Sports

World Legends Pro T20 Delivers a Grand Finale to Remember in Goa


The World Legends Pro T20 League concluded in spectacular fashion on Tuesday night, bringing down the curtains on a tournament that successfully blended nostalgia, competitiveness and high-quality cricket, while firmly establishing Goa as a destination capable of hosting marquee sporting events.

Over the past few weeks, the league brought together some of the most iconic names in world cricket, delivering thrilling contests and moments that reminded fans why these players once ruled the global stage. Packed stadiums, strong broadcast viewership and a festive atmosphere both on and off the field underlined the growing appeal of the tournament.

World Cup-winning captain and League Commissioner Michael Clarke praised both the cricket on display and the setting that hosted it, noting that the tournament showcased Goa beyond its image as a holiday destination. He highlighted the quality of facilities, the enthusiastic crowds and the enjoyment expressed by players throughout the competition.

Despite having retired from international cricket, the legends approached each match with unmistakable intensity. Clarke remarked that the hunger to win never fades, with players still eager to perform, compete and deliver at the highest level. Several performances throughout the tournament reinforced this competitive edge.

The league produced multiple headline moments, including Martin Guptillโ€™s sublime century, described by Clarke as among the finest innings of his career, and Piyush Chawlaโ€™s sensational hat-trick that electrified fans. These performances ensured the competition was far more than a nostalgic exhibition.

With evenly matched teams and close finishes throughout the league stage, the knockout rounds brought out the very best in the players. Clarke noted that the balance across teams played a key role in the tournamentโ€™s success, making the semifinals and final particularly compelling.

Leadership emerged as another defining element of the tournament, with Clarke singling out Harbhajan Singhโ€™s captaincy for its tactical sharpness and calm decision-making under pressure, which translated into consistent on-field performances.

As the inaugural edition comes to a close, the World Legends Pro T20 leaves behind more than memorable matches. It has reaffirmed the enduring appeal of cricketโ€™s legends, delivered a fresh entertainment product for fans, and opened the door for Goa to play a larger role on the international sporting calendar.

Sports

Chadwick Waltonโ€™s Century Guides Delhi Warriors to a Magnificent Win Over Dubai Royals


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral

Legends rolled back the years in spectacular fashion as the World Legends Pro T20 League got underway at the 1919 Sportz Stadium, delivering a high-octane opening contest that thrilled fans and set the tone for the tournament. The inaugural match saw a combined total of 394 runs, with Delhi Warriors registering a commanding nine-wicket win over Dubai Royals.


Chasing a competitive target of 197, Delhi Warriors were led by a sensational unbeaten century from Chadwick Walton โ€” the first hundred of the tournament, coming in its very first match. Waltonโ€™s masterclass ensured Delhi cruised to victory in just 16.3 overs, finishing with 21 balls to spare.

Walton was ably supported by Shreevats Goswami, with the duo putting on a dominant 159-run opening partnership that dismantled the Dubai bowling attack. Goswami departed after a fluent 56, but by then the contest was firmly in Delhiโ€™s grasp. Piyush Chawla claimed the only wicket for Dubai Royals.

Reflecting on his innings, Walton said the electric atmosphere in Goa and the positive dressing-room environment played a crucial role. He credited the relaxed leadership and strong team camaraderie for allowing players to express themselves freely while chasing a challenging total.

Delhi Warriors captain Harbhajan Singh echoed those sentiments, highlighting the importance of unity and composure within the squad. He praised Walton and Goswami for their outstanding performances and acknowledged the passionate support of the Goan crowd in making the opening game memorable.

Earlier, Dubai Royals, sent in to bat, began positively with openers Shikhar Dhawan and Kirk Edwards building early momentum. However, Harbhajan Singh provided the breakthrough by dismissing Dhawan. Edwards then stitched together a vital 95-run partnership with Peter Trego, stabilising the innings before Harbhajan struck again.

Trego anchored the Dubai innings with a well-compiled half-century, guiding his side to a competitive total of 196 for 6. Subodh Bhati emerged as the standout bowler for Delhi, returning impressive figures of 3 for 37.

The tournament promises more excitement as fans look forward to a double-header on January 27, with Pune Panthers facing Gurugram Thunders, followed by Rajasthan Lions taking on Maharashtra Tycoons โ€” a clash set to feature global stars including Chris Gayle, Martin Guptill, Shane Watson, Suresh Raina, JP Duminy and Stuart Broad.


Brief Scores

Dubai Royals: 196/6 (20 overs)

Peter Trego 60 (35)

Kirk Edwards 41 (28)

Subodh Bhati 3/37 (4)

Harbhajan Singh 2/25 (4)


Delhi Warriors: 198/1 (16.3 overs)

Chadwick Walton 128* (62)

Shreevats Goswami 56 (33)

Piyush Chawla 1/46 (4)

Sports

Goa Gears Up for Cricket Carnival as World Legends Pro T20 League Gets Underway


Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Goa, January 25, 2026:
The roar of cricketing legends is set to echo across Goa as the World Legends Pro T20 League (WLPT20L) officially gets underway tomorrow at 7:30 PM at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium in Verna. Featuring 90 iconic players from across the globe, the league promises ten days of high-intensity T20 cricket, blending international sporting excellence with the vibrant spirit of Goa.


