Dubai: The UAE will be hosting some of the biggest legends of cricket again at the Masters Champions League (MCL)
The unique Twenty20 tournament to be held for the next 10 years starting February next year, was launched in a colourful function at the Burj Al Arab on Wednesday.
Brian Lara, Wasim Akram and Adam Gilchrist attended the launch along with Australia’s Allan Border and England’s Graham Gooch, who are the MCL’s governing council members.
Announcing the tournament which has been approved by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), Zafar Shah, chairman of the MCL said: “This tournament is all about legends who made cricket a delight to watch. It is an opportunity to see these greats who once made their country proud. Many of them haven’t even played in Twenty20 cricket and this tournament will give the fans an opportunity to see them play in this format.”
The first edition of this tournament, which will be made up of six teams with a total of 90 players taking part in the 15-member squad, will be held over two weeks in early February next year. The matches will be played in Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi’s Shaikh Zayed Cricket Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Abdul Rehman Falaknaz, president of the MCL, who is also the chairman of Dubai Cricket Council and executive member of the Emirates Cricket Board said: “This is not a tournament to compete with the Indian Premier League (IPL), it is an event that will benefit UAE players and fans alike.”
David East, the Chief Executive of the Emirates Cricket Board said: “It will be a great opportunity for everyone and play in the excellent facilities here. This will be a chance to watch proper, competitive action involving the greats of the game and it will inspire many and help ensure UAE cricket continues to go from strength to strength.”
Brian Lara, said: “The UAE is a great location for a tournament like this, with a big fan base in the country. I hope people get behind the MCL and support some of the heroes of the game as they look to extend their careers a little longer.” said Jacques Kallis who confirmed his participation through a video clip.
GM Sports, which has been active in UAE’s domestic cricket as sponsors and as one of the leading cricket teams named as GMW Royals, are the promoters of the tournament. They had organised Grand Midwest Sharjah Sixes tournament recently featuring top international cricketers in Sharjah.
Names of the teams, details of players’ auction, match dates and ticket sales will be announced in due course, Shah said. Former Australian batsman Dean Jones will be playing a crucial role in marketing this tournament. Players like Rameez Raja and Danny Morrison are supporting the event and were present at the launch.
