The World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 is all set to bring back some of the biggest cricket stars we’ve all grown up watching. The captains for all six teams have now been confirmed, and the excitement is building as the tournament kicks off on July 18 in England and runs till August 2. The biggest headline this year is the return of AB de Villiers, also known as Mr. 360, who will lead the South Africa Champions. After being away from the game for a few years, AB is making a comeback, and fans can’t wait to see him back on the field doing what he does best.

🚨 CAPTAIN's IN WCL 2025 🚨

South Africa - AB De Villiers.
India - Yuvraj Singh.
West Indies - Chris Gayle.
Australia - Brett Lee.
England - Eoin Morgan.
Pakistan - Shahid Afridi. pic.twitter.com/IBpL7LOPq2

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 18, 2025

The matches will be played across four famous stadiums Edgbaston, Headingley, Leicester, and Northampton. This is not just a fun tournament it's officially supported by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and will feature 18 exciting T20 matches where legends from all over the world will go head-to-head.

ALSO READ: [WATCH] Virat Kohli's Nephew trains ahead of Delhi Premier League 2025

From Gayle’s massive sixes, Yuvraj’s magic in ground, to AB de Villiers' 360° shots, WCL 2025 is going to be a dream come true for fans. It’s a great chance to watch our favourite players back in action, playing for country and back to the game for the most waited wlc 2025.

Caribbean cricket legends Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, and Dwayne Bravo will wear Indian Roll Ball helmets during the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 as players for the West Indies Champions, and an unprecedented sporting and cultural collaboration.

This unique identification is the result of the new strategic partnership between the Indian Roll Ball League (IRBL) and the West Indies Champions to promote an Indian indigenous game of Roll Ball (an Indian game founded in Pune in 2003), a mix of basketball, handball and skating that has since been played in over 60 countries worldwide.

Supported by SportzTank Pvt Ltd, the IRBL is on the verge of initiating the first international league for the game internationally in 2023, which will mark the turning point for Roll Ball globally. As part of the promotional campaign, the legends of cricket will be wearing specially designed helmets to blend the cricketing honor with the Indian spirit of sport.

ALSO SEE: ENG vs IND 2025: Lord's reveal iconic portrait of star player

West Indies Champions Collaborate with IRBL to Take Roll Ball to WCL 2025.

Ajay Sethi, owner of the West Indies Champions, said that the project was "a beacon of togetherness and sports culture," and it was important to move past cultural limitations in modernity. This joined effort with IRBL was also backed by Sachin Joshi, the founder of IRBL, who stated that the project was a tribute to the colourful story of India's cultural diversity in sport.

The agreement is more than just a function of branding and apparel; it is designed to facilitate fan engagement activities, cultural exchanges, and grassroots development initiatives that will connect Indian and Caribbean sporting communities while also inspiring the next generation of athletes from both parts of the world.

WCL 2025 - which is fully sanctioned by the ECB - is the only legends-based T20 cricket league in the world, and features legends such as Yuvraj Singh, Shahid Afridi, Chris Gayle, and the attention of the entire globe.

While a partnership like this has never been done before, it represents more than just a promotion; it symbolizes a combination of sporting traditions and means that Roll Ball will be recognized on an international pedestal. With the help of cricket's best, IRBL with West Indies Champions will take collaboration to another level in 2025.

The Caribbean stars are ready to shine once again, and the Champions from the West Indies have put together a squad that will bring sparks and flair to the World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. The tournament will see the clay played over four iconic grounds across the UK—Edgbaston, County Ground Northampton, Grace Road Leicester, and Headingley—between July 18 and August 2. Sanctioned by the ECB, WCL returns retired legends to the pitch in a competitive T20 format.

Leading the powerhouse team are destructive batsmen Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, and Dwayne Bravo, whose big-hitting used to intimidate bowling sides. Supported by erstwhile match-winners Lendl Simmons and Dwayne Smith, they bring aggression up the order. The pace attack has been bolstered with the blistering quicks Fidel Edwards, Shannon Gabriel, and Sheldon Cottrell, who will provide raw speed and consistent bounce. Regarding spin, they have added Ashley Nurse, Sulieman Benn, Nikita Miller, and Dave Mohammed, who are clever operators providing lots of control and variety. In the midst of all the flair, Shivnarine Chanderpaul brings calm, composure, and precious experience. Rounding out the blend are Chadwick Walton, William Perkins, and Tharindu Rathnayake, making up a flawlessly balanced team that fuses flair, grit, and championship bloodlines

WCL 2025 guarantees high-octane nostalgia, top-of-the-line cricketing prowess, and capacity crowds as six champion sides—including India Champions, Pakistan Champions, Australia Champions, South Africa Champions, England Champions, and now the West Indies Champions—face off against each other in a heart-stopping round-robin format, culminating in knockout encounters. With India winning the first WCL trophy under the captaincy of Yuvraj Singh in 2024, the second edition is anyone's game—and the Caribbean legends are back to strength.

