The Legends League Cricket, featuring retired swashbucklers like Shikhar Dawan and Dinesh Karthik among others, will return for a third season on September 20, criss-crossing Jodhpur, Surat, and Jammu before finally bringing the high-profile cricketers to Srinagar after close to 40 years. The league will kick off at the Barkatullah Khan Stadium in Jodhpur on September 20. A total of 25 matches will be played among six teams and the last two sides standing will play the final on October 16.

The franchise-based tournament, which features a pool of over 200 players, will have its final at the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar.

“Legends League Cricket is back for another season and we are very excited to also be playing in Kashmir this season. This is a huge opportunity for the people of Kashmir to come to the stadium and watch live cricketing action for the first time in almost 40 years,” said Raman Raheja, Co-Founder, Legends League Cricket.

“It also presents a unique opportunity for the cricketers to experience the beauty of Kashmir and enjoy the hospitality and love of the wonderful people of Srinagar.” The organisers stated that the league attracted a massive audience of 180 million across India during the previous season, spanning 19 matches.

“With an extended schedule and a star-studded lineup, including the recently retired Dhawan and Karthik, the upcoming season is poised to surpass previous records,” the organisers stated.

In the previous edition held in India, former international stalwarts such as Suresh Raina, Aaron Finch, Martin Guptill, current India head coach Gautam Gambhir, Chris Gayle, Hashim Amla, Ross Taylor, and many others played alongside 110 other legendary cricketers.  The league will kick off in Jodhpur and then make its way to the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat.

The third leg will be played at the Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu. The players’ auction for the event will be held on Thursday. 

After Shikhar Dhawan recently called time on his playing career across all formats, legendary India opener Sunil Gavaskar feels the left-handed opener’s retirement leaves cricket ‘poorer’. He added that injuries may have influenced Dhawan’s decision to retire from the game. In all, Dhawan scored 6,793 runs in 167 ODIs at an average of 44.11 and a strike rate of 91.35, including 17 centuries. In 34 Tests, he amassed 2,315 runs at an average of 40.61, while hitting seven centuries, including 189 on debut against Australia at Mohali. In 68 T20Is, he scored 1,759 runs at a strike rate of 126.36.

“Shikhar Dhawan’s retirement from all forms of the game is going to leave the sport poorer than before. The ever-smiling, ever-positive Shikhar, also fondly called ‘Gabbar’, was a player of enormous talent. But as befalls opening batters, a lean series or tournament can mean the selectors wielding the axe.”

“In later years, injuries were part of Shikhar’s career, which seldom allowed him to fully display his skill and probably helped him make the decision to quit the game while he was still enjoying being part of the circuit,” wrote Gavaskar in his column for Sportstar.

Dhawan was the leading run-getter in India’s title-winning run at the 2013 Champions Trophy in England and went on to be the side’s leading run-getter in 2014 Asia Cup, 2015 ODI World Cup 2015, 2017 Champions Trophy and 2018 Asia Cup.

He also captained India whenever the seniors weren’t present in the team and was Player of the Tournament in the 2004 U19 World Cup. He represented Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he’s the second-highest run-getter after Virat Kohli.

Gavaskar also feels that with retired cricketers having greater avenues to give back to the game, Dhawan can dabble into anything which will bring joy to cricket fans. On Monday, it was announced that Dhawan, 38, joined the Legends Cricket League, with its next edition to happen in September.

Moreover, Dhawan has his philanthropic ventures and recently became co-owner of the South Delhi Superstars team in the ongoing Delhi Premier League (DPL). “Taking that call is the hardest thing to do. But when the body tells the mind, ‘Enough, enough’, then that’s the right time to go.”

“Retired cricketers today have many more avenues open to stay connected with the game, and Shikhar could well avail of them. There’s no doubt that whatever he chooses to do, he will do it with the same cheer that he brought to the game and was loved by teammates and fans for,” he concluded.

Former India opener Shikhar Dhawan has joined the Legends League Cricket (LLC) just days after announcing his retirement from international and domestic cricket. Dhawan who established himself as a modern-day white-ball great is known for his explosive batting and vibrant personality. Dhawan’s transition into the LLC marks a new chapter in his already illustrious career.

