ILC Trophy unveiled in Dubai ahead of inaugural season

The Intercontinental Legends Championship (ILC) trophy was officially unveiled at a grand ceremony in Dubai, setting the stage for the much-anticipated global cricket event. The tournament, which aims to bring together legendary cricketers from different continents, is set to be a major attraction in the world of competitive cricket.

The inaugural edition of the ILC will take place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, from March 3 to March 12, 2025. It will feature six teams representing different regions of the world: Africa Lions, American Strikers, Asian Avengers, Euro Gladiators, Caribbean Hurricanes, and Trans Titans. The league promises to deliver high-intensity cricket, reigniting old rivalries while celebrating the spirit of the game.

The trophy unveiling event saw the presence of notable figures, including Umesh Kumar, MLA (Khanpur, Uttarakhand) & CEO of ILC League; Pradeep Sangwan, promoter of the ILC League; former South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs; and former Indian cricketer Munaf Patel. The event marked a key moment in the league’s journey, bringing together cricket legends and industry leaders to celebrate the upcoming tournament.

Pradeep Sangwan, the visionary behind the ILC League, emphasized that the tournament is not just about competition but also about uniting cricket fans worldwide. He expressed his excitement over the league’s format, which will see matches hosted across different continents, starting with India. He believes this approach will enhance the spirit of competitiveness and global engagement in cricket.

Herschelle Gibbs echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that the name ‘Intercontinental’ sets this league apart from others. He pointed out that since teams will represent entire continents, the league will have an added level of rivalry and intensity. While it is a legends’ tournament, he stressed that competitiveness never fades from the game and that fans can expect a high level of cricketing action.

ILC CEO Umesh Kumar shared his vision for the league and expressed confidence in its potential to reshape the landscape of international cricket. He called the trophy unveiling a significant milestone and thanked everyone involved in making the event a reality. He described the league as a historic initiative with ambitious goals that will leave a lasting impact on the sport.

Former Indian pacer Munaf Patel also praised the league, thanking the organizers for creating a platform where retired cricketers can continue playing competitive cricket. He acknowledged that many former players tend to lose focus on fitness after retiring from international cricket, but leagues like ILC provide them with an opportunity to stay in the game and compete at a high level. He expressed pride in being part of the tournament and looked forward to the action ahead.