The upcoming third edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) is set to gain fresh excitement with the debut of a new entrant—Bangladesh Champions. The inclusion of Bangladesh’s former international stars adds a new competitive dimension to the tournament, which already features legendary cricketers from major cricketing nations such as India and Pakistan.
The WCL, a franchise-style tournament featuring retired and veteran cricketers, has rapidly gained popularity for blending nostalgia with competitive cricket. After two successful editions in England, the organisers are expanding the competition’s appeal by introducing Bangladesh Champions, who are already expressing strong ambitions of clinching the title.
According to co-owner Shahniyan Tanim, the squad will feature some of Bangladesh’s most recognisable cricketing names, including Mahmudullah Riyad and Mohammad Ashraful. Their presence is expected to bring both experience and fan engagement to the team, as well as strengthen Bangladesh’s competitiveness in the tournament.
Mahmudullah, one of Bangladesh’s most seasoned campaigners, expressed his enthusiasm about participating in the event. He described the opportunity as a significant milestone in his career, noting that representing the country in a global legends tournament carries both pride and responsibility. He also emphasised his readiness to contribute in any role required by the team, stating that he is prepared to bat at any position in the line-up to meet team needs. His comments reflect a professional approach and underline the team’s determination to perform strongly.
However, questions remain regarding the potential inclusion of two of Bangladesh’s most iconic cricketers—Shakib Al Hasan and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza. Addressing the issue, Tanim acknowledged that there are certain complexities surrounding their participation. While the management is keen to include them, any decision will depend on regulatory and legal considerations.
Tanim clarified that the team management respects all applicable rules and cannot operate outside legal boundaries. Nevertheless, he reiterated that both Shakib and Mashrafe remain highly valued as cricketers, and the team would welcome them should circumstances permit. This stance highlights the organisers’ desire to prioritise cricketing merit while navigating off-field constraints.
Previous WCL Editions
| Year | Host Country | Champion Team | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | England | India | Pakistan |
| 2025 | England | South Africa | Pakistan |
The tournament’s history indicates a highly competitive environment, with Pakistan finishing as runners-up in both previous editions. With Bangladesh Champions entering the fray, the competitive balance could shift further, especially if the team manages to assemble a strong and experienced squad.
The addition of Bangladesh Champions is expected to enhance regional representation and attract a broader fan base, particularly from South Asia, where cricket enjoys immense popularity. Moreover, the presence of familiar faces from Bangladesh’s golden generation is likely to evoke nostalgia among supporters while also inspiring renewed interest in the legends format.
From a strategic standpoint, Bangladesh Champions will need to strike a balance between experience and fitness, as the demands of T20-format cricket remain high even in veteran tournaments. The leadership and adaptability of players like Mahmudullah and Ashraful could prove crucial in navigating high-pressure situations against seasoned opponents.
In conclusion, the entry of Bangladesh Champions into the World Championship of Legends marks a significant step forward for Bangladesh’s representation in global franchise cricket at the veteran level. With a blend of ambition, experience, and national pride, the team has set its sights firmly on the title. Whether they can overcome established powerhouses remains to be seen, but their inclusion undoubtedly promises to make the upcoming edition more competitive and compelling than ever before.