Virender Sehwag quashes retirement rumours

Sehwag was in the UAE along with other cricket legends to promote the Masters Champions League T20 cricket tournament.

India's hard-hitting batsman Virender Sehwag has thrown in his weight behind the first-ever Masters Champions League T20 cricket tournament to be held here in the UAE in February 2016.

Sehwag, meanwhile, stated that he was yet to sign for the tournament and was here in Dubai to promote the tournament, and had not yet retired from the sport as widely speculated.

"I have not retired. Not yet, but very soon you will hear from me. The moment I will sign the contract for the league (MCL), then I will announce my retirement before I play in this tournament," Sehwag said while speaking exclusively to the Khaleej Times ahead of the scheduled Press conference.

Sehwag's statement was largely misinterpreted with agencies announcing his retirement contrary to his original statement which he also mentioned in the press conference.

As per the MCl tournament rules players who have retired from all formats of the cricket are eligible to play the tournament.

For the moment, Sehwag said he was currently committed to playing first class cricket and would make an official announcement by December 2015 or early January.

Speculations aside, the explosive batsman said he would be committed to playing 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 is 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

• Masters Champions League