Desert Vipers’ Caribbean core a ‘huge asset’ for GSL, says Mayers

DUBAI, UAE – The Desert Vipers’ quartet of West Indian talent could prove to be the franchise’s secret weapon in next month’s ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL), according to Barbadian all-rounder Kyle Mayers.

Speaking on the Vipers Voices podcast, Mayers, who will be joined by fellow Caribbean players Khary Pierre, Ramon Simmonds, and 19-year-old batting prodigy Zachary Carter, said local knowledge of Guyana’s tricky conditions would be invaluable in the short, unforgiving tournament.

“Playing cricket in Guyana could be very tricky. It was tough for some of the foreign players,” said Mayers, who gained experience in the 2025 GSL with Bangladesh’s Rangpur Riders. “There’s not much time to get acquainted. It’s about hitting the ground running.”

Mayers, a veteran of 18 Tests, 28 ODIs, and 41 T20Is for the West Indies, remains in the T20I mix despite not playing Tests or ODIs since 2023.

His franchise CV spans the IPL, PSL, BPL, SA20, England’s T20 Blast, and the CPL, a wealth he’s eager to share.

“I’m always happy to share information. Travelling and playing in different conditions against so many players is a great thing,” he said. “I’m looking forward to doing that.”

On the pitch, Mayers sees himself as the ultimate powerplay weapon. “Powerplay with both bat and ball. I like to take on the game from the start. Batting in the top three, bowling with the new ball, that’s where I’m at my best. You can call me the powerplay man.”

Mayers also broke down the strengths of his Caribbean teammates. “Khary Pierre, he’s very underrated. Efficient, gets the job done, a good fielder. Spinners always do well in Guyana. He’s not typical, he bowls wicket-to-wicket, controls the powerplay, and is harmful at any stage.”

“Ramon Simmonds is a bright spark in West Indies cricket. A class bowler. Three years ago, I captained the Barbados CPL side, and he was my go-to—the youngest on the team. He’s a wicket-taker with a golden arm.”

“Zachary Carter, he’s my clubmate at Carlton Club. Big lad, I thought he was 25, but he was 18. He packs a punch. He scored 80 off 30 balls in a 50-over game, then beat us to a pulp with 80 not out off 40. He’s confident, doesn’t keep quiet about it, and can’t wait to get to Guyana.”

With all four Caribbean players bringing intimate knowledge of Guyanese conditions, the Vipers are banking on a fast start when the GSL begins in July.

CMC