Sourav pulls out of Legends match citing time constraints, will be a spectator

Kolkata:In what is certain to disappoint his legions of fans, BCCI President and former Team India captain Sourav Ganguly on Saturday said he would not play the Legends League following time constraints.

"Yes, I have decided to pull out of the league. I have a lot of commitments. So I don't have the time to play in the league," Ganguly told UNI.

Ganguly was scheduled turn up at his home ground Eden Gardens here for the exhibition game between Indian Maharajas and the World XI on September 16, which would have kick-started the Legends League.

Ganguly had been named captain of the Maharajas, for whom his protegees and Indian team colleagues Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh were slated to play.

The Rest of the World side is led by former England whiteball captain Eoin Morgan.Ganguly had earlier agreed to play at only the September 16 game, the proceeds from which would go to charity.

"I will be at stadium watching the match: Ganguly on Legends League match

Former India Skipper and BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has expressed his inability to actively participate as a cricketer for the Legends League Cricket Benefit Match however he will be extending all his support while Indian Maharajas face World XI clash on September 16 at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

In a letter addressed to the League, Ganguly said: "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 the September 16.

"However due to my professional commitments and continuous work with cricket administration, I will not be able to take part in this game. 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," he added.

With this benefit match, the league aims to celebrate the 75th Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and the entire proceeds of the match will be donated to Kapil Dev’s Khushii Foundation; for supporting girl child and their education.

"We respect Sourav’s decision and Legends League Cricket is here to celebrate the greatness of these cricketing greats in the best possible manner. And we are glad that Sourav even if he is not playing, will be an intrinsic part of this benefit match with his presence to cheer the Legends when they take field for the cause on September 16, 2022,” said Raman Raheja, CEO and Co-Founder of Legends League Cricket.

Cricketing greats from 10 nations will be part of this special benefit match between India Maharajas and World Giants to raise funds for the noble cause.(UNI)