Jayawardena and Sangakkara likely to play in MCL, says Lara

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Former captains Ricky Ponting, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara are likely to play Masters Champions League (MCL) Twenty20 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), West Indies’ batting legend Brian Lara has said.

MCL, which was launched here, will feature only retired cricketers. Lara, Adam Gilchrist, Wasim Akram and Jacques Kallis was unveiled on Wednesday as the league’s “Icons”.

“(Mahela) Jayawardene, (Kumar) Sangakkara and Ricky Ponting are all potential players in this league. They have not been signed up, but these are players most likely who will be very much attracted to play in this league,” Lara said at the launch event yesterday (June 3). Lara called upon people to support MCL, which will help the former players “extend their careers a little longer”.

“I hope people get behind MCL and support some of the heroes of the game as they look to extend their careers a little longer. The MCL is a tremendous force for good, which is partly what attracted me to it. The organisers have ensured giving back is a major theme, alongside inspiring cricket in the Middle East and in terms of leaving a lasting legacy,” the former skipper said. 

MCL is set to start in February 2016 with 6 franchises and a total of 90 players.