Retirement, the word itself, haunts cricket players once they enter their 30’s. When they can no longer keep up with the younger lads in the team, it’s time to face the bitter truth. The feeling of never being able to play like before again, the feeling of never being able to represent the Country again would make most players teary eyed on their retirement day. Even fans at times cannot believe that a player’s glorious career, that they have so avidly followed for years is coming to an end. It seems like an era of cricket comes to an end with each players’ retirement.
But Cricket is constantly evolving. The Emirates Cricket Board has formulated a whole new cricket tournament in which only ex-international Cricketers can play and it has been officially approved by the ICC. The Company operates under the Grand Midwest Group which has promised to allow legendary players to assist former teammates who face financial distress in retirement.
The Masters Champions League will be played in the highly popular T20 format giving a new avenue to players who retired without the opportunity to play T20 matches in their career. At 15 players per team, a total of 90 players have been signed by 6 teams. The tournament will take place in UAE from 28 January 2016 to 13 February 2016.
The teams have been named in accordance with Zodiac signs viz.: The Libra Legends, Gemini Arabians, Sagittarius Strikers, Virgo Super Kings, Capricorn Commanders and Leo Lions. The Captains and the icon players for the Six teams are:
Libra Legends: Captain: Sourav Ganguly Icon Player: Jacques Kallis
Gemini Arabians: Captain: Virender Sehwag Icon Player: Muttiah Muralitharan
Sagittarius Strikers: Captain and Icon Player: Adam Gilchrist
Virgo Super Kings: Captain: Graeme Smith Icon Player: Brett Lee
Capricorn Commanders: Captain and Icon Player: Paul Collingwood
Leo Lions: Captain and Icon Player: Brian Lara
Apart from these legendary players, Andrew Symonds, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene , Daniel Vettori, etc. are some other big names that are going to feature in this competition. The MCL has already received a 10 year approval from the Emirates-Cricket Board and is receiving huge support from fans all over the world. The MCL2020 has opened new avenues for retired players and has the ability to take Cricket to a higher level.
So, get ready to watch your favourite stars back in action from 28th January 2016. Cricket Lovers, it’s the MCL2020!! A whole new World of Cricket is waiting to reveal itself now!!
Prasenjit Dey
Picture Credit: MCL (http://www.mcl2020.com/gala-dinner.php)