The young power-hitting keeper
Pepper is a right-handed wicketkeeper-batter from England who plays for Essex, and his game is built on power at the top of the order. He has played in The Hundred for Southern Brave and has a reputation as one of the hardest hitters in English domestic cricket.
His most famous innings came in the 2022 T20 Blast, when he smashed 86 off 32 balls for Essex against Middlesex, and he has since become a regular opener in white-ball cricket. The Knight Riders bought him for $40,000 at the Season 5 auction — four times what they paid for Lorcan Tucker — which says plenty about how they rate his batting. If the Knight Riders want a keeper who can open and clear the ropes in the powerplay, Pepper is the pick.
| Profile | Detail |
|---|---|
| Role | Wicketkeeper |
| Team | Abu Dhabi Knight Riders |
| Batting | Right-handed bat |
| Born | 25 June 1998, England |
Career so far
Pepper came through Essex's academy and made his debut in 2018, establishing himself as the county's white-ball wicketkeeper. He has played in The Hundred for Southern Brave and has been one of the most consistent power-hitters in the T20 Blast.
His T20 record is built on strike rate rather than volume: he scores quickly, hits sixes, and takes the game on from the first ball. He has also kept wicket at a high standard for Essex, which is why the Knight Riders see him as a genuine top-order option rather than just a keeper. The ILT20 is his first major overseas franchise league, and it is a natural step for a 28-year-old who has dominated English domestic white-ball cricket.
The keeping group around him
Of the Knight Riders' three keepers, Pepper is the youngest and the most aggressive with the bat. Fletcher has the World Cup medal and the experience, Tucker has the international record — and Pepper has the powerplay game.
If the Knight Riders' top order needs a jolt — if Finn Allen falls early, or if the side wants two openers who can both clear the ropes — Pepper is the man. His keeping is good enough to hold the gloves for 20 overs, and his batting is good enough to open. That combination is why the franchise paid $40,000 for him.
What’s next
Pepper's first chance to win the gloves comes early: Dubai Capitals on 22 November, then MI Emirates twice in five days in Abu Dhabi. The full list of every ILT20 fixture is on the ILT20 Schedule.
- Match 3 — Dubai Capitals: Sunday 22 November 2026, evening session, Dubai.
- Match 7 — MI Emirates: Thursday 26 November 2026, evening session, Abu Dhabi.
- Match 11 — Sharjah Warriorz: Sunday 29 November 2026, afternoon session, Abu Dhabi.
- Match 13 — MI Emirates: Monday 30 November 2026, evening session, Abu Dhabi.
- Match 15 — Desert Vipers: Wednesday 2 December 2026, afternoon session, Abu Dhabi.
- Match 17 — Gulf Giants: Thursday 3 December 2026, evening session, Dubai.
- Match 19 — Gulf Giants: Saturday 5 December 2026, evening session, Abu Dhabi.
- Match 24 — Sharjah Warriorz: Wednesday 9 December 2026, evening session, Sharjah.
- Match 27 — Desert Vipers: Saturday 12 December 2026, evening session, Dubai.
- Match 30 — Dubai Capitals: Monday 14 December 2026, evening session, Abu Dhabi.
- Playoffs: Qualifier 1 on Tuesday 16 December, the Eliminator on Wednesday 17 December, Qualifier 2 on Friday 18 December, and the final on Sunday 20 December in Dubai.
Follow every ILT20 result as it happens on SialTV, with the points table updated after every match day.
Frequently asked questions
Which county does Michael Pepper play for?
Essex. He is their white-ball wicketkeeper and has also played in The Hundred for Southern Brave.
What is Michael Pepper's role for the Knight Riders?
Right-handed wicketkeeper-batter, most likely as a powerplay opener. He is one of three keepers in the squad.
When is the Knight Riders' first match of ILT20 Season 5?
Pepper's first chance to win the gloves comes on match 3 against Dubai Capitals on Sunday 22 November 2026, in the evening session in Dubai.