Jay Shah breaks silence on BCCI's reported plans to launch IPL-style league for retired cricketers

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah reacted to the rumors about starting a Legends Premier League with retired cricketers. Jay Shah said that there are no proposals that have been discussed in the Board of Control for Cricket in India regarding the Legends Premier League.

Several private bodies have capitalized on T20 cricket's global popularity by organizing leagues for retired players. Recent tournaments like Legends Cricket have enabled fans to watch their favorite cricketers return to the field. Some ex-cricketers have continued to play cricket despite their retirement.

Current popular tournaments featuring former players include the World Championship of Legends, Global Legends League, and Legends League Cricket. Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, and others have been seen in action by representing India in these private leagues.

According to a report from Dainik Jagran, the BCCI was considering launching its own version of the Legends League. Same report added that an official confirmed that the league is unlikely to happen this year. The proposal is still under consideration and, if approved, could be planned for next year.

"We have received a proposal from former cricketers in this regard, which is being considered. However, it is still at the proposal stage," a BCCI official told Jagran.

"No, it is not possible so soon. We can definitely think about it next year. In this, those players will play who have retired from their country and do not even play in the IPL," they added.

No Proposal Has Been Discussed About That - Jay Shah

During his interaction with TOI's reporters and editors in Mumbai, Jay Shah dismissed rumors about launching a league for retired cricketers. Shah stated that it is "fake news" and that no proposal about starting the new league has been discussed.

"It’s fake news. No proposal has been discussed about that," Jay Shah was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India currently hosts the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women's Premier League (WPL). Indian Premier League was inaugurated in 2008, while the Women's Premier League was started in 2023. The two franchise leagues draw millions of fans with the entertainment.

Sachin Tendulkar Led India Legends To Victory In Road Safety World Series

Legends leagues like the Road Safety World Series, Legends League Cricket, and Global Legends League are popular globally. They are primarily run by private organizations with some backing from cricket boards. The World Championship of Legends had support from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

Sachin Tendulkar led India Legends to victory in the first two Road Safety World Series editions. Yuvraj Singh captained the team to win the World Championship of Legends. Several key players, including Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Suresh Raina, featured in the World Championship of Legends.

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