Legends check in Goa Tourism fronts World Legends Pro T20 league

MUMBAI: When cricketing nostalgia meets a holiday postcard, the result is a tournament that promises both sixes and sunsets. The World Legends Pro T20 League has named Goa Tourism as its presenting sponsor for the league’s much-anticipated debut season, set to begin on January 26 at the 1919 Cricket Stadium in Verna, Goa. The tie-up places the coastal state at the centre of a new international cricket spectacle designed as a single-destination, festival-style event.

WLPTL’s opening season is ambitious by design. A total of 90 cricketers will be drafted across six teams, with a roll call that reads like a modern T20 hall of fame. International icons such as Shane Watson, Dale Steyn, Jacques Kallis, Chris Gayle and Faf du Plessis are confirmed, alongside Indian greats including Shikhar Dhawan, Dinesh Karthik and Harbhajan Singh. For fans in Goa, it offers a rare chance to see some of the game’s most celebrated names back on the field, live and up close.

For Goa Tourism, the partnership extends a four-decade-long effort to position the state as more than just a leisure destination. With elite cricket added to its mix of beaches, heritage, food and festivals, the league strengthens Goa’s bid to sit firmly on the global cricket calendar, drawing both domestic and international travellers during the season.

Speaking on the announcement, minister for tourism Rohan Khaunte, said hosting the World Legends Pro T20 League aligns with Goa’s vision of attracting global sporting events. He noted that the tournament is expected to boost tourism, engage local communities and youth, and create spillover benefits for businesses and the hospitality ecosystem.

From the league’s perspective, the partnership underlines its destination-led strategy. SGSE CEO Mahesh Bhupathi said Goa’s culture and hospitality make it a natural home for a premium international property like WLPTL. He added that the association helps deliver a festival-like experience for both residents and travelling supporters, while reinforcing Goa’s credentials as a hub for world-class sports entertainment.

As the countdown to January 26 gathers pace, the World Legends Pro T20 League is shaping up as more than just a cricket tournament. With legends returning to action and Goa as the backdrop, the debut season promises a blend of sport, spectacle and tourism that aims to be as memorable off the field as it is on it.