Legends’ pride at international cricket return

Greats of international cricket have spoken of their pride at once again representing their country at the World Championship of Legends.

Players and fans alike have hailed the new legends tournament a huge success as some of the biggest names in cricket have rolled back the years to put on a show.

Around 20,000 people flocked to Edgbaston last Saturday (6 July) to watch an England side featuring Warwickshire great Ian Bell take on the old enemy Australia, before Pakistan beat India in a thrilling encounter.

The final round of group games and semi finals are being played at Northamptonshire CCC with the final returning to Edgbaston on Saturday 13 July. Tickets are still available, but these are selling fast.

India batter Robin Uthappa (pic), who played 59 times for his country, said: “It’s phenomenal. A chance to represent your country again and the sense of pride and joy that comes with it.

“I grew up in an era where the dream was to play for your country. To be able to do that at this juncture in my life, playing with my oldest teammates, the camaraderie, the banter, it’s been a joyous experience. I hope the fans have enjoyed it as much as we have.”

Pakistan have already booked a semi-final spot with four group stage wins from four, while Australia, India and England will all be hoping to join them in the last four.

Bell – who played 287 times for England in all formats – said: “These games are great, the competitive edge is always there.

“If you’ve played a long career you still want to win. The standard has been good and it shows these games aren’t just exhibitions or trips down memory lane, there’s some decent cricket on show as well.”

Yuvraj Singh, now 42, played more than 400 games for India scoring almost 12,000 runs.

He added: “Playing for your country is the biggest emotion, the biggest thing for us. Playing for your country is a dream, what we’ve lived for all these years, and to keep that dream going with tournaments like this is beautiful.”