The much-awaited second edition of Legends League Cricket (LLC) is set to commence on November 18th, 2023. Featuring cricketing legends from across the globe, the tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle for fans. With an expanded 6-team format, LLC 2023 will see fierce contests unfold across iconic Indian venues.
The much-awaited second edition of Legends League Cricket (LLC) is set to commence on November 18th, 2023. With matches scheduled across iconic venues in Ranchi, Dehradun, Jammu, Vizag, and Surat, LLC 2023 aims to spread the cricketing fever across India.
The partnership with Paytm and Paytm Insider will boost ticket sales and attract more fans to the stadiums. Raman Raheja, Co-Founder & CEO of Legends League Cricket, expressed excitement about building on the successful first season.
With notable captains and players like Suresh Raina, Aaron Finch, Gautam Gambhir and Irfan Pathan participating, the tournament promises to be an exhilarating affair. The opening match on November 18 will feature former Indian cricketers Gambhir (India Capitals) and Pathan (Bhilwara Kings) leading their respective franchises.
LLC Teams
The 2023 Legends League Cricket will feature the following 6 franchises:
- India Capitals (Defending Champions)
- Manipal Tigers
- Bhilwara Kings
- Gujarat Giants
- Urbanaisers Hyderabad
- Southern Super Stars
These teams boast an array of cricketing superstars like Gautam Gambhir, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Chris Gayle, Brett Lee, Dale Steyn, Jacques Kallis and Muttiah Muralitharan among others. Their exploits on the field will enthrall fans, bringing back memories of their heydays.
LLC Team Squads
The franchises have assembled powerful squads comprising legendary players from cricket playing nations.
Bhilwara Kings:
Irfan Pathan (c), Yusuf Pathan, Shane Watson, Tino Best, S. Sreesanth, Nick Compton, Matt Prior, Naman Ojha, Tim Bresnan, Owais Shah, Samit Patel, William Porterfield, Fidel Edwards, Azhar Mahmood, Dinesh Ramdin
Gujarat Giants:
Parthiv Patel (c), Kevin O’Brien, Chris Gayle, Elton Chigumbura, Chris Tremlett, Richard Levi, Graeme Swann, Joginder Sharma, Ashoke Dinda, Daniel Vettori, Stuart Binny, Mitchell McClenaghan, Lendl Simmons, Manvinder Bisla, Ajantha Mendis
India Capitals:
Gautam Gambhir (c), Hamilton Masakadza, Ravi Bopara, Farveez Maharoof, Mitchell Johnson, Jacques Kallis, Pankaj Singh, Ross Taylor, Prosper Utseya, John Mooney, Mashrafe Mortaza, Rajat Bhatia, Liam Plunkett, Asghar Afghan, Denesh Ramdin, Pravin Tambe.
Manipal Tigers:
Harbhajan Singh (c), Brett Lee, Andrew Flintoff, VRV Singh, Parvinder Awana, Reetinder Sodhi, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Lance Klusener, Ryan Sidebottom, Mohammad Kaif, Phil Mustard, Muttiah Muralitharan, Imran Tahir, Corey Anderson, Tatenda Taibu, Chris Mpofu, Daren Sammy.
Southern Super Stars:
Aaron Finch (c), Tilakratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Jonty Rhodes, James Tindal, Sandeep Lamichhane, Azhar Mahmood, Stuart MacGill, John Mooney, Johan Botha, Ryan ten Doeschate, Matt Prior, Nuwan Kulasekara, Jeevan Mendis, Manvinder Bisla, Ajantha Mendis
Urbanrisers Hyderabad:
Suresh Raina (c), Martin Guptill, Shoaib Malik, Dwanye Smith, Abdul Razzak, Thisara Perera, Robin Uthappa, Ben Robert Dunk, Morne Morkel, Tim Murtagh, Asghar Afghan, Christopher Barnwell, Dilhara Fernando, Colin Munro, Andre McCarthy
With these power-packed teams, LLC 2023 promises to be an enthralling spectacle. The inclusion of so many all-time greats will make it a truly memorable tournament for cricket fans around the world. Their sublime skills and competitive spirit will be on full display across the various venues.
