(Source X)
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly contemplating the launch of an IPL-style league next year featuring retired cricketers from around the globe. This new initiative aims to provide fans worldwide the excitement of seeing cricketing legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, AB de Villiers, Virender Sehwag, and Harbhajan Singh back in action on the field.
The BCCI is considering the creation of an IPL-style league specifically for retired cricketing legends.
Retired cricketers have been captivating fans in various unofficial leagues worldwide, but these events are typically organized by private entities and lack formal endorsement from major cricket boards.
The recent World Championship of Legends (WCL) in England, which included stars like Yuvraj Singh and Shahid Afridi, was highly successful and fueled interest in similar events for cricketing legends.
According to a striking report by Dainik Jagran, several retired players have proposed an official Indian Legends League to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The report suggests that these former cricketers approached BCCI Secretary Jay Shah with a bold idea for an IPL-style league for retired cricketers, featuring a franchise-based model with glamorous player auctions. The BCCI is said to have shown serious interest in this concept, indicating a positive response from the board officials.
The idea is still at the proposal stage: BCCI
A source familiar with the BCCI’s plans has indicated that discussions are still in the preliminary stages, and the league is unlikely to be launched this year. However, there is considerable optimism about bringing the idea to fruition next year.
Should the BCCI approve this initiative, it could pose challenges for existing private leagues, as official backing would likely draw retired cricketing legends from around the world. There is even speculation that the BCCI might enforce restrictions on players participating in other leagues to maintain the exclusivity of their own T20 spectacle.
A BCCI official was quoted as saying by Dainik Jagran: “We have received a proposal from former cricketers in this regard, which is currently under consideration. However, it is still at the proposal stage.”
When asked if the league could take place this year, the BCCI official responded by saying, “It is not possible this year. However, it could be considered for next year. The league will feature players who have retired from international cricket and are not participating in the IPL.”
