New ‘Legends’ cricket tourney to bring back classic bowl-out format

The World Championship of Legends will be played at Edgbaston from July 3-13. (SUPPLIED)
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Updated 25 June 2024
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New ‘Legends’ cricket tourney to bring back classic bowl-out format

  • Broadcaster Mandira Bedi will host event from July 3-13, featuring top former international players

NEW DELHI: The new World Championship of Legends cricket tournament taking place in the UK from July 3 to 13 will bring back the classic bowl-out format reminiscent of early 20-over games.

The tournament takes place at the grounds of Edgbaston and Northamptonshire County Cricket Club in the UK.

The WCL, co-owned by Bollywood icon Ajay Devgn, will feature some of the game’s top former international players.

The decision to adopt the bowl-out method for resolving tied matches harks back to the early days of T20 cricket. This format, where bowlers try to hit the stumps unguarded by a batter, is aimed at making games more exciting for fans.

Harshit Tomar, co-owner of the WCL, said recently that the 2007 game between India and Pakistan, where the format was used, remained one of his “favorite memories, hence we want to revive it and keep it very original.”

Popular television presenter and actress Mandira Bedi will host the event.


Danube Group launches UAE’s first cricket-focused digital media platform

Updated 18 December 2025
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Danube Group launches UAE’s first cricket-focused digital media platform

  • Move marks a new front for one of the UAE’s most diversified conglomerates
  • Anis Sajan: Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group is not just a business expansion it is the culmination of my lifelong passion for cricket

DUBAI: Danube Group has entered the digital sports media sector with the launch of Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group, the country’s first cricket-focused digital media platform, under the leadership of its vice chairman, Anis Sajan.

The move marks a new front for one of the UAE’s most diversified conglomerates, expanding its footprint beyond real estate, retail, building materials and hospitality into the fast-growing digital sports media landscape. The platform reflects Danube Group’s strategy of diversification and its focus on consumer-driven, high-growth sectors.

The launch event in Dubai was attended by several international cricket stars, including Dinesh Karthik, Eoin Morgan, JP Duminy, Fakhar Zaman, Angelo Mathews, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid and Khurram Khan, alongside figures from across the regional sports community.

Speaking at the launch, Sajan said: “Today, Danube Group takes a major leap into a brand-new segment. Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group is not just a business expansion it is the culmination of my lifelong passion for cricket. As the UAE becomes a global hub for the sport, this platform will bring world-class cricket content, storytelling, and exclusive access to fans worldwide.”

Headquartered in Dubai, Mr. Cricket UAE Media Group becomes the first digital media house in the UAE dedicated exclusively to cricket. The platform will initially focus on cricket content, drawing on the UAE’s strong connection to the sport and Sajan’s global network, before expanding into coverage of other major sports as part of a long-term plan to evolve into a multi-sport digital platform.

The platform will offer a wide range of content, including live and real-time cricket coverage, exclusive interviews with international players, premium digital video productions, studio shows, social-first short-form content, documentary-style storytelling rooted in cricket culture, and behind-the-scenes access across global leagues.

The launch comes as the UAE continues to strengthen its position in the global cricket landscape, having hosted major tournaments such as the T20 World Cup, Asia Cup, ILT20, T10 competitions and numerous international fixtures.

“The UAE has truly become a home away from home for people of many nationalities like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, united by their love of cricket, alongside expatriates from England, Australia, South Africa, and beyond who are also cricket lovers,” Sajan added. “Hence, launching a world-class sports media platform here is a step toward cementing the nation’s role not just in hosting the sport, but in shaping how it is consumed by these audiences.”

Danube Group said the move aligns with its long-term vision of innovation, diversification and community engagement, with digital sports media forming a new vertical that combines technology, entertainment and culture.

Sajan underlined the personal significance of the project, saying: “Cricket has always been a passion for me for the last 45 years, will continue to be my passion, and will never be treated as a business.”