LLC Match Venues
LLC 2023 league matches will be played across 4 venues:
- JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi
- Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Dehradun
- Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu
- Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
The playoffs will be held at the Lalabhai Contractor Stadium in Surat.
LLC Complete Fixtures
The tournament follows a round-robin format for the league stage, with each team playing the others once. The top 4 teams will progress to the playoffs.
Here is the complete schedule for LLC 2023:
Legends League Cricket League Stage:
- Nov 18: India Capitals vs Bhilwara Kings, Ranchi
- Nov 20: Manipal Tigers vs Gujarat Giants, Ranchi
- Nov 21: Urbanaisers Hyderabad vs Southern Super Stars, Ranchi
- Nov 22: Bhilwara Kings vs Gujarat Giants, Ranchi
- Nov 23: India Capitals vs Urbanaisers Hyderabad, Ranchi
- Nov 24: Bhilwara Kings vs Manipal Tigers, Dehradun
- Nov 25: India Capitals vs Southern Super Stars, Dehradun
- Nov 26: Gujarat Giants vs Urbanaisers Hyderabad, Dehradun
- Nov 27: Manipal Tigers vs Southern Super Stars, Jammu
- Nov 29: Bhilwara Kings vs Southern Super Stars, Jammu
- Nov 30: India Capitals vs Gujarat Giants, Jammu
- Dec 01: Bhilwara Kings vs Urbanaisers Hyderabad, Jammu
- Dec 02: India Capitals vs Manipal Tigers, Visakhapatnam
- Dec 03: Gujarat Giants vs Southern Super Stars, Visakhapatnam
- Dec 04: Manipal Tigers vs Urbanaisers Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam
Legends League Cricket Playoffs:
- Dec 05: Qualifier 1 – Rank 1 vs Rank 2, Surat
- Dec 06: Eliminator – Rank 3 vs Rank 4, Surat
- Dec 07: Qualifier 2 – Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator, Surat
- Dec 09: Final – Winner of Qualifier 2 vs Winner of Qualifier 1, Surat
LLC Match Broadcast and Live Streaming
Fans can enjoy live telecast of all the LLC 2023 matches on the Star Sports Network.
The league will also be streamed live on popular digital platforms:
- Disney+ Hotstar
- FanCode
With so many legends of the game on show, the tournament promises to be a television spectacle for cricket fans. The entertainment quotient will be very high as these former greats roll back the years with their cricketing brilliance.
LLC Key Players to Watch Out For
Here are some of the marquee players who are expected to light up LLC 2023:
Gautam Gambhir: The former Indian opener will lead India Capitals in their title defense. His aggressive batting and brilliant fielding will captivate fans.
Chris Gayle: The ‘Universe Boss’ will undoubtedly entertain with his power-hitting and classy strokeplay. Fans can expect some vintage Gayle fireworks.
Harbhajan Singh: The veteran Indian off-spinner was the top wicket-taker last season. His guile and experience will be a huge asset for the Manipal Tigers.
Jacques Kallis: The classy South African all-rounder will bolster the Gujarat Giants lineup. His batting technique and skillful bowling remain top-notch.
Brett Lee: The fiery Aussie pacer will be raring to let loose with his lethal pace and accuracy for the Urbanaisers Hyderabad franchise.
Muttiah Muralitharan: The Sri Lankan spin wizard will bamboozle opposing batsmen with his variations and immaculate control for the Southern Super Stars.
Irfan Pathan: The versatile all-rounder will provide valuable balance for the Bhilwara Kings. His swing bowling and hard-hitting batting will give them a real edge.
The Excitement Builds Up
As the clock ticks down to the opening match, fervor amongst fans is reaching a crescendo. Considering the high-profile nature of the tournament, the league stages and playoffs will garner tremendous viewership.
With world-class action guaranteed, LLC 2023 is poised to be a massive success. The presence of iconic cricketers will give it an unmistakable sheen and take it to greater heights this season. Their timeless skills on display will be a treat for the ages.
This hotly-anticipated cricket carnival will provide the perfect appetizer for fans before the ICC World Cup 2023 bonanza. The festival of cricket has well and truly arrived!