Dubai: West Indies legend Brian Lara feels that recently retired cricketers like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene might be attracted to play in Masters Champions League.
Lara, who will be one of the icon players of the MCL, said: “Jayawardene, Sangakkara and Ricky Ponting are all potential players in this league. They have not been signed up, but these are players most likely who will be very much attracted to play in this league.”
Lara feels players who have been exposed to Twenty20 will be exciting to watch in MCL. “There will be a lot of players like Jacques Kallis who just recently retired and have knowledge of T20 format .”
Lara said he was delighted to come back and play in the UAE, especially Sharjah, where he notched up some great knocks especially against Pakistan. “It’s lovely to come back here. It is a wonderful place to play cricket. In those day there used to be huge crowds when West Indies was playing Pakistan and India. I enjoyed my time here and am looking forward to early next year when I come back for this version of the game and hopefully with the same sort of spectator interest.”
Lara lauded MCL’s initiative to extend a cricketers’ career. “I hope people get behind MCL and support some of the heroes of the game as they look to extend their careers a little longer. The MCL is a tremendous force for good, which is partly what attracted me to it. The organisers have ensured giving back is a major theme, alongside inspiring cricket in the Middle East and in terms of leaving a lasting legacy.”
