Bringing together cricketing legends from around the world for the first time to Sri Lanka, the Legends Cricket Trophy 2024 is slated to begin on March 8th at Pallekelle Stadium in Kandy. Played over fourteen days, seven teams encompassing retired cricketers – all celebrities in their own right, will wield their willows to vie for the coveted trophy, after a highly successful debut tournament held in Delhi last year.
Founded by LCT T20 League Pvt Limited, legends from Pakistan, India, West Indies, Australia, England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will be drafted into the teams. This was mentioned at the drafting of the players into the seven teams and unveiling of the trophy jersey which took place at the Hilton Colombo recently. The draft was hosted by former cricketer Farvez Maharoof while cricketers Chaminda Vaas and Thisara Perera were in attendance at the draft. Cricketers drafted into the seven teams included Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, Suresh Raina, Ben Dunk, Ross Taylor, Johan Botha, Harbhajan Singh, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal, Sanath Jayasuriya, Misbah-ul-Haq, Ambati Rayudu, Dwayne Bravo, Thisara Perera and Imran Tahir. The franchised teams are Rajasthan Kings, Delhi Devils, Punjab Royal, Kandy Warriors, Colombo Lions, Delhi Devils, New York Superstar Strikers and Dubai Giants.
Speaking to the media, Director of LCT Shivain Sharma said that, “Given last year’s success which was fully sponsored by gaming app KhiladiX which had a 62% jump in their site and had a highly successful app launch, Sri Lanka is undeniably the best option for our second tournament. Just like India, cricket is a passion in Sri Lanka and the fans want to continue seeing their legends in action on the field. This is one of those events which will showcase that these legends are still able to command the field and play fabulous cricket. Sri Lanka has a perfect pitch condition for the 90-ball format.”