BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has confirmed pulling out of the Legends League match between India Maharajas and World Giants, scheduled to be played on September 16. Earlier in the day, there were reports that Ganguly will not be part of the league.
In the afternoon, the former India captain confirmed that he won’t be playing the exhibition match due to his professional commitments. Though he will be there in attendance during the fixture and will witness the match live.
“I would like to convey my best wishes for your Legends League initiative. It’s a wonderful idea of bringing retired cricketers back on the cricket field and engaging with fans across generations. I am thankful to you for offering me an opportunity to play in the one-off Legends League game at the Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata on September 16, 2022,” Ganguly was quoted as saying by ANI.
“However due to my professional commitments and continuous work with cricket administration, I will not be able to take part in this game. I am sure the fans are eagerly looking forward to this league and there will be large crowds at the stadium. The league is bringing together the stalwarts of the game and I am sure there will be exciting cricket on display. I will be there at the Eden Gardens Stadium watching the match.”
Ganguly was slated to lead India Maharajas in the fixture. His replacement is expected to be named soon. Apart from Ganguly; Virender Sehwag, Mohammad Kaif, Harbhajan Singh, Stuart Binny and Ajay Jadeja are among the players named in the squad. Sehwag captained India on a stand-in basis and seems to be the frontrunner to lead the side.
Eoin Morgan will be leading the World Giants team. The squad includes the likes of Lendl Simmons, Jonty Rhodes, Muttiah Muralitharan, Brett Lee and Kevin O’Brien among others.
