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Dubai - MCL a good opportunity to watch the legends in action, says Sehwag

Two triple Test centurions, Brian Lara and Virender Sehwag along with Michael Vaughan, Graeme Smith, Azhar Mahmood and Graeme Swann were in attendance to give impetus for the forthcoming Masters Champion League scheduled early next year.
Speaking to the Khaleej Times ahead of the much anticipated Press conference on Monday evening, Lara, Sehwag , Smith and Azhar all spoke in the same breath of playing to their fullest capacity to make the tournament a great success. The former stars were united in dispelling any fears on the fitness front and level of competition.
"I am looking forward to playing in the MCL. I think it is a wonderful concept and there is going to be some exceptional competitive cricket in store for fans in the UAE. I have my faith in this tournament and I'm sure it will be a success," said Lara, holder for the highest unbeaten Test score of 400.
The stylish West Indies batsman admitted it would be difficult to match up to his performances of the past but at the same time said he was playing regular cricket in Barbados and England to maintain his fitness levels. "I would rather perform instead of being the also rans," was Lara's commitment.
Similarly, the evening's other triple centurion, Virender Sehwag, who announced his retirement on Tuesday, said the MCL was a good opportunity to watch the legends in action. Reflecting on his past experiences here, Sehwag he always enjoyed playing here, especially the first half of the 2014 IPL.
Former South African skipper Graeme Smith among the latest players to retire said the MCL was great opportunity to get back to fitness. "I have some great memories of playing in the UAE, especially my double century against Pakistan."
Smith said the MCL would provide fans to interact with the players, something which he felt would not be possible whilst in the national teams laden with restrictions.
Azhar Mahmood, a former Pakistani cricketer and now a United Kingdom citizen also agreed with the former greats, adding that he was eagerly looking forward to the start of the two-week tournament. "I am currently playing for Surrey - no heavy load, that's why I can manage myself," a confident Azhar said regarding his fitness.
 The MCL tournament will see retired players compete against each other in the six-team format. Each team will comprise of 15 players. The tournament is being organised by the Dubai-based Grand Midwest Sports with the blessings of the Emirates Cricket Board.
Addressing the media, Zarah Shah CEO of GM Sports, said the objective of MCL was to bring back the retired players back into the limelight. Zarah further added that the number of teams could be increased in future depending on the success of the tournament.
Zafar Shah, chairman of MCL, also cleared the air that the ongoing issue with regard to clash of the MCL tournament dates with Pakistan Cricket Board had been sorted out. "There has been lot of talk of this in the last couple of months. The PCB and MCL bodies have come to an agreement where cricket should be the winner. What we are doing, we will push forward our tournament by one week to the end of January and finish by middle of Febrauary, 2016. So there will be an overlap of a few matches," said Zafar.
The eventful evening was preceded by a chat show hosted by former New Zealand cricketer-turned commentator Danny Morrison with the former players and watched by UAE cricket officials and guests.
randall@khaleejtimes.com

• Masters Champions League