The tournament opener will see a clash of titans, with the Delhi Warriors, captained by Harbhajan Singh, taking on the Dubai Royals, led by Shikhar Dhawan. The league will subsequently move into a double-header format, offering fans back-to-back matches and an immersive cricketing experience.

A New Chapter for Sports Tourism in Goa

Traditionally known for its scenic coastline and cultural vibrancy, Goa is steadily carving a niche as a premier destination for global sporting events. With Goa Tourism as the Presenting Sponsor, the World Legends Pro T20 League marks a significant step in strengthening the stateโ€™s sports tourism calendar, attracting fans from across India and overseas.

Speaking at the press conference, Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted that the league brings together sport, spectators and destination appeal in a seamless manner. He noted that events featuring iconic players not only revive passion for the game but also spotlight Goa as a host destination, backed by strong infrastructure, enthusiastic audiences and a welcoming environment for teams and fans alike.

Legends Return to the Field

More than a nostalgic reunion, the WLPT20L is a celebration of enduring skill and competitive spirit. Over the next ten days, the stadium will host a series of high-stakes encounters designed to engage both seasoned cricket followers and a new generation of fans.

Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO of SG Sports and Entertainment, stated that the presence of some of the biggest names in world cricket reflects the scale and ambition of the league. He added that while Goa is widely associated with football, cricket remains the heartbeat of India, and the league aims to build a long-term legacy by hosting the tournament in Goa for the coming decade.

Event Details

Inaugural Match: Delhi Warriors vs Dubai Royals

Date & Time: January 26, 2026 | 7:30 PM

Venue: 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium, Verna, Goa

Tickets: Available on BookMyShow

Telecast: DD Sports, Sony LIV, FanCode, YouTube and Waves


Through the World Legends Pro T20 League, Goa continues to strengthen its position as a destination where sport, tourism and global audiences come together through the universal language of cricket.

Sports

World Legends Pro T20 League Announces Squads, Captains, Fixtures for Inaugural Season in Goa


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Goa, January 21, 2026: The World Legends Pro T20 League (WLPT20) has officially announced the six franchises, team captains, final squads, and the complete fixture schedule for its inaugural season. The tournament will be held at the 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium, Goa, from 26 January to 4 February 2026, featuring 18 matches including a league stage, two semi-finals, and a grand finale.


The six franchisesโ€”Rajasthan Kings, Delhi Warriors, Pune Panthers, Dubai Royals, Gurugram Thunders, and Maharashtra Tycoonsโ€”will feature 90 legendary cricketers from around the world, blending iconic international stars with top Indian domestic talent.

The league will kick off with a grand opening ceremony on 25 January, featuring a live performance by Sunidhi Chauhan, setting the stage for a cricketing and entertainment extravaganza.

โ€œSeeing these squads and captains come together is incredibly exciting. Each team is well-balanced, blending legendary experience with T20 flair, and fans are in for a real spectacleโ€”high-octane matches, unforgettable moments, and a chance to see some of the greatest players in cricket history light up the field once again,โ€ said League Commissioner Michael Clarke.

โ€œThis league is built on a model where management and owners focus on creating long-term, sustainable value together. For the first time in years, Goa will host a major cricketing extravaganza, and weโ€™re excited to bring world-class cricket to the city,โ€ added Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO of SGSE.


Team Squads & Captains โ€“ WLPT20 2026
Rajasthan Kings โ€“ Captain: Eoin Morgan
Ben Cutting, Elton Chigumbura, Naman Ojha, Callum Ferguson, Angelo Perera, JP Duminy, Suresh Raina, Bipul Sharma, Pinal Shah, Jaykishan Kolsawala, Abhimanyu Mithun, Anureet Singh, Jesal Karia, Shadab Jakati

Delhi Warriors โ€“ Captain: Harbhajan Singh
Seekkugge Prasanna, Chadwick Walton, Imran Tahir, Colin Ingram, Irfan Pathan, Isuru Udana, Shahbaz Nadeem, Chirag Gandhi, Shreevats Goswami, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Rahul Shukla, Diwesh Pathania, Suboth Bhati, Ravi Jangid

Pune Panthers โ€“ Captain: Kieron Pollard
Samiullah Shinwari, Upul Tharanga, Amit Mishra, Shane Watson, Dwayne Bravo, Martin Guptill, Robin Uthappa, Kamil Leverock, Rahul Yadav, Asad Pathan, Ankit Rajpoot, Faiz Fazal, Priyank Panchal, Ishwar Pandey

