As cricket aficionados gear up for a nostalgic journey, the Legends Cricket Trophy (LCT) is poised to return for its second edition, beginning March 8, and bringing with it a spectacular lineup of retired cricket stars. This ten-day cricket extravaganza will be hosted in the picturesque city of Kandy, Sri Lanka, and will culminate on March 19. The tournament boasts seven formidable teams: New York Super Strikers, Dubai Giants, Delhi Devils, Rajasthan Kings, Colombo Lions, Kandy Samp Army, and Punjab Royals, ready to vie for the esteemed title over a series of 22 action-packed matches.
The format for this year’s competition takes a creative twist, moving away from the traditional T20 format and adopting the 90-ball innings similar to The Hundred. This innovative approach will see each team play 90 balls in their innings, promising a faster-paced and more electrifying version of the game. The high-octane action will kick off with Dubai Giants locking horns with New York Super Strikers at 7 PM IST on March 8 (Friday).
Renowned former indian cricketers such as Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, and Robin Uthappa claim the mantle of captaincy for their respective teams. An array of global cricket icons including the explosive batsman Chris Gayle and the prolific run-scorer Aaron Finch, among others, are confirmed to adorn the event, making it a star-studded affair and a cricket lover’s dream.
Catering to the massive fan following in India, all 22 matches will be broadcast live on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi, including their high-definition counterparts. As of this moment, no details regarding live streaming services in India have been made available. However, should any updates emerge, they will be swiftly communicated to the eager fans.
Taking a glimpse at the squads, the Colombo Lions are captained by the destructive Chris Gayle and include other international stalwarts such as Ross Taylor and Darren Bravo. The Delhi Devils boast the leadership of Suresh Raina and feature the dynamic all-rounder Shahid Afridi. The Dubai Giants are commanded by spin wizard Harbhajan Singh and consist of talents such as Shaun Marsh and Fidel Edwards.
Similarly, the Kandy Samp Army showcases the captaincy of Aaron Finch and the expertise of Stuart Binny and the Pathan brothers, Yusuf and Irfan. The New York Super Strikers, led by Yuvraj Singh, present a blend of experience and skill with players like Dan Christian and Jerome Taylor. Under the captaincy of Tillakaratne Dilshan, the Punjab Royals bring together the likes of Martin Guptill and Abdul Razzaq. Last but not least, the Rajasthan Kings feature Robin Uthappa as skipper-cum-wicketkeeper along with the renowned Sreesanth and Lendl Simmons.
While the LCT promises to evoke memories of the legends in their prime, it’s also a platform for fans to witness their heroes on the field once more—a rekindling of forgotten rivalries and a celebration of cricketing greatness. With such a star-studded roster, the Legends Cricket Trophy is set to weave new tales of cricketing mastery, offering a treat for fans as they watch their favorites battle it out for ultimate glory. As the excitement amplifies and the anticipation builds, the stage is set for what promises to be an unforgettable journey through the glorious annals of cricket history.