See Also: WCL 2025: England Champions announced their squad for upcoming season

West Indies Champions Squad – WCL 2025

The West Indies Champions 2025 WCL team consists of: Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Fidel Edwards, Shannon Gabriel, Sheldon Cottrell, Ashley Nurse, Sulieman Benn, Nikita Miller, Dave Mohammed, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Chadwick Walton, William Perkins, and Tharindu Rathnayake

The Caribbean stars are back in action and ready to light up the cricketing world. The West Indies Champions have finally revealed their lineup for the 2025 World Championship of Legends (WCL), and it's full of legendary names that have brought joy to the fans for decades now. The resurfacing of these power hitters promises fireworks and flair as they prepare for a throwback tournament.

Headlining the squad are explosive bats Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, and Dwayne Bravo—names that once inspired terror in bowlers around the world. They are joined by old hands like Dwayne Smith and Lendl Simmons, both aggressive batsmen. Firebrand quicks like Fidel Edwards, Shannon Gabriel, and Sheldon Cottrell form the pace battery, delivering a balanced and deadly bowling unit to the mix.

The spin attack is also intimidating, with the inclusion of Ashley Nurse, Sulieman Benn, Nikita Miller, and Dave Mohammad. And through all the power and aggression, there is the calm head of Shivnarine Chanderpaul to provide experience and composure. With the inclusion of Chadwick Walton, Williams Perkins, and Tharindu Rathnayake providing more balance, the West Indies Champions appear set to make a huge impact.

Tournament Set for July 18–August 2 Across England

The second WCL is to be hosted over four English grounds—Edgbaston, County Ground Northampton, Grace Road Leicester, and Headingley in Leeds. Starting on July 18 and ending with the final on August 2 at Edgbaston, the tournament offers a treat of storied cricket.

🚨 REUNION OF GAYLE, POLLARD, BRAVO FOR WEST INDIES 🚨

West Indies Champions has named the Star-stubbed team for WCL 2025. pic.twitter.com/KGa9yajLCL

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 18, 2025

See Also: 'Yashasvi Jaiswal might have...' - Joe Root suprising claim on India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal ahead of ENG vs IND series

Six groups—India Champions, Pakistan Champions, Australia Champions, South Africa Champions, England Champions, and West Indies Champions—will play in round-robin, where the top four will reach the knockout stage. The next edition is open as wide as it can be now that India won the first trophy in 2024 under Yuvraj Singh's captaincy—particularly with the Caribbean greats back to full strength.

The photo frame would not have been completed without these two legends, Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers. Gayle and Villiers were all prepared to celebrate the much-awaited moment of their cricketing journey. Virat Kohli, the solitary man from the beginning of the journey of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), was accompanied by multiple great players, but Gayle and Villiers, with Kohli, were possibly the most fierce trio in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The prime time of the trio with RCB, despite playing record-breaking innings multiple times, Bengaluru stayed separated from the glory. They had to wait for 18 long years. In the meantime, these two legends had already retired from cricket, leaving only 'VK 18' as the lone warrior from the past. 

Kohli, as I said before, had multiple chances to switch ships, but he stayed loyal with Bengaluru. He offered everything possible to the team that he could. He could've cherished his IPL dream with any other IPL club, but his heart always with RCB, which finally paid him; Kohli kissed his dream with the franchise closest to his heart. 

Read More: WATCH: Virat Kohli cry after winning at PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 Final clash

Throughout the 18 years journey, Kohli broke all the hurdles he could

"Well, it's right up there, if I have to be honest. As I said, I've given everything that I had for the last 18 years. I've stayed loyal to this team, no matter what. I've had moments where I thought otherwise, but I stuck to this team. I stood behind them; they stood behind me. And I always dreamt of winning it with them," Virat said this after winning IPL 2025, defeating Punjab Kings. 

"And this is far more special than winning it with anyone else because my heart is with Bangalore; my soul is with Bangalore. And as I said, this is the team I'm going to play for till the last day that I play the IPL. So this one is absolutely right up there because, you know, as a sportsman, when you grind for something, and this is a very high-intensity, high-quality tournament, which is of great value in world cricket today.