Dhawan expressed his feelings about joining the Legends League Cricket as quoted from a press release by LLC, “Taking on this new chapter with Legends League Cricket feels like the ideal progression after my retirement. My body is still conditioned for the demands of the game, and while I’m at ease with my decision, cricket is an inseparable part of who I am, it will never go out of me. I’m eager to regroup with my cricketing friends and continue to entertain my fans as we create new memories together.”

Shikhar’s career includes several significant achievements, such as being the Player of the Tournament in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy and amassing over 6,793 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs) at an impressive average of 44.1, 27.92 in T20Is and with a strike rate of 91.35.

His contributions to the Indian cricket team and the Indian Premier League (IPL) have solidified his status as a cricketing icon. In his career spanning over a decade, he played 269 matches scoring 10, 867 runs at an average of 40.

“So Jaa Nahi To Gabbar Aa Jayega.”

The only time this line feels right

Thrilled to announce that @SDhawan25 has officially joined Legends League Cricket.#BossLogonKaGame #LegendsLeagueCricket #LLCSeason3 #ShikharDhawan pic.twitter.com/e7auFZuCFA

— Legends League Cricket (@llct20) August 26, 2024

Raman Raheja, Co-founder of Legends League Cricket, welcomed Dhawan to the league, stating, “We are thrilled to have Shikhar Dhawan join us. His experience and flair will undoubtedly enhance the competition and entertain fans. We look forward to seeing him in action alongside other cricket legends. This will further enhance our position as the 2nd innings for legendary Cricketers.”

This move to Legends League Cricket after retirement has been the right step forward for many cricketing superstars including Aaron Finch, Martin Guptill and Hashim Amla amongst others who joined the league right out of retirement.

The Legends League Cricket is set to commence its next season in September 2024, featuring a lineup of retired cricketing greats competing in a series of thrilling matches. Dhawan’s participation is expected to draw significant attention, as fans are eager to witness his skills on the field again.

The Indian skipper Rohit Sharma hailed his long-time opening partner Shikhar Dhawan following his international and domestic cricket retirement, calling him “The Ultimate Jatt”. Dhawan announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket on Saturday after an illustrious career that saw him flourish as a dependable and swashbuckling opener across all formats, most notably ODIs and during multi-nation 50-over tournaments. Taking to X, Rohit shared a series of pictures with Shikhar, showing their rock-solid bond on and off the field.

The ‘Hitman’ in his caption reflected on the times spent “sharing rooms to sharing lifetime memories on the field” and how having the left-hander by his side made his cricketing journey easier.

“From sharing rooms to sharing lifetime memories on the field. You always made my job easier from the other end. THE ULTIMATE JATT. @SDhawan25,” said the caption of Rohit’s Instagram post.

Shikhar wasted no time in replying to opening partner’s touching post, saying, “Thanks Bro.” on X.

Ranked as the eighth most successful pair in ODIs, the duo scored 5,193 ODI runs as a pair in 117 innings at an average of 45.15, with 18 century partnerships and 15 half-century stands. Their best partnership was of 210 runs.

Reflecting their all-format dominance as a duo, Dhawan-Rohit are ranked 16th in the all-time international cricket list, with 6,984 runs in 173 innings at an average of 40.84, with 22 century and half-century partnerships each. Their best partnership still remains of 210 runs.

As Rohit started to transition into an opening batter from 2013 onwards, it was Dhawan’s explosive starts that would often help Rohit take his time and settle. In overs 1-10, Dhawan batted with a strike rate of 82.5, as compared to Rohit’s 72.4. From overs 11-20, Rohit would up the ante with a strike rate of 89.7, as compared to Dhawan’s 88. In overs 21-30, both batted with SRs of above 100, with Dhawan (112.8) scoring faster than Rohit (106.8). In 31-40 overs, both would accelarate even more, scoring at SRs of 119 and 117.8 respectively.

