BCCI considers IPL-style tournament for retired cricketers
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating a proposal to launch an Indian Premier League (IPL)-like tournament featuring retired cricketers. This consideration follows the successful 2024 World Championship Of Legends (WCL), held in England, which garnered significant fan engagement. Several former Indian cricketers have been participating in various legends leagues worldwide. Here are further details.
Proposed league to follow franchise-based model
The proposed league would be India's own Legends League, modeled after the IPL with a franchise-based structure where teams bid for players in an auction. Currently, these legends leagues are mostly unauthorized and run by private organizations with support from cricket boards. Despite this, they enjoy substantial popularity among cricket fans. The introduction of an official league in India could further boost fan engagement.
BCCI responds positively to Legends League proposal
As per Dainik Jagran, several former players have approached BCCI secretary Jay Shah with the proposal for a league. The BCCI has also responded positively. A source close to the development confirmed this proposal but stated that discussions are at an early stage and it won't be possible to organize the league this year. However, there is optimism for a potential launch next year.
Potential impact on private leagues
If the BCCI initiates its own league, it could pose a significant setback for other private leagues. Cricketers would likely prefer to participate in an authorized league by the BCCI. The board might also request cricketers to refrain from playing in other leagues to maintain the exclusivity of the T20 league in India, further impacting private cricket organizations.
Proposed Legends to feature cricket greats
The proposed Legends Premier League could feature cricketing greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag, Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers. If implemented, this would be the first-ever legends tournament organized by a cricket board. Most existing series are owned by private companies. The league will be exclusively for cricketers who have retired from all forms of the game.
