International Veteran Cricket League: Everything You Need To Know

Introducing the International Veteran Cricket League: With a great vision, a well-rounded team and a huge emphasis on promoting veteran cricketers- and not only from India- but from around the cricketing playing nations, the Board for Veteran Cricket in India, popularly known as the BVCI, is making huge waves in the country. 

In a land famous for – but not limited to – the achievements of Tendulkar, the greatness of Dravid, the class of Sir Sunny Gavaskar and the might of Virat Kohli, the presence of BVCI humbly and warmly suggests that there’s more to cricket in a cricket-obsessed land than just the powerhouse known as the BCCI. 

And giving a fantastic exhibition of just what lies ahead from the part of the Mumbai-based cricket board, the BVCI authored a glorious new chapter in the firmament of T20 cricket here in India by announcing the start of the International Veteran Cricket League. 

Being the central force behind the inception and the creation of the International Veteran Cricket League, the respected BVCI, led by acting chief Mr. Praveen Tyagi, announced the six-team league in a full-scale media event held in New Delhi on June 29, 2023. 

The T20-format league, which is all set to take place later this year in the picturesque city of Dehradun in India, shall feature teams from Mumbai, Delhi, Rajathan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Ghaziabad, the latter part of the National Capital Territory region of India’s capital. 

Amid the august company of master cricketers Shri Madan Lal, all-rounder par excellence and member of the ‘83 World Cup winning side, and Chris Gayle, leading one-day run scorer for the West Indies, popularly known as the Universe Boss of Cricket, Mr. Tyagi highlighted the main objective of the league under the auspices of the BVCI. 

“There’s unbridled excitement and great anticipation for a cricket league that is slated to feature some of the leading veteran stars of our game, with vital participation from the region in India and those from the wider cricket playing world,” exclaimed the calm headed and well liked leader of men in the BVCI, Mr Praveen Tyagi. 

A passionate cricket fan and someone who’s been helming the affairs of the BVCI ever since celebrated cricketer and former chief of the board Mr. Chetan Chauhan passed away, Mr. Praveen Tyagi thanked the participation of a figure as massive as Chris Gayle, who was present alongside former Indian cricketer Pravin Kumar, most noted for his brilliant swing bowling for the Indian national side. 

Mr. Tyagi further highlighted, “The IVPL 2023 is an exciting new chance for past names of the game to come back to the cricket pitch, which is where they belong and are excepted to create fireworks of excitement and amazing competitive cricket for the fans.”

He’d also underline the future vision of the league by stating in no uncertain terms that,  “Hopefully, one day even our legends like Dhoni and Kohli will be seen participating in the BVCI cricket series.”

Mr. Praveen Tyagi thanked the active participation and massive support his teammates at the BVCI such as Mr. Ravindra Tyagi, vice president, Mr. Sudhir Kulkarni, Secretary, Mr. JK Mahindra, revered former domestic giant of the game in India and Mr. Aalok Saxena, popular commentator and executive member of the cricket board have played in galvanising the veteran cricket board in India that’s now slated for a bigger, brighter future. 

Famous names such as the attacking Punjab born Rajathan-based batsman Bhanu Seth are also set to entertain fans and viewers alike in the November-bound IVPL series. 

But that being told, what’s rather amazing is just how many big names have the BVCI already managed to rope in such a small amount of time for a T20 series that’s already creating a buzz around India. 

Those expected to feature in the Dehradun-bound white ball series include- Lance Klusener, JP Duminy, Sanath Jayasuriya, Thisara Perera, Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina and even AB de Villiers. 

Cricket Chronicle, who were present at the celebratory moment in New Delhi which is where the media announcement was made along with the unveiling of all six team’ jersey, read out a tribute to Chris Gayle. 

The publication believes that in order to bring back cricketing talents that had stepped away from the game but always sought a comeback and greater participation will benefit from leagues such as the International Veteran Premier League. 

It’s onwards and upwards from here. 

More information to follow! 

International Veteran Cricket League – Launch Photos