World Legends Pro T20 Launches in Goa with Star-Studded Lineup
Panaji: After a long hiatus since 2010, Goa is poised to reignite its cricketing spirit with the inaugural edition of the World Legends Pro T20. The tournament commences on Monday at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium in Verna, bringing together a constellation of retired and veteran cricket stars for ten days of thrilling T20 action.
Global and Indian Legends Take the Field
The event boasts an impressive roster of international icons, including Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, West Indian powerhouse Chris Gayle, England's Alastair Cook, New Zealand's Ross Taylor, England's Stuart Broad, South African pace legend Dale Steyn, and Australian batsman Shaun Marsh. They will be joined by celebrated Indian players such as the flamboyant Shikhar Dhawan, spin maestro Harbhajan Singh, hard-hitting Yusuf Pathan, crafty spinner Piyush Chawla, and wicketkeeper-batsman Naman Ojha.
Six Teams to Battle for Supremacy
The league features six competitive franchises: Delhi Warriors, Dubai Royals, Gurugram Thunders, Maharashtra Tycoons, Pune Panthers, and Rajasthan Lions. The tournament opener will see Harbhajan Singh's Delhi Warriors clash with Shikhar Dhawan's Dubai Royals, setting the stage for an exciting double-header format to follow.
Players Express Enthusiasm for Goa Return
Harbhajan Singh shared his delight at returning to Goa, reminiscing about his previous matches here in 2001 and 2010 against Australia. "I love to be back here in Goa, it is a great place to be. I was young then and now I am 45. This is an opportunity to play competitively. Off the field, we are friends, but on the field, we will compete hard," he stated.
Shane Watson, representing the Pune Panthers, recalled fond memories of Goa with the late Shane Warne before the inaugural IPL. "Professionally, my cricketing days are done but opportunities come up and we can celebrate the game we love. We had a lot of fun and it is good to be back here," Watson said. He acknowledged the physical challenge, noting, "The body doesn't necessarily get to the level all the time. I started practising almost a month ago. I retired almost five years ago. It is a challenge."
Goa Positions Itself as Premier Sports Destination
This tournament underscores Goa's strategic push to become a hub for global sporting events. Rohan Khaunte, Goa's Minister for Tourism, emphasized the synergy between sport and tourism. "The league brings together sport, spectators, and destination appeal in a natural way. When iconic players return to the field, it draws attention not only to the game but also to the place hosting it. Goa offers the right setting for such leagues, combining reliable infrastructure, public enthusiasm, and a welcoming environment for teams and fans," he explained.
Carlos Brathwaite Eyes Future Opportunities
Among the participants, West Indian Carlos Brathwaite stands out as the only active player. When questioned about his legendary performance in the 2016 World T20 final and the upcoming World Cup in India, Brathwaite expressed openness to a national recall. "I am not retired yet, and if I am recalled, I would be happy to play for West Indies," he affirmed, highlighting his ongoing commitment to the sport.
This event not only revives cricket in Goa but also showcases the state's capability to host high-profile tournaments, blending sporting excellence with vibrant local culture.