In his illustrious career, runs effortlessly came off Dhawan’s bat. He represented India across all formats, but ODI was his forte. In 167 appearances, the southpaw produced swashbuckling performances and racked up 6,793 runs at an average of 44.1, including 17 centuries and 39 fifties.

In the longest format of cricket, where he stitched up memorable partnerships with Murali Vijay, Dhawan garnered 2,315 runs in 34 matches at an average of 40.6. His Test career was laced with seven tons and five half-centuries.

In the T20I format, Dhawan made 68 appearances and scored 1,759 runs at an average of 27.9, including 11 fifties.

In the domestic circuit, Dhawan played 122 first-class cricket matches and handsomely scored 8,499 runs at an average of 44.26, including 25 centuries and 29 fifties.

In List A, Dhawan played 302 matches and scored a whopping 12,074 runs at an average of 43.90. His remarkable statistics are further glistened by 30 centuries and 67 half-centuries.

Dhawan is also the second-highest run-getter of all time in the Indian Premier League (IPL), scoring 6,769 runs in 222 matches at an average of 35.25, with two centuries and 51 fifties.

He also secured an ICC Champions Trophy with India in 2013 and an IPL title with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2016.

After India opener Shikhar Dhawan announced his decision to retire from the international and domestic circuit, here is a look at the remarkable cricketing journey of the southpaw batter that began in Delhi and ended with an everlasting impression globally. The fans of Indian cricket were left tongue-tied after Dhawan announced his retirement from all formats of cricket on his social media platform. In a career that spanned over 14 years, the calmness that Dhawan exuded on and off the field was one characteristic that set him apart from the other stalwarts of Indian cricket. From becoming famous as “Gabbar” and hitting his trademark ‘thigh celebration’ in international games and Indian Premier League, Dhawan made his presence felt throughout his career.

He first stepped on the field, donning the Indian colours at Visakhapatnam in October 2010 against Australia in his beloved ODI format.

The 38-year-old didn’t embark on his cricketing journey in the way he would have eventually hoped for. Clint McKay managed to slip past the ball through the gap between pad and bat to force Dhawan to return to the dugout with a two-ball duck. The Visakhapatnam crowd fell silent, but it was only the beginning of Dhawan establishing himself as a modern-day white-ball great.

Dhawan turned out to be a late bloomer. The first time he connected with his fans with his trademark celebration was in 2013.

Once again, the mighty Australia stood in front of Dhawan but in a different venue and a different format.

The Mohali crowd felt the ecstasy creep into their hearts and agony flare up on the faces of Australian players. He hammered 187, making himself a natural replacement for Sourav Ganguly.

However, as time started to slip away, it became more and more evident that Dhawan was a player who was destined to leave an everlasting impression in limited-overs cricket.

In 167 ODI appearances, the southpaw produced swashbuckling performances and racked up 6,793 runs at an average of 44.1, including 17 centuries and 39 fifties.

In the T20I format, Dhawan made 68 appearances and boasted 1,759 runs, at an average of 27.9, including 11 fifties.

The boisterous player from Delhi sporadically led the Indian team in white-ball cricket whenever the designated skipper took his time away from the game.

Dhawan had his sombre phase as well in 2014 when he found himself down the pecking order, looking to establish his place yet again.

The 38-year-old became the fastest to hit 6000 runs in the ODI format, achieving the feat in 141 matches.

He also features in the list of scoring more than 5,000 runs and completing 50 dismissals in the 50-over format.

He was crowned Player of the Tournament in U-19 WC 2004, Champions Trophy in 2013 and Asia Cup 2018.

Senior batter Virat Kohli on Sunday hailed Shikhar Dhawan as one of India’s most dependable openers, noting that while his fervour, sportsmanship and signature smile will be missed, his enduring legacy will forever resonate. The premier top-order batter, Dhawan announced his retirement from all form of cricket on Saturday.

“Shikhar @SDhawan25 from your fearless debut to becoming one of India’s most dependable openers, you’ve given us countless memories to cherish. Your passion for the game, your sportsmanship and your trademark smile will be missed, but your legacy lives on,” Kohli wrote on X.

