Sourav Ganguly to captain Libra Legends MCL franchise

Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly has been unveiled as the captain of Masters Champions League (MCL) franchise Libra Legends, who are owned by Popcorn Sports Entertainment Pvt Ltd.

Ganguly will lead a squad which includes others with experience of international captaincy in Graeme Swann and Jacques Kallis, but he was an obvious choice given his time at the helm with India between 2000 and 2005.

Other players in the Libra squad are Brad Hogg, Ryan ten Doeschate, Ajay Ratra, Chris Read, Sean Ervine, Shaun Tait, Ryan Sidebottom, Michael Lumb, Marcus North, Taufeeq Umar, Nicky Boje and Ian Butler.

Ganguly's captaincy was confirmed at a press conference in his home city of Kolkata, where head coach Abey Kuruvilla, Popcorn Sports Director Pooja Jhunjhunwala, Popcorn Sports Chairman Suchit Saraf and Popcorn Sports CEO Jyoti Saraf, were also in attendance.

Ganguly, who played 113 Tests and 311 One-Day Internationals during his career, also captaining Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, is looking forward to his latest leadership challenge.

"It is great to be able to play amongst fellow legends all over again," he said.

"It will be an absolute honour to lead Libra Legends which has world class players like Jacques Kallis, Shaun Tait, Graeme Swan, and Brad Hogg amongst others.

"I am looking forward to some tough games played in the same spirit as the good old days against some legendary opponents."

The six-team MCL gets underway on 28th January with the start of the group stage in Dubai with Sharjah also hosting matches.

Jhunjhunwala, director of Popcorn Sports & Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. added: "Having been inclined towards the fast paced sport, Sourav Ganguly, who is an ex-captain of the Indian national team has been one of the sporting legends that I have truly admired.

"His experience and understanding of handling the team as a Captain will help Libra Legends on as well as off the field."

Battling with the Libra Legends for the title are Gemini Arabians (captained by Virender Sehwag), Sagittarius Strikers (Adam Gilchrist), Virgo Super Kings (Graeme Smith), Capricorn Commanders (Paul Collingwood) and Leo Lions (Brian Lara).

© Cricket World 2016