Bangladesh’s long-awaited debut in the third edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) has been delayed after their opening match against Pakistan was postponed because of technical issues. The fixture was scheduled to take place at 9.30pm local time on Sunday in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, but organisers announced its postponement shortly before the match was due to begin.
A revised date and kick-off time have yet to be announced. The delay means former Bangladesh internationals Mahmudullah Riyad, Mohammad Ashraful and Rubel Hossain will have to wait longer before making their appearances in the tournament.
The organisers cited technical difficulties as the reason for postponing the match but did not provide further details about the nature of the problem. The announcement came close to the scheduled start, leaving both teams and supporters awaiting clarification over the revised arrangements.
The WCL brings together former international cricketers representing their respective countries. Its appeal lies in giving established players another opportunity to compete, while allowing supporters to watch familiar names return to the field. For Bangladesh, the third edition marks an opportunity to showcase a group of experienced cricketers against former stars from some of the sport’s leading nations.
Seven teams are taking part in this year’s competition: Bangladesh, India, Australia, England, South Africa, the West Indies and Pakistan. Each side is scheduled to play six matches in the league stage, with the four highest-ranked teams progressing to the semi-finals. The format leaves little room for a slow start, as results throughout the group stage will determine the contenders for the title.
According to the published fixture list, Bangladesh are due to face England on 5 October, Australia on 7 October, the West Indies on 9 October, India on 11 October and South Africa on 14 October. The date for the postponed Pakistan fixture remains unknown. Any change to the schedule could affect the team’s preparation and match sequence, although the organisers have not yet announced whether the remaining fixtures will be adjusted.
South Africa Champions won the previous edition of the WCL, held in England last year. They return to this year’s tournament alongside six other teams, all competing for a place in the knockout stages.
Bangladesh have named an 11-member squad for the competition. It includes Mahmudullah Riyad, Mohammad Ashraful, Imrul Kayes, Abu Hider Rony, Nasir Hossain, Rony Talukdar, Elias Sunny, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Rubel Hossain, Ziaur Rahman and Enamul Haque Junior.
The squad features players who have represented Bangladesh at different stages of their international careers. Their experience will be important as the side prepares to face opponents packed with former international talent. The tournament also offers an opportunity for supporters to revisit some familiar names and see how they perform in a competitive setting.
For now, Bangladesh’s campaign remains on hold following the late postponement in Sharjah. The announcement of a new date for the Pakistan match will determine when the team finally begins its WCL journey.
