New Delhi, Aug 11 : The second edition of the Legends League Cricket (LLC) will take place in six Indian cities, with players from many countries taking part in the event.The initial season of the league was played in the month of January in Muscat, Oman between three teams including India Maharajas, World Giants and Asia Lions – and comprised seven games.
The season 2 season will feature four franchise-owned teams.The season will feature 15 games that will be played in six cities namely Kolkata, Lucknow, Delhi, Jodhpur, Cuttack and Rajkot from September 17 until October 8.
Former Indian captain and the current BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has stated that he will be playing in an extremely exclusive game of the LLC.
“Enjoying the practice to be ready to participate in a single charity fundraiser game for Azadi Ka mahotsav.75 years of Indian independence and also for women empowerment with the greatest legends of the legendary league cricket @llct20 must get some cricket balls in the near future,” wrote Ganguly on Instagram.
The main concern for the organisers is availability of visas for ex- Pakistan cricketers who are also scheduled to participate in the event.
There are questions about whether the BCCI or the Government of India altered its policy regarding its cricketing relations with Pakistan.
Not surprisingly, India and Pakistan haven’t played a bilateral series in more than a decade and they only play each one in Asia Cup and ICC events due to the political tensions between both countries.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is also unable to permit Pakistan players to play in the league, with the exception of in the very first season of the league in 2008.
In response to questions there are a only a few BCCI officials aren’t too knowledgeable about the issue of visas.
“I don’t have much to say.If Pakistani cricketers are granted visas through our government they can play, but if they don’t then there is no.We (BCCI) do not have any role in the event or visa issues,” the official told IANS.
Another official asked “how will Pakistan’s cricketers allow to play cricket on Indian soil in the absence of cricket connections with Pakistan.I am sure they won’t receive visas.”
The second season of the LLC has an extensive list of former cricketers from Pakistan including Shoaib Akhtar, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi and many others who make up the Asia and World XI teams.So, it will be interesting to know the Indian government’s attitude towards granting visas for Pakistani players, particularly in the absence of bilateral cricket connections with the neighboring country.
It is also apparent that almost all Pakistan cricketers, past and present, a lot of who are currently playing in the League are strong supporters and proponents of the Kashmir Premier League (KPL).
The Government of India and BCCI have strongly protested and condemned the organization of the Kashmir Premier League (KPL) and have barred all cricketers who play in KPL from participating in any type of cricket in India.
cs/inj
