Former World Cup winners Graeme Swann, Tillakaratne Dilshan, and Liam Plunkett are set to participate in the inaugural edition of the Legends Intercontinental T-20 league, to be held in Texas, USA this year. The announcement of the vetrans tournament was made by USA-based Brosid Sports LLC at a press event in New Delhi, India. The league, which will showcase legendary stars from different continents, is scheduled to take place from August 15 to 29, 2024 at Moosa Stadium in Texas, USA. While Swann, Dilshan, and Plunkett have confirmed their participation, the full roster of players will be unveiled leading up to the tournament.
Swann, who was part of the England team that secured victory in the 2010 ICC World Twenty20, Dilshan, a specialist finisher who contributed to Sri Lanka's win in the 2014 tournament, and Plunkett, who represented the Three Lions during their ODI World Cup triumph in 2019, are among the confirmed participants.
Notable figures like former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel and Australia's renowned pacer Bret Lee, who are the event's brand supporters, were present at the league's launch. The CEO, Vishal Sharma, a former Ranji player, unveiled the teams, tournament schedule, and marquee players, setting the stage for a thrilling cricketing spectacle.
Seven teams - Indo Kings, Asian Avengers, Euro Rangers, American Mavericks, Trans-Tasman Titans, African Lions, and Caribbean Vikings - will compete for the inaugural title in a single round-robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the knockout stage. The tournament will comprise 24 matches, with each day featuring double-headers. The semi-finals are slated for August 27, followed by the final on August 28.
Speaking about the new league, Sharma expressed enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to launch the Legends Intercontinental T-20 League, which will feature legendary stars from various continents putting on a spectacular cricketing show. Cricket has been rapidly growing in the USA, and we believe this is the perfect time to introduce a legends league to the cricket fans in the USA." Sharma emphasized the goal of acquainting the new market with legendary cricket stars to reignite the passion for the game.
In response, Dilshan shared his excitement for the league, envisioning it as a platform for reminiscing about the camaraderie and rivalries of the past, while Lee expressed his anticipation for the camaraderie and fun to be had with fellow legends at the event.
