Legends T20 neither a league nor a series: ICC

A day after it was launched, the ICC clarified that the Legends T20 League, floated by Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne, was neither a cricket league or series.

ICC CEO Dave Richardson said on Thursday that the two legends are just planning to organise three exhibition matches in the United States later this year.

“Tendulkar and Warne met us yesterday. They apprised of their plans, saying that they want to take cricket to places where the game is not very popular. It’s not a league or series. It’s just three exhibition matches. In a way, we also want to take the game to different countries. So in principle, we won’t disapprove any idea that helps the spread of cricket. At the same time, ICC guidelines shall always be followed. Noncompliance will bring in disapproval,” Richardson said at the ICC headquarters in Dubai on Friday.

A day after the Warne-Tendulkar backed league was announced, another league — Masters champions League was also announced. Richardson said that the governing body was aware of the Master Champions League as well and that the proposed tournament has the Emirates Cricket Board’s approval.

GM Sports is organising the league that will feature the past greats. “We know that Emirates Cricket Board has approved the tournament. Once again, we don’t have any objection. If in the future we see things are not in order, we can disapprove it.”

Richardson also added that the Essel Group promoted rebel cricket league had been put on the back burner. “Not much movement on that front of late. Maybe they’ve put it on the back burner. But we are keeping a close watch on the situation.”

Richardson also added that the ICC is yet to receive a report over the security situation in Pakistan following Zimbabwe’s tour of that country. “We are happy the way things went. But it’s too early to take a call about Pakistan consistently hosting bilateral series.”