The much-anticipated third edition of the Legends League Cricket (LLC) is all set to kick off on September 20, with organizers confirming three distinct venues for the tournament. Cricket enthusiasts from Srinagar, Jodhpur, and Surat will witness the action-packed matches of this year’s edition, which will run until October 16. The announcement brings an added layer of excitement as the LLC reveals not just the venues but also the full schedule and the date for the player auction.
The LLC 2024 is poised to be an exhilarating event, especially since it features recently retired Indian cricket stalwarts Shikhar Dhawan and Dinesh Karthik. Scheduled to unfold over almost a month, the tournament promises electrifying cricketing action across its six-team roster. The player auction, a prelude to the tournament, will take place in New Delhi on August 29. Over 200 players are expected to go under the hammer, as franchises gear up to bolster their squads with seasoned and emerging talents alike.
Raman Raheja, co-founder of the LLC, couldn’t conceal his excitement about the upcoming season. “Legends League Cricket is back for another season and we are very excited to also be playing in Kashmir this season,” Raheja disclosed. “This is a huge opportunity for the people of Kashmir to come to the stadium and watch live cricketing action for the first time in almost 40 years.” He further added, “It also presents a unique opportunity for the cricketers to experience the beauty of Kashmir and enjoy the hospitality and love of the wonderful people of Srinagar. With an extended schedule and a star-studded lineup, including the recently retired Dhawan and Karthik, the upcoming season is poised to surpass previous records.”
Kicking off in Jodhpur, the first leg of the tournament will be hosted at the historic venues known for their passionate cricket following. Following the Jodhpur matches, the action will shift to Surat’s Lalbhai Contractor Stadium. The final leg promises to be a grand affair at the Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu and concludes with the grand finale hosted at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium on October 16. The stages are set, and the cricket-loving community is eager for the tournament to begin.
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The star-studded lineup offers ample reasons for fans to be excited. Alongside domestic legends, the LLC brings back some of the celebrated names to the playing field. Dinesh Karthik, now 39, recently represented Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 and has been confirmed to captain the Southern Super Stars in this edition of the LLC. His leadership and wicketkeeping skills are set to bring significant value to his franchise, making them strong contenders for the title.
Shikhar Dhawan, another towering figure in Indian cricket, was officially announced to have joined the league on August 26. His presence is expected to cause a bidding war among franchises eager to secure his services. Dhawan, who has also announced his retirement from IPL, remains an influential player and is anticipated to participate in various other franchise leagues worldwide. His entry into the LLC is seen as a significant boost, not just to the competitive edge of the tournament but also to its overall star power.
As the curtain rises on the auction in New Delhi, franchises are expected to engage in a fervent competition to build their dream teams. Emerging players will have a golden opportunity to rub shoulders with and learn from some of the most skilled and experienced players in the cricketing world.
The inclusion of Srinagar as one of the venues marks a historic moment for the people of Kashmir, who have had limited opportunities to witness live cricket over the past few decades. It’s more than just a cricket tournament for the region; it is an event that brings hope, joy, and an opportunity to share the universal passion for cricket. The people of Kashmir are expected to throng the Bakshi Stadium to witness the final showdown on October 16, marking a festive occasion for the whole region.
With every new season, LLC continues to expand its footprint, creating lasting memories for cricket fans and offering a platform for cricketers to reconnect with the game and their supporters. The third edition promises to be bigger, better, and more thrilling, setting new benchmarks for future tournaments. As September 20 approaches, the cricket fraternity worldwide eagerly awaits another season of unforgettable moments, skillful displays, and the unbridled spirit of the sport.
