Sehwag backs Masters Champions League

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Graeme Smith, Virendra Sehwag, Brian Lara, Michael Vaughan and Azhar Mahmood during the photo call for MCL of the Xtraordinary in Dubai .

Dubai - I have not retired. Not yet, but very soon you will hear from me, says Virender Sehwa

By Randall Rosario


Published: Tue 20 Oct 2015, 11:37 PM

Last updated: Sun 6 Dec 2015, 8:30 PM

India's hard-hitting batsman Virender Sehwag, who is here to promote first-ever Masters Champions League T20 cricket tournament to be held in the UAE in February 2016, has not retired from the sport as widely speculated in the media on Monday.
"I have not retired. Not yet, but very soon you will hear from me," Sehwag said while speaking exclusively to Khaleej Times, adding that he was yet to sign for the MCL T20 tournament and was here in Dubai to promote the event.
"The moment I sign the MCL contract, I will announce my retirement before I play in this championship, " Sehwag clarified.
Sehwag's statement was largely misinterpreted with agencies announcing his retirement contrary to his original statement which he mentioned also at a press conference later. As per the MCL tournament rules only players who have retired from all formats of the cricket are eligible to play in the tournament.
For the moment, Sehwag said he was committed to playing first class cricket and would make an official announcement by December 2015 or early January. Speculations, aside the explosive batsman said that he would be committed to play here in the UAE and assured the fans a high level of competitiveness along with the other legends.
"It is a good opportunity for the fans here in the UAE to come and watch the legends in action. I have enjoyed playing here in the UAE during the IPL matches which were hosted here in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah," said Sehwag.
"The UAE is an excellent place to be in. There are different type of cultures, food and people besides the playing facilities are of world class standards." Sharing Sehwag's viewpoint of the high level of competition were legends such as Brian Lara, Graeme Smith, Michael Vaughan, Azhar Mahmood and Graeme Swann all of who were present to boost the event.
Zafar Shah, chairman of the Masters Champion League, Seam Morris, Chief Operating Officer of MCL were also present along with other tournament officials during the Press conference.
randall@khaleejtimes.com