Watch the trio here after the match

THE HOLY TRINITY.😭❤️🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/FLKoC8bLQE

— shreya¹ᴰ | EE SAALA CUP NAMDU. (@93KIWIXCALAMITY) June 3, 2025

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy in the 2025 season, as they waited for 18 years to lift their first-ever trophy, after suffering four heartbreaking final defeats (three IPL finals and one Champions League T20 final). During their trophy celebration, Virat Kohli held the IPL 2025 trophy along with former RCB teammates Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers.

The leading IPL run-scorer, Virat Kohli, has spent all his 18 IPL seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and they finally lifted their first IPL trophy in the 2025 season after defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in the final on Tuesday night (June 3). It was the trophy for Kohli's endless loyalty to the franchise. Kohli, the former captain of RCB, has seen many highs and lows with the franchise since the inaugural IPL edition (2008), while RCB also finished as the runners-up in the IPL 2009, 2011, and 2016 seasons. They also finished as the runners-up in the Champions League T20 2011.

WATCH: RCB skipper Rajat Patidar speaking 'Ee Sala Cup Namdu' after winning their Maiden IPL title

RCB legend AB de Villiers

Meanwhile, after securing the IPL 2025 trophy, Virat Kohli dedicated the trophy to AB de Villiers, one of the successful IPL players in history, who played for RCB for 11 straight seasons (2011-2021). The second-most run-scorer for RCB, AB de Villiers, holds the record for the most Player of the Match awards in IPL history by winning it 25 times.

RCB legend Chris Gayle

In the meantime, Chris Gayle is the second most successful player in the list for the most Player of the Match awards in IPL history with 22 awards. Gayle was another successful cricketer, especially for RCB, while serving for the straight seven seasons (2011-2017), and he still holds the record for the fastest IPL century as well as the highest score in IPL history (also a T20 cricket record).  

Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and AB de Villiers have been very good friends on and off the field for a long time. So, it was very much expected that they could celebrate the trophy together after waiting for it for a long time, especially since the trio had closely missed a trophy success by finishing up the runners-up twice (IPL 2011 and IPL 2016).

Cricket's largest entertainer, Chris Gayle, has stolen the limelight once again, this time off the field, as he weighed his support in favor of both Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) before the eagerly anticipated IPL 2025 final. The high-voltage encounter is to be played at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, and Gayle's presence has already lent a dose of star power to the grand event.

In a going-viral Instagram video, Gayle presented his trademark fashion sense and age-old connections with both franchises by wearing a bespoke combination: an RCB jersey over a classic Punjabi turban, and flashy red-and-gold colored theme shoes, a reference to his memorable stint with the Bengaluru team. "Let The Game Begin! RCB v PBKS #OneIndia #IPL #Finals #2025," Gayle captioned, encapsulating the essence of the evening in a single sentence.

A Tale of Two Franchises and One Legend

Having played for both franchises in his IPL career, Gayle's allegiance goes deep on either side. At RCB, he was a devastating force between 2011 and 2017, aggregating more than 3,100 runs, including five hundreds, and the historic 175*- a knock still indelibly written in IPL lore. Later, representing the colours of PBKS between 2018 and 2021, he performed sensationally, scoring a century and ten half-centuries in 41 innings. With his bold strokeplay and charismatic presence, Gayle was a crowd favourite irrespective of what colours he played for. 

Now that both his previous sides are finally meeting for their first-ever IPL title, Gayle's heart is divided, but his message is loud and clear: it is about the celebration of the game, the journey, and the people.

ALSO SEE: WATCH: Shankar Mahadevan releases heartfelt musical tribute to armed forces ahead of IPL 2025 Final

Watch the video:

The Universe Boss in the house! 🙌🔥#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2025 #RCBvPBKS pic.twitter.com/ePNrXzk76k

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 3, 2025

RCB vs PBKS: The Long-Awaited Final

The two sides went into the final with equal league points (19), but quite dissimilar journeys. RCB, under Rajat Patidar's leadership, defeated PBKS in Qualifier 1 after placing second on the table. Punjab, though, came back through a gritty victory against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 to earn a second chance at glory. RCB keeps riding on the form of Virat Kohli (614 runs in the season) and Josh Hazlewood (21 wickets), while PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer has taken a cue from the front with 603 runs at a strike rate of almost 176. Before the toss, Narendra Modi Stadium was abuzz with excitement, and it was PBKS who won the toss, deciding to field first, given the surface, which has been batting-friendly, and the advantage of chasing under lights.