Dubai Royals โ€“ Captain: Shikhar Dhawan
Samit Patel, Piyush Chawla, Christopher Mpofu, Fidel Edwards, Danushka Gunathilaka, Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan, Parvez Rasool, Gitansh Khera, Abhishek Raut, Peter Trego, Monu Kumar, Amit Verma, Kirk Edwards

Gurugram Thunders โ€“ Captain: Thisara Perera
Phil Mustard, Ross Taylor, Cheteshwar Pujara, Colin de Grandhomme, S Sreesanth, Stuart Broad, Rayad Emrit, Jermaine Blackwood, Amitoze Singh, Sheldon Jackson, Akshay Wakhare, Malinda Pushpakumara, Saurin Thakar, Pawan Negi

Maharashtra Tycoons โ€“ Captain: Dinesh Karthik
Carlos Brathwaite, Dale Steyn, Chris Gayle, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Stuart Binny, Peter Siddle, Shaun Marsh, Rahul Sharma, Pawan Suyal, Praveen Gupta, Baltej Singh, Manvinder Bisla, Siddarth Kaul


League Format
Each team plays five league-stage matches

Points awarded based on match results

Top four teams advance to the playoffs

Semi-finals: 3 February 2026

Grand Final: 4 February 2026

All matches at a single venue to ensure uniform playing conditions

Fixtures โ€“ WLPT20 2026

26 Jan: Delhi Warriors vs Dubai Royals, 7:30 PM
27 Jan: Pune Panthers vs Gurugram Thunders, 2:30 PM
27 Jan: Rajasthan Kings vs Maharashtra Tycoons, 7:30 PM
28 Jan: Dubai Royals vs Gurugram Thunders, 2:30 PM
28 Jan: Delhi Warriors vs Pune Panthers, 7:30 PM
29 Jan: Rajasthan Kings vs Dubai Royals, 2:30 PM
29 Jan: Gurugram Thunders vs Maharashtra Tycoons, 7:30 PM
30 Jan: Maharashtra Tycoons vs Delhi Warriors, 2:30 PM
30 Jan: Pune Panthers vs Rajasthan Kings, 7:30 PM
31 Jan: Gurugram Thunders vs Rajasthan Kings, 2:30 PM
31 Jan: Dubai Royals vs Pune Panthers, 7:30 PM
1 Feb: Pune Panthers vs Maharashtra Tycoons, 2:30 PM
1 Feb: Delhi Warriors vs Gurugram Thunders, 7:30 PM
2 Feb: Rajasthan Kings vs Delhi Warriors, 2:30 PM
2 Feb: Maharashtra Tycoons vs Dubai Royals, 7:30 PM
3 Feb: Semi-Final 1, 2:30 PM
3 Feb: Semi-Final 2, 7:30 PM
4 Feb: Grand Final, 7:30 PM

Sports

BCCI Announces Equal Match Fees for Men and Women Cricketers


In a landmark decision that redefines the future of Indian cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that menโ€™s and womenโ€™s Indian international cricketers will now receive equal match fees across all formats. From now on, both men and women representing India will earn โ‚น15 lakh for a Test match, โ‚น6 lakh for a One Day International (ODI), and โ‚น3 lakh for a T20 International.

The announcement was made by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, who described the move as a crucial step toward eliminating gender disparity in the sport. โ€œThe match fee for both men and women cricketers will be the same as we move into a new era of gender equality in Indian cricket,โ€ he stated.

Previously, women cricketers in India earned much lower match fees โ€” approximately โ‚น1 lakh for a limited-overs international and โ‚น4 lakh for a Test match. This new structure brings them on par with their male counterparts for the first time in history, sending a powerful message of equality and respect.

While this pay parity covers match fees, annual contract retainers remain separate. Under the current structure, womenโ€™s Grade A contracts stand at โ‚น50 lakh per year, while menโ€™s retainers vary from โ‚น1 crore to โ‚น7 crore depending on category. However, the introduction of pay parity for matches is widely seen as a foundational step toward broader financial equality.

The decision reflects the growing stature of womenโ€™s cricket in India, following recent milestones such as the Womenโ€™s Premier League (WPL) and improved performances on the global stage. It also aligns with the BCCIโ€™s stated goal of empowering women athletes and building a sustainable professional ecosystem for the womenโ€™s game.

Players, fans, and sports advocates across the country have hailed the move as historic. Former Indian womenโ€™s captain Mithali Raj described it as a โ€œred-letter day for Indian cricket,โ€ while current players and commentators called it โ€œa victory for fairness and recognition.โ€

This landmark decision not only acknowledges the efforts and commitment of Indiaโ€™s women cricketers but also sets a global example for sporting federations worldwide. It underscores that talent, dedication, and performance โ€” not gender โ€” should determine a playerโ€™s worth on the field.

As Indian cricket moves forward, the BCCIโ€™s pay-equity policy marks a defining moment in the countryโ€™s sporting narrative โ€” one that paves the way for greater inclusivity, equality, and respect across all formats of the game.