New Delhi: Legends League Cricket has announced a tie-up with Manipal Education and Medical Group (MEMG) to own its third franchise for its upcoming second season starting in September.
This season will feature a new format with four franchise teams, which, unlike the previous season, followed a country-wise three-team format. The teams then were India, Rest of Asia and Rest of the World. The second season will also feature cricketers who have recently retired and are in their late 30s or early 40s, with a few exceptions who are older and very physically fit.
The idea was to have cricketers who could still offer competitive cricket on the field. There are 75 cricketers participating in the league and the total pool of players will be more than 100.
In terms of players, 11 countries will be represented, playing all ODIs from India to Zimbabwe, with big names like Eoin Morgan, who retired recently, Chris Gayle, Jonty Rhodes and so on. Indian players include Yusuf Pathan, Virender Sehwag, M Kaif, RP Singh and others. The LLC will start from Eden Gardens in Kolkata and will then start from Lucknow, New Delhi, Cuttack and Jodhpur. The play-offs and final are expected to be held in Dehradun.
Dr. Ranjan Pai, Chairman, Manipal Education and Medical Group said, “We are extremely excited to partner with the Legends Cricket League. This association with the sport that every Indian loves will enable us to reach out and positively impact the lives of fellow Indians. Cricket connects to every age group in India and plays an essential role in people’s lives. It is not just a sport but a religion that binds people together. We look forward to a great season ahead and look forward to making an impact on this ground as well.” Vivek Khushlani, Founder and President, Legends League Cricket said,
“We are delighted to join the group as our third franchise. Cricket binds everyone in our country. Associating with the cricketing legends will help the brand even more. We look forward to a great association with them .
“Recently, the league announced that the upcoming season will start from September 16. Adani Group and GMR Group have already acquired franchises in Legends League cricket and named their teams Gujarat Giants and India Capitals respectively. Both The groups are connected and active in various sporting events happening around the world.
As per the recent announcement, the LLC will start from Eden Gardens in Kolkata followed by Lucknow, New Delhi, Cuttack and Jodhpur. The venue for the play-offs and final has not been decided yet. Last season, the total cost of the league for the entire project was $7 million.
This season, the league will spend around $15 million and wants to change the business model in such a way that all teams get a break this season as well.
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