Chris Gayle didn't arrive, he arrived. His symbolic attire, representing the heritage of RCB and PBKS, was not fashionable. It was a reminder of the multicultural heart of the IPL and the journey of a man who was a legend in both camps. Whether you support Kohli's team or are a follower of Iyer's army, Gayle is the common thread. After 18 years, either one of these sides will finally dispel the "trophyless" label, and Gayle, the ageless prankster, is there to see it. One final. Two fervent teams. And the Universe Boss is in attendance. Let the theatrics begin.

The countdown has begun; only a few hours are left before the IPL 2025 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) takes place at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Ahead of the match, T20 legend Chris Gayle, the former West Indies batter, put out a post on Instagram where we can see the 'universal boss' enjoying a luxury ride in a plane.

With four pictures in the Instagram post, the former cricketer revealed his destination. Actually, he was heading to India for the IPL 2025 final between RCB and PBKS. Interestingly, Gayle played for both of them in the past, so the June 3, 2025, evening will be memorable enough for him, when these two sides are set to square off for their maiden IPL title.

Gayle wrote on Instagram with the pictures, "En route to support my 2 former teams, RCB & PBKS, in the IPL finals. A big shoutout to Qatar Airways for the smooth flight and great service."

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Chris Gayle 👑 (@chrisgayle333)

Read More: IPL 2025: Phil Salt to miss RCB vs PBKS final? Here's the truth and facts

One of the most destructive batter to ever played in IPL 

The Jamaican star spent a total of seven seasons with RCB from 2011 to 2017 and then played four seasons for Punjab from 2018 to 2021. During his days with Bengaluru and Punjab, the big man from the Caribbean was a monster with the bat. His unbeaten 175-run innings still counts as one of the best knocks ever played in the history of the Indian Premier League. 

In seven seasons with RCB, Gayle scored 4 tons, including that 175-run innings. And with the team from Punjab, he got one century and two 99s in 4 seasons. During the 2011 and 2012 IPL seasons, he became easily the most feared batsman of the tournament.

The Narendra Modi Stadium is gearing up to host a blockbuster showdown between two heavyweights, Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), both of whom are yet to win a title. Ahead of the crucial summit clash, RCB are all set to get a massive boost. As per emerging reports, it is believed that RCB legends Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers are all set to attend the IPL 2025 Final match. 

The duo has touched down in Ahmedabad and will be in attendance today to rally behind their former franchise. Gayle and ABD have been ardent supporters of the RCB and have publicly shown their support for the franchise even in the gloomiest of times. However, those gloomy days are long gone. RCB now finds itself on the verge of creating history, and if the stars align, the duo could see their former franchise create glory.

See also: IPL 2025: RCB vs PBKS Final - A Head to Head breakdown

ABD's message to RCB ahead of the final

In a video posted on his Instagram handle, De Villiers confirmed that he has arrived in Ahmedabad and is eagerly waiting in readiness for the IPL final to unfold. Going further into the conversation, the former Proteas legend admits that he has a strong feeling that RCB are going to clinch their maiden IPL title. 

Furthermore, he highlights the team's stellar run in this season and reflects on Virat Kohli and Josh Hazlewood's sublime form that has won they numerous matches. He further adds that RCB have a potent bowling attack and can take down any batting opposition once they hit their straps right.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by AB de Villiers (@abdevilliers17)

More about RCB's once-feared batting duo

During their prime years with RCB, just a mere mention of Gayle and De Villiers was enough to stoke fear in the minds of the opposition. While Gayle demonstrated brute force, De Villiers was a 360-degree player, which essentially meant that he could play all around the park and terrorize the bowlers with his wide range of shots. Both AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle have been instrumental in shaping the Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) legacy in the Indian Premier League (IPL), both as dynamic players and as fan favorites.

De Villiers, most famously dubbed "Mr. 360," was with RCB from 2011 to 2021. Over 184 matches, he amassed 5,162 runs at an average of 39.70 and a strike rate of 151.68. Gayle, the Universe Boss, on the other hand, stayed with RCB from 2011 to 2017. During these years, he inflicted sheer carnage with the bat, plundering a total of 4,965 runs at an average of 39.72 and a strike rate of 148.96 with his best innings of 175* coming against Pune in 2013. 

The Indian Premier League has served as an incredible pool of talent where domestic and foreign players jostle to create glory. Since its inception in 2008, the cash-rich league has seen the birth of numerous high-profile figures loaded with exceptional talent and match-winning abilities. However, only a select few go on to etch their name in the record books on the back of their ground-breaking exploits. Such players tend to stand out from the crowd when winning becomes a regular occurrence for them.

