The organizers of Legends League Cricket 2022 confirmed on Saturday that the second edition of the tournament will be played in India instead of Oman. Keeping in mind the huge fan base in India for the legends of the game and the first season's response received from India, LLC decided to shift the base to India for the upcoming season starting on September 20.

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"We have been constantly receiving requests from fans to hold the series in India and we are excited to bring the Legends League second season back home. We have the maximum number of cricket fans here in India."

Raman Raheja, Co-Founder, and CEO, of Legends League Cricket, said

"The first season had maximum viewership from India, followed by Pakistan and Sri Lanka followed by the rest of the world. We hope to give a better experience to our viewers and cricket enthusiasts. We are sure that the cricketing fans will rejoice in our decision to shift the base to India as the excitement of watching live cricket cannot be matched," he added.

The first season saw a humongous following from India, for the legends playing from across the globe. Meanwhile, the Legends League Cricket 2022 will add more excitement with more than 110 legends from the sport.

The cricket grounds are being decided upon for the league which is starting from September 20, 2022. Cricketing Legends from more than nine nations are to participate.

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Several players such as Harbhajan Singh, Eoin Morgan, Dale Steyn, Jacques Kallis, and Irfan Pathan will be participating in the Legends League Cricket 2022.

More details about the Venues and dates would be announced soon for this season. The third season will be scheduled in March 2023 in Oman.

India created history in the first Test of the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy by achieving their largest-ever win in Australia. At Perth's Optus Stadium, a venue where the Australian team had never lost before, India registered a stunning victory. Led by Jasprit Bumrah’s Player of the Match (POTM) worthy 8/72 across the two innings, India defeated Australia by 295 runs, their biggest every victory by runs in the country (if innings wins not considered). 

Also Read: Highest catches dropped percentages since 2011 (Min 100 chances) | Virat tops the list among batters

After achieving the POTM Award in Perth, Jasprit Bumrah became the fifth Indian captain who won POTM awards in Australia in Tests. Here's the other captain who achieved this feat on Australian soil.

1. Kapil Dev | Adelaide, 1985

The Haryana Hurricane Kapil Dev earned the POTM award following his spell of 8 for 106 in the first innings of the 1985 Adelaide Test, which set the stage for India to secure a draw against the home team. He was the first Indian captain who won POTM awards in Australia in Tests.

2. Sachin Tendulkar | Melbourne, 1999

In Melbourne in December 1999, when the weather was damp and batting a struggle, Australia rallied to 405 and India crumbled around Tendulkar. He scored his third ton on Australian soil since his twin shows in the 1991-92 series. His 116 off 191 balls (nine fours, one six) saw a follow-on-saving 43-run partnership with Anil Kumble (28 not out) and India ended on 238. The 167-run lead proved to be decisive as India lost the game by 180 runs, with Tendulkar’s POTM award coming as the visiting side’s consolation.

3. Sourav Ganguly | Brisbane, 2003

At the Gabba, India slipped from 61 for 0 to 62 for 3, in response to Australia's 323. In conditions that offered the pace and bounce that are the hallmark of Australian venues, Ganguly displayed remarkable judgement in his handling of the short delivery, and scored his first Test hundred in Australia.

Ganguly's 146-run stand with VVS Laxman (75) for the 5th wicket was notched up in 206 balls and his 144-run knock was studded with 18 hits to the fence. Such was the class of Ganguly's knock that it drew applause even from some of the Aussie players. This was India's first drawn series in Australia since 1981.

4. Ajinkya Rahane | Melbourne, 2021

After India were hammered in the first match in Adelaide Test series in 2021, skipper Kohli returned home for personal reasons and the responsibility fell on Rahane. Under Rahane's captaincy, India won the game by eight wickets and level the series 1-1. During this Rahane slammed his 12th Test hundred (112 off 223 balls). Rahane later led India to win the fourth and final Test in Brisbane to give his side a 2-1 series victory.

