Sri Lankan Lions to face Afghanistan Pathans in Asian Legends League season 2 opener on July 30
Lusaka, July 29
The stage is set for the much-awaited second edition of the Asian Legends League, with the tournament scheduled to get underway on July 30 in Lusaka, Zambia.
Featuring six teams, 19 matches, and some of Asia's most celebrated former international cricketers, the league promises an exciting spectacle before culminating with the grand final on August 10, accoridng to a press release.
The tournament will officially commence with the Jersey Unveiling Ceremony on July 30, marking the beginning of Season 2. The opening match will see the Sri Lankan Lions take on the Afghanistan Pathans, setting the tone for an action-packed tournament.
The excitement continues on July 31, with a double-header featuring the Pakistan Panthers against the Rest of Asian Stars, followed by the Indian Royals taking on the Bangladesh Tigers.
A total of 19 matches will be played across the tournament, with the Qualifier 1 scheduled for August 8, Qualifier 2 on August 9, and the final to be played on August 10, where the champions of Season 2 will be crowned.
The league features six country-based franchises -- Indian Royals, Sri Lankan Lions, Bangladesh Tigers, Afghanistan Pathans, Pakistan Panthers, and Rest of Asian Stars -- and boasts an impressive line-up of legendary cricketers. Yusuf Pathan will lead the Indian Royals, Thisara Perera the Sri Lankan Lions, Shakib Al Hasan the Bangladesh Tigers, Asghar Afghan the Afghanistan Pathans, Mohammad Hafeez the Pakistan Panthers, and Tillakaratne (TM) Dilshan the Rest of Asian Stars.
The tournament also features several renowned former international stars, including Ambati Rayudu, Naman Ojha, Rishi Dhawan, Upul Tharanga, Isuru Udana, Danushka Gunathilaka, Dilshan Munaweera, Asela Gunaratne, Imran Nazir, Saeed Ajmal, Umar Akmal, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Irfan, Alok Kapali, and Malinda Siriwardana, with more marquee names expected to join the competition.
Adding further prestige to the tournament, Sony Sports Network will broadcast the entire competition in India as part of a three-season partnership with the Asian Legends League.
With legendary cricketers, intense rivalries, and a unique country-based franchise format, the Asian Legends League Season 2 is all set to deliver another memorable chapter in legends cricket as fans eagerly await the first ball on July 30.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I have mixed feelings. On one hand, it's lovely to see old stars like Shakib, Hafeez, and Dilshan. But on the other, why is the tournament being played in Zambia? Seems odd for an "Asian" league. And the "Rest of Asian Stars" team feels like a confusing addition.
Love the concept of country-based franchises—brings back that old Asia Cup vibe! With Saeed Ajmal, Yasir Shah, and Umar Akmal in the mix, the spinners will be fun to watch. Hopefully the grounds in Zambia have decent pitches. 👌
Ye sab theek hai, but I wish there was more transparency in how these leagues are organized. Participation of players like Ambati Rayudu and Naman Ojha is great, but the fan in me wants proper rivalries—India vs Pakistan, Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka—not mixed teams. Still, will watch for nostalgia. 🏏
Legends cricket is always a treat! But honestly, I'm a bit skeptical about the quality of competition when players are retired and not match-fit. Still, seeing names like Imran Nazir and Isuru Udana brings back memories. Hope they treat it seriously and don't just play for the camera.
Good to see some older players getting a platform again—especially the Sri Lankans and Afghans. But I'm most curious about the Rest of Asian Stars team. Who's in it? Players from Hong Kong, UAE, Nepal? That could be genuinely interesting! Let's see. 😊
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