The World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2026 is ongoing, where former cricketers from various countries take part in the competition. Amidst this, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has taken a swipe at the tournament. Andrew Ephgrave, chief of the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit, warned that the league can hamper the reputation of the game.
The tournament has been organised in the UAE. Only Sharjah and Dubai hold the matches. The tournament runs from October 3rd to October 18. The format for the competition is T20, with group stage games against each other, two semi-finals on October 16, 2026, and the Grand Final on October 18, 2026. Six teams take part in the tournament.
While speaking to the PIT, Andrew Ephgrave stated that the league is a ‘grey area’ for the game. He believes that the league has not been sanctioned or received any NOC from the ICC. Ephgrave revealed that the respective boards of the country grant permission for the tournament. As lot of players who represents are not event in the cricketing fraternity.
“It’s a real grey area because a lot of the times they are never actually sanctioned and certainly don’t receive an ICC NoC (no-objection certificate). Domestic boards don’t sanction them or some do. But it is a bit of a grey area because a lot of the players who play in them are not in the current framework of cricket,” said the former British Police Officer to PTI (as quoted by the Indian Express)
“But quite a lot are still iconic names. I think there’s a balance between heritage and (wanting to watch) the guy that you watched as you were growing up, and the risk around it,” he explained.
Andrew Ephgrave believes WCL is hampering cricket's reputation
Andrew further stated that it will damage the reputation. He also feels that the matches should be exhibition matches or festival-style cricket. With him being concerned about the game, it will surely be up to the higher authority of the ICC.
Speaking about the reputational damage it could cause to the game, Ephgrave said: “It could, yeah, but I think there’s also a degree of it being sort of exhibition cricket or festival-style cricket.”
WCL to have a new format as ICC intervenes
Andrew Ephgrave states that the WCL was hosted back in 2024 in Sri Lanka and had corruption allegations as well. Ephgrave reveals that he will not say that the WCL has no risk, but he thinks about distinguishing official cricket from retired players who can still entertain fans and show their skills.
“There was a legends’ league that took place in Sri Lanka in 2024 where there were allegations of corruption. I’m not going to sit here and say there’s no risk. But the key is about delineating between what is the official structures of cricket, and ultimately what is retired players, who are still able to produce memories and demonstrate how they can play,” he said.
“It’s making sure that people recognise what that is compared to a franchise league, an ICC event, or the Ranji Trophy,” he said.
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