The Board for Veteran Cricket in India announced the inaugural Asian Legends Cup for cricketers aged over 40.
The first Asian Legends Cup for veteran cricketers has been confirmed. The tournament will feature six teams of players aged over 40. It is scheduled for January 28 to February 4 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The competing teams are India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UAE, and Hong Kong.
The Board for Veteran Cricket in India (BVCI) is organising the event. Several former international stars are expected to play. Pakistan’s squad will likely be captained by Shoaib Malik and include Abdul Razzaq. Wasim Akram may join as their coach.
India’s team will feature ex-players like Praveen Kumar and Manoj Prabhakar. Selection was based on recent inter-zonal veterans’ tournaments in India.
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BVCI President Praveen Tyagi called the launch a historic step. “For the first time, an Indian veterans’ team will compete in an Asia-level championship. This is a landmark moment for us, and a dream we’ve worked toward for years,” he said.
He explained the veteran cricket ecosystem in India is 26 years old. The BVCI was formed by the late Chetan Chauhan in 1998. “Players who dedicated their whole lives to cricket deserve a platform even after they retire,” Tyagi said.
He noted similar veteran setups exist in other Asian nations. “Everyone welcomed the idea of an Asia Cup for veterans, and the excitement is very high,” he said.
Thailand was chosen as a neutral and logistically convenient venue. “The local organisers are supporting us with ground and accommodation arrangements,” Tyagi added.
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The championship will be broadcast live on YouTube and FanCode. When asked about India playing Pakistan, league CEO Tarunesh Parihar said it was premature to comment. “This is sport – it brings people together. If through this championship we can send a positive message, that in itself is meaningful.”
Tyagi expressed confidence the event would become annual. Plans for a future Veterans’ World Cup are also being explored.
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