Shikhar @SDhawan25 from your fearless debut to becoming one of India’s most dependable openers, you’ve given us countless memories to cherish. Your passion for the game, your sportsmanship and your trademark smile will be missed, but your legacy lives on. Thank you for the…

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) August 25, 2024

The former India skipper thanked Dhawan, fondly known as ‘Gabbar’, for all the memories and wished the 38-year-old luck for his future endeavours.

“Thank you for the memories, unforgettable performances and always leading with your heart. Wishing you the best in your next innings, off the field Gabbar!” he added.

In the 34 Tests, 167 ODIs and 68 T20Is he played, Dhawan scored 10,867 runs in international cricket — the 12th most for India — with 24 centuries and 79 fifty-plus scores.

He went on to become the player of the tournament in India’s Champions Trophy victory in 2013 by scoring most runs (363) in the 2013 edition.

Along with Kohli and Rohit Sharma, he formed an unmatched triumvirate in the international white-ball formats from 2013 to 2019.

Dhawan and Kohli shared a deep bond on and off the field. Both batters hail from West Delhi and came through the system at almost the same time as youngsters.

Kohli and Dhawan were teammates for the Indian team for almost a decade.

Shikhar Dhawan picked star batter Virat Kohli as the funniest Indian cricketer.© AFP

As India opener Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket on Saturday morning, former players showered tributes to the decorated cricketer on his illustrious cricketing career. Taking to social media, the left-handed batter put an end to his glittery cricket career that saw him scoring 24 hundreds (17 in ODIs and seven in Tests) across 269 international matches. His last competitive game was in April this year in the Indian Premier League for Punjab Kings. India all-rounder Hardik Pandya congratulated him on his Instagram story, wishing him the best for the future. “Only the best for you Shiki paa. Congratulations on a wonderful career.”

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) congratulated the southpaw for his charismatic contribution over the years.

“As Shikhar Dhawan retires from International and Domestic cricket, we wish him all the very best for the road ahead,” BCCI posted on X.

As Shikhar Dhawan retires from International and Domestic cricket, we wish him all the very best for the road ahead@SDhawan25 | #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/nH5DVTHraP

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 24, 2024

India head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed his confidence that Dhawan would continue spreading joy in his future endeavours.

“Congratulations Shiki on a fantastic career! I know you will spread the same joy through everything you take up in the future! @SDhawan25,” Gambhir wrote on X.

Congratulations Shiki on a fantastic career! I know you will spread the same joy through everything you take up in the future! @SDhawan25 pic.twitter.com/yE3mQjKXj5

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 24, 2024

Former India opener Virender Sehwag lauded Dhawan’s “top performances” over the years ever since he replaced the veteran cricketer as India opener.

“Badhaai ho Shikkhi. Ever since the time you replaced me in Mohali, you didn’t look back and some top performances over the years. May you continue to have fun and live life to the fullest. Very best wishes always,” Sehwag said.

Badhaai ho Shikkhi. Ever since the time you replaced me in Mohali, you didn’t look back and some top performances over the years. May you continue to have fun and live life to the fullest. Very best wishes always. https://t.co/jHvfLAhp14

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 24, 2024

Punjab Kings celebrated his achievements, recalling the runs, trophies, and memorable moments, while eagerly looking forward to his next chapter.

“Runs, trophies and countless memories! Happy retirement, Gabbar! Can’t wait to see you thigh-five your way into the next innings of life!,” Punjab Kings wrote on X.

“A man for the big tournaments. Never got the plaudits he deserved but knowing him he didn’t care who got the applause as long as team was winning. A team man through and through. Congratulations on a stellar career and all the best for your second innings,” former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer wrote on X.

The 38-year-old’s career spanned over 13 years for India, in which he played 34 Tests, 167 ODIs and 68 T20Is scoring 2315, 6793 and 1579 runs respectively in the three formats.

Dhawan’s final appearance for India was in an ODI against Bangladesh in Chattogram in December 2022 while his last T20I was in Sri Lanka in July 2021. He hadn’t played a Test for India since 2018.

File photo of Shikhar Dhawan© X (formerly Twitter)

File photo of Shikhar Dhawan© X (formerly Twitter)