM listings, M&A Special Purpose Vehicles domiciled in Jersey and led by a former Goldman Sachs executive, and exposure across litigation finance, private debt and structured equity.
The Desert Vipers is a professional Twenty20 franchise cricket team in the DP World International League T20. This revolutionary programme represents a significant step forward for cricket in the UAE, offering young players a real opportunity to pursue a professional career by providing access to top-level coaching, world-class facilities and a clear pathway into the ILT20 setup.
The official launch is set for September 2025, when the chosen group will begin structured training under the guidance of The Desert Vipers’ high-performance staff.