Also Read: Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Jasprit Bumrah breaks record with five-wicket haul in first test

5. Jasprit Bumrah | Perth, 2024

India played superb cricket over the span of the three and a half days in Perth, and defeated Australia by 295 runs, their biggest every victory by runs in the country (if innings wins not considered). 

Led by Jasprit Bumrah’s Player of the Match worthy 8/72 across the two innings at the Optus Stadium in Perth, India were rampant in the Test match right after their disappointing first innings on Day 1 when they folded for 150. They blew away Australia for just 104 in their first innings, and took a 46 runs lead. India scored 487/6d in the second innings and gave Australia a target of 534. The Australian top order collapsed once again in the second innings and the hosts could have repeated the first innings performance.

The upcoming edition of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to commence on November 22. The familiar foes India and Australia will lock horns for a five-match Test series. Throughout the years, the clashes between India and Australia have generated some unforgettable memories. The iconic duels, amazing displays with both bat and ball have enthralled the spectators across the globe. 

So before the start of the game, let's take a look at the players who have played the most games in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. 

1. Sachin Tendulkar | 34 Matches

Sachin Tendulkar, arguably the greatest ever cricketer in the world, has had his say as well during his playing days. Tendulkar had some outstanding periods against Australia both at home and away Test matches. He played 34 matches against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and piled up 3262 runs. In the year 1996, he played the first match of this trophy. He was last seen playing in 2013.

2. Rahul Dravid | 32 Matches

The Wall and India’s savior was a peril to the opposition. His resilience earned him the fabled nickname where he helped out his team in multiple tricky situations. Rahul Dravid has played 32 matches against Australia where he managed to score 2143 runs with 2 memorable tons to his name. He played his first match of this trophy in 1996. He was last seen playing in 2012.

3. VVS Laxman | 29 Matches

Among India’s highly dependable batsmen was VVS Laxman. The middle-order batsman showcased his gritty attitude against formidable foes when he noticed up 2434 runs from just 29 matches. He played his first match of this trophy in 1998. He was last seen playing in 2012. An unforgettable 281 knock against the Aussies remains the highlight as he displayed a healthy average, just shy of 50 with 6 tons to his name.

4. Ricky Ponting | 29 Matches

The former Australia Cricket Team captain, Ricky Ponting was the boogeyman for India. His aggressive style of batting and shrewd captaincy made him one of the greats of the game. Ponting played 29 matches against India where he raked up 2555 runs with a good average of 54.36 and notching up 8 tons to his name. He played his first match of this trophy in 1996. He was last seen playing in 2012.

5. Nathan Lyon | 26 Matches

The Australian off-spinner, Nathan Lyon tops the charts in scalping the most wickets in the Border Gavaskar Trophy. With 116 wickets from 26 matches, he is a class apart. Be it on slow-turning tracks in India or tricky bouncy pitches in Australia, Nathan Lyon has always been a dependable bowling asset for the Aussies.

6. Ishant Sharma | 25 Matches

Ishant Sharma is one of the best pacers for India in overseas Test matches. He has also got a great record against Australia in the BGT series. Ishant Sharma, who played 25 matches from the Indian side, is the seventh-highest wicket-taker in the Border Gavaskar Trophy with 59 scalps with the best figures 4/41. He played his first match of this trophy in 2008. He was last seen playing in 2018.

7. Sourav Ganguly | 24 Matches

Sourav Ganguly is often credited with changing the face of Indian cricket, instilling a sense of aggression and confidence in the team. He played 24 matches against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and piled up 1403 runs. In the year 1996, he played the first match of this trophy. He was last seen playing in 2008.

8. Virat Kohli | 24 matches

Virat Kohli remains a key player to watch as he heads into the 2024 Australia tour. Over his 24 matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Kohli has scored 1,979 runs across 42 innings with a solid average of 48.26. His record includes eight centuries and five half-centuries.

During a Dallas Cowboys NFL game in Houston, USA, the team owner, Jerry Jones, honoured the legendary Sachin Tendulkar with a special jersey customed with Number 10.

Cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar watched Cowboys lose 47-9 to the Lions pic.twitter.com/JRKjuhMnlU

— FirstSportz NFL (@FirstSportz_NFL) October 14, 2024

Cricket is a growing sport in the United States, having its footprints in the country via the National Cricket League (NCL). Tendulkar, a co-owner of the NCL, is playing a pivotal role in introducing and spreading the cricket fever amongst the new generation audience in America.

The innovative Sixty Strikes format is trying to bridge the worlds of cricket and American sports.

The Tendulkar Effect

Earlier on Sunday, Tendulkar hit off the NCL's community to inspire the young athletes at Dallas' University of Texas.

In his speech, he said, "Cricket has given me so much, and being here in Dallas—both teaching these young athletes and receiving this incredible recognition—has been truly humbling."

He added, "Inspiring these kids and sharing my journey with them has been incredibly fulfilling. I want them to know that with dedication, passion, and belief, they can achieve anything—whether on the cricket field or in life."

The NCL has quickly reached the audience. It has a good blend of world-class cricket with cultural events and initiatives focused on the community. The tournament will conclude on Monday.

Legends United

Reknowned names like Shahid Afridi, Suresh Raina, Shakib Al Hasan, and Chris Lynn have featured in the league, making it a premier event for global cricket.

The National Cricket League has also attracted legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Wasim Akram, and Sir Vivian Richards as mentors of the teams.

endorsed by the International Cricket Council and supported by SEE Holdings, the National Cricket League has its headquarters in Dallas.

It has been a long wait of 17 years to finally see Gwalior hosting their international match! Located on the outskirts of the historic city, Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium will make its debut in the international circuit, with its newly built look. the brand new stadium will host the first T-20I match against Bangladesh today, 6th October. Presently it has a capacity of 30,000, but with the completion of phase 2, the seat count will increase visibly to 55,000.

The venue got its name from the former BCCI president, the late Madhavrao Scindia, and took a solid 7 years to get in shape. A decent seating capacity,  indoor training spaces, and modern media arrangements with scenic beauty still have a drawback of drainage, which the stadium authorities are still working on. Once done, it can easily stand out as one of the steady rivals to many stadiums in India.

The stadium, however, maintains a safe distance from the hustle and bustle of the main city. Yet the distance is not enough to reach the fans, thanks to their love for the sport. The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) is confident about the stadium hosting many international matches, including Tests, in the near future.

A stadium with scenic blessings

The Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Stadium rests gently in the nest of Chambal Hills. The stunning backdrop will aid the seconds and minutes of boredom that may wave at the fans in the middle of any match. 

The stadium venue is technically located near the Mumbai-Agra highway bypass. This gives an added advantage to the fans even while driving towards the stadium. The beauty of the road and the stadium adorn, and complement the game in a way, beyond words. The wide-open spaces and panoramic views of the hills add charm to it, making it picture-perfect for a floodlight-studded day-night match.

The unmatched craze of fans

Amidst all these, the X-factor that boosts the confidence is the fans' craze. Recently, during the Madhya Pradesh Premier League final, the air was filled with cheers and roars! The excitement was unmatched, but there may be some closer to that in the Eden Gardens or the Wankhade Stadium. Thousands of fans gathered both inside and outside the glove. A state league had just given a glimpse of the craze in Gwalior.

The decibels touch the topmost limit with the roars, completely ignoring the regular quietness of the stadium.

The first T-20 match against Bangladesh, won't fall short of any hype and craze from the fans.

Captain Roop Singh Stadium: A Nostalgia that hits deep

The Captain Roop Singh Stadium—the stadium where "God" Sachin Tendulkar scripted history by scoring his first-ever ODI double century in 2010. Unfortunately, that was the last ever international match the stadium hosted. For locals, the memories have been etched deep in their minds, making the stadium an important point on the map. 

Other notable matches hosted by the stadium

• India-West Indies match in the 1996 World Cup,
• The fourth India-Pakistan ODI in 2007, 
• India's win against Australia in the TVS Cup months after their 2003 World Cup final defeat to the same opposition, 
• Kenya's first win over India in an international match, and
• Two ODIs against England in 1993 on consecutive days. 
• The 1997 Ranji Trophy final was also held in this stadium, the only day-night Ranji Trophy final to date.

