NDTV sports is currently running a very interesting story according to which retired Indian legends Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble are stated to have already reportedly signed up for a proposed league. Moreover, we might be able to see them playing alongside the World’s greatest cricketers like Lara, Warner, Ponting, and Brett lee alongwith stalwarts like Afridi, Kallis and Jayawardene. The proposed new league is being promoted by legends Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne to make inroads into the high potential US market.
It is also learnt that former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene has also been approached to play in the league. A source close to the Lankan batsman stated to have confirmed the development. Here is the details given in the story.
“Yes, Mahela has been approached to play in the league promoted by Tendulkar and Warne. At this point I can only confirm about the offer being made but a few details still needs to be worked out,” a reliable source close to the cricketer told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
“At this point of time, Mahela after his retirement from all forms of international cricket, is only freelancing in the private T20 leagues across the globe. His next assignment is Caribbean Premier League. After that, he is relatively free and there is no reason why Mahela won’t be signing on dotted lines,” an official tracking the development said.
It has been learnt that around 28 retired cricketers will be approached for the matches which will mainly be held in the US cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles with the first set of matches being tentatively planned during end August or early September this year. A total of eight games will be played over two years.
These three cities have been initially earmarked as it will give the South Asian diaspora in the United States, a chance to see living legends of international cricket, live in action.
While these matches are strictly exhibition matches with no official status, the organisers may have to approach the ICC for its approval.
“At this point the ICC has received no communication on the proposed T20 league. There is a process in place with regard to events such as this and the ICC will deal with it once it is approached,” an ICC spokesman said.
Whatever the outcome might be, but the idea itself appears to be viable, thrilling and appealing to satisfy the thrust and hunger of the fans of the game worldwide – who would not like to miss this chance of a life time?