Two of the leading Indian multi-national conglomerates, GMR Group and Adani Group have acquired rights to franchises in the Legends League Cricket (LLC) ahead of the forthcoming edition.
In the competition’s inaugural season, the organizers didn’t sell any franchises and had a three-team model. The second season will consist of four teams.
The second edition of the tournament is dedicated to the 75th-year celebration of Indian Independence and will commence on September 16.
The acquisition of teams in LLC has become a great addition to both the entities’ cricket franchise portfolios. GMR have teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and UAE International League T20. On the other end, Adani also acquired a team in the UAE-based T20 league.
Speaking on acquisitions by the two groups, Vivek Khushalani, Founder & Chairman, Legends League Cricket, said, “This is a very proud moment for us that we have two iconic groups come in as our partners. As owners of multiple Sports Franchises, they will bring in immense value to the league.”
Kiran Kumar Grandhi, Managing Director, GMR Group, said, “GMR has been in close relationship with the sport of cricket for nearly two decades now. Our relationship with cricket started with our IPL franchise Delhi Capitals. We then spread our Capitals universe with our First overseas team in the International League T20, with the Dubai Capitals and now in the legends league, we have tried to give our fans, who are like our family, some experiences that they will cherish for a long time. What makes this association sweeter is the fact that Legends League Cricket will feature some of the best cricketers who have played a very definitive role in popularising this beautiful sport not only in every corner of India but globally as well. To see them perform in India together for the first time is a dream come true for many fans including myself. These legends are the ones who shaped up our devotion and love for the sport and I cannot wait to see them in action again.”
Pranav Adani, Director – Adani Enterprises said, “For those of us who have lived through different eras of cricket, nothing stirs our passions like watching our favourites back in action. These are giants of the game and there is no doubt that the spiritual home of Legends League Cricket is in India, in our fantastic cricket stadiums in front of our fantastic crowds. Make no mistake, this is competitive cricket at the highest level between teams that are playing to win. Adani Sports line is privileged to have the opportunity to own and manage one of the four teams in the Legends League. We are especially privileged because this inaugural season in this format is dedicated to Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, celebrating the 75th year of India’s independence. I cannot wait to see some of the greatest cricketers in the game’s history doing what they do best.”
The commencement of the second season will take place in Kolkata, Eden Gardens followed by New Delhi, Cuttack, Jodhpur and Lucknow. The knock-out round and finals will be staged in Dehradun.
Raman Raheja, Co-Founder & CEO, Legends League Cricket said, “It is quite humbling to get top Corporates like Adani & GMR Groups to have acquired Franchises of LLC. We are soon going to announce the other 2 Franchises also. Our prime responsibility is to co-create a great experience for fans when they come to watch the Legends of Cricket being back in the field.”