In this article, we will uncover the top five players who have received the most Player of the Match (POTM) awards in the history of IPL.

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AB de Villiers (Delhi Daredevils & Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 25 awards

The South African legend, known for his innovative batting and a vast repertoire of shots in his book, tops the list with 25 awards to his name. De Villiers made his IPL debut with the now-defunct Delhi Daredevils in the 2008 season. He stayed with the franchise for three seasons and featured in 28 games before moving to RCB in 2011. His fortune changed once and for all when he joined the Bangalore-based outfit. De Villiers achieved an incredible amount of success with RCB. The former Protea legend finished his stint with RCB on a high, becoming the second-highest run scorer for them with 2001 runs across 58 innings. He played his best IPL innings of 129* and averaged over 40 for RCB across 10 seasons. 

Chris Gayle (Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore & Punjab Kings) – 22 awards

The Universe Boss, hailing from an exotic island of Jamaica, needs no introduction. Gayle has been a destructive force in the IPL and a deadly threat for the bowlers to contend with. The Caribbean dynamite earned 22 POTM awards in 142 matches, making him the second-highest receiver of this prestigious award. Fans have good fond memories of Gayle massacring the bowlers mercilessly across several IPL editions. During his prime days, once he would get into his zone, no force in the world could ever hold him back. The 45-year-old has been a part of three IPL franchises. He made his debut with KKR and showcased some early flashes of brilliance before moving to RCB, where he spent the majority of his IPL career. His score of 175* against Pune in the 2013 season remains his career best score in the IPL. Overall, Gayle had a very illustrious IPL career, amassing 4965 across 141 innings, averaging just under 40.

Rohit Sharma (Deccan Chargers & Mumbai Indians) – 21 awards

The former Mumbai Indians captain, with his consistent batting and leadership, has secured 20 POTM awards in 264 matches. His most recent POTM award came during MI's do-or-die Eliminator clash against GT on May 30. Rohit came out to bat with a positive intent and deflated the Titans in the first half by slamming an impressive 81 to keep his side alive for the Qualifier 2 game. The World Cup-winning captain has been associated with two IPL franchises. His career began with the now-defunct Deccan Chargers in the 2008 season. Although he was used primarily as a spin-bowling all-rounder in those days, Rohit's batting blossomed over the years and skyrocketed to the next level when he joined MI in 2011. Rohit is now the highest run-getter for MI with 2784 runs across 104 innings. The 38-year-old played a pivotal role with the bat and on the back of his uncanny captaincy abilities, MI succeeded in securing five title wins. His ability to stand up for his side in dire situations distinguishes him from some of the best in the business. 

Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 19 awards

The former RCB captain, known for his aggressive batting, has earned 19 POTM awards in 260 matches. Virat Kohli has been around in the IPL for a lifetime. And unlike some of his comrades, Virat never switched his allegiance. Virat began his career with RCB in 2008 and has stayed with them ever since his debut. Virat's match-winning abilities are second to none. Also dubbed Chase Master, Virat relishes the challenge of batting last, as most of RCB's wins have come in the second innings whenever Virat scores big. In the 2025 season alone, the 36-year-old has played some absolute blinders to take RCB all the way to the final. He is now the leading run scorer for his franchise this season, along with Phil Salt. The Indian legend has featured in a whopping 226 games and holds eight IPL hundreds whilst averaging a shade below 40. 

MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings) – 18 awards

India's all-time great isn't too far behind in the list with 18 POTM awards in 278 games. Notably, Dhoni has become the oldest player to receive the IPL Player of the Match award, surpassing former Rajasthan Royals leg-spinner Pravin Tambe. Known for his exhilarating hitting at the death and lauded by many for his tactical brilliance, Dhoni has been a true asset for CSK and also for his national side. On the back of his captaincy alone, CSK has won five IPL titles, making them the joint-most successful team along with MI. His association with the cash-rich league began in 2008 when he joined CSK. The 43-year-old never looked back since that day and has gone on to feature in 278 games for CSK. Dhoni has recorded 5439 runs at a stunning average of 38.3, which included his career-best score of 83*. In addition, he has also effected 158 catches and 47 stumping chances, making him one of the most athletic wicketkeepers in modern-day cricket.

The above-mentioned players have consistently delivered match-winning performances, making them the top five players to have ever earned the most POTM awards as of the IPL 2025 season. Out of the top five, Virat, Rohit, and Dhoni are the only three players who haven't announced their retirement from this league.