Cricket legends to take part in Masters Champions League

Former international cricketers like Brian Lara, Wasim Akram, Jacques Kallis and Adam Gilchrist are all set to feature in a newly formed annual Twenty20 Tournament called the Masters Champions League (MCL) to be played in the United Arab Emirates.

The MCL will operate on a franchise model consisting of six teams featuring 90 retired international players, with each team eligible to have a 15-member squad.

GM Sports, the rights owner and organiser of the tournament has been given a 10-year permission by the Emirates Cricket Board whereas the tournament will be organised strictly as per the International Cricket Council guidelines.

The tournament will kick off in February 2016 in the UAE over a two week period with Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Cricket Stadium being the venues.

The MCL was launched in a grand event at the famed Burj Al Arab attended by legends like Akram, Lara, and Gilchrist who along with Kallis were announced as the “Icon Players” of the MCL.

Former England captain Graham Gooch and World Cup winning Australian captain Allan Border were announced as the governing council members of the MCL.

Zafar Shah the Chairman and brainchild of the MCL revealed that the idea behind the tournament was to provide a platform for retired players to play in a competitive tournament which will also provide numerous fans with quality entertainment.

“As with many other popular sports, there is a real desire amongst fans and cricketers to see some of the game's retired icons back in serious competition.

“The MCL will be a unique and competitive annual T20 tournament offering exactly that. It will allow fans to consistently watch quality and entertaining cricket involving some of the legends of the game.

“We are delighted to have secured the Emirates Cricket Board approval and we are following all ICC guidelines for this tournament, highlighting the importance of having cricket's governing bodies in support of a successful and well-regulated annual event.

“The UAE is an ideal location for this unique tournament: it’s easy to access from anywhere in the world; it has a large fan base already living in the country; and it has three fantastic international stadiums to host the matches.

“We hope that by holding the tournament in the UAE it might also inspire a new generation of Emiratis to take up the great game, leaving a lasting legacy in the country.

“Our ultimate vision is for the MCL to become the natural next step for all international players retiring from the professional game to extend their careers in a masters league.”

Commenting on the latest development David East the CEO of the Emirates Cricket Board was confident that the MCL will play a huge role in inspiring and encouraging local cricketing talent to develop cricket in the UAE.

“The MCL is a fantastic idea, now being brought to life right here in the UAE, which is the perfect home for the tournament.

“The chance to watch proper, competitive action involving the greats of the game will inspire many and help ensure UAE cricket continues to go from strength to strength.

“We are delighted with the professionalism and experience of the organisers, including the people they are working with and the commitment and love of the game they all have.

“We are pleased to have given the MCL our extended approval and look forward to it getting underway next year.”

West Indian legend Brian Lara also expressed his delight at being a part of the MCL while urging the fans to support the newly formed league.

“I am thrilled and honoured to be taking part in what promises to be an exceptional display of competitive cricket.

“The UAE is a great location for a tournament like this to be based, 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.”

Lara also opined that the MCL would provide an excellent platform for taking the cricket in UAE to the next level by leaving a “lasting legacy”.

“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.”

The final dates of the tournament, details about the teams and player auctions will be made available by the organisers of the MCL in due course of time.

© Cricket World 2015