Key Stats from the Madhya Pradesh T20 League

Although the T-20I will be the inaugural international match, the venue has hosted 12 matches in the Madhya Pradesh T20 League. Statistics are saying that the average first-inning total was 171.

The teams breached the 200-run mark two times in the league. In one of the matches, a team scored 278 runs in the first inning. While chasing, the opponent scored 239 runs.

A New Era for Gwalior Cricket Begins

The state already had the Holkar Stadium in the middle, where the life of the state exists. The Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Stadium will add glory and definitely some finance to the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MCPA).

With the modern facilities harmonized with the panoramic view of Chambal Hills, the board is confident to attract big matches to this venue. 

The Bangladesh match looks like a good start; however, the officials are aiming for Test matches. 

The MPCA and local officials have put significant effort and money into the setup. With the completion of phase two, the drainage system will be better. And a modern dressing room and other facilities will be added.

The new avatar of Captain Roop Singh Stadium hopefully will grow big and strong enough to relinquish the legacies and memories of the past days.

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 has started from Thursday, but the Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian team will start its campaign from Friday. India will face New Zealand in its first match of Group A.

In statistics, the New Zealand team's record against India has been good, but the Indian team has come into this tournament fully prepared and has the power to beat any team on its day.

Also Read: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: SAW vs WIW preview; head to head; when and where to watch

The role of spinners will be important

There is every possibility that India will play only two fast bowlers in the match against New Zealand and will have to rely more on spinners. India has exceptional variety in the spin department. The attack will be led by off-spinners Deepti Sharma and Shreyanka Patil, leg-spinner Asha Sobhana and left-arm spinner Radha Yadav. The deteriorating pitches may help India's spinners, who are the team's strong suit.

New Zealand team can give a surprising performance in the tournament

The New Zealand team also has a good mix of experienced and young players, due to which the team's claim is strong. Captain Sophie Devine, experienced all-rounder Suzie Bates, and experienced fast bowlers Lea Tahuhu and Leigh Kasperek form the backbone of the team. Young all-rounder Amelia Kerr is also an important part of the team and the New Zealand team can give a surprising performance in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. 

Mandhana is in great form

India will be hoping for significant contributions from its top players 35-year-old Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma and Deepti Sharma. Shafali and Mandhana are in great form. They scored in their last international match in the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka in July but India lost to the hosts in the final.

Mandhana has scored three half-centuries in the last five T20 innings. However, Harmanpreet's performance has been somewhat disappointing and her form is essential for India's top and middle order.

Also Read: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Squads of every team

India will aim to end title drought

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who is probably playing her last T20 World Cup, has been witness to several near misses and disappointing moments of the title, including the defeat against Australia in the final in Melbourne in the T20 World Cup 2020. Like in the past, this Indian team is also full of talent.

Defending champions Australia have six T20 World Cup titles, while India are waiting for their first title. New Zealand are two-time runners-up and a win against them can be taken as a sign of being in good shape strategically and mentally. It will be important for India to start with a win as Australia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan are also in this group.

INDW vs NZW: Head-To-Head

Both the India women and New Zealand women have faced each other 13 times. Out of these games, the Indian women have won 4 times whereas the New Zealand women have emerged out victorious on 9 occasions. 

INDW vs NZW: Squads

INDW:

Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia (subject to fitness), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil (subject to fitness), Sajana Sajeevan.

NZW:

Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.

Also Read: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Schedule: India to play New Zealand first, followed by Pakistan

INDW vs NZW: Live Streaming Details

When is India Vs New Zealand Women's T20 World Cup 2024 match 4?

The INDW vs NZW match 4 will be held on October 4, Friday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium at 7:30 PM IST.

Where to watch India Vs New Zealand Women's T20 World Cup 2024 match 4 in India?

The The INW vs NZW match 4 will be aired live on the Star Sports Network in India. The match will be available to live stream on the Disney+Hotstar app and website in India.