The World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 has once again generated a high level of globally focused cricket fanfare, further affirming its stature as the second highest pooping cricket league in the globe. The tournament was viewed by an astonishing 409 million patrons all over the world, a proof of a 20% increase from last season, at least as indicated by an announcement detailing their press release by the organizers of the tournament. The expanded popularity of the tournament is remarkable considering it fell short of a long-anticipated India-Pakistan throwdown.

However, the absence of the traditional rivalry only intensified the chatter surrounding the tournament on social media. Fans had terrific debates on Instagram, YouTube, and X discussing professional players who performed well and memorable moments. An unforgettable moment was the return of AB de Villiers - his performance rekindled nostalgic memories of cricketing glory days and kept audiences captivated.

ALSO SEE:'That's my job...'- Cheteshwar Pujara responds to Virat Kohli's compliment on international retirement

WCL 2025 Final Draws Global Attention

Based on engagement information, the final game between the Pakistan Champions and South Africa Champions was of global proportions. And having been aired in the UK on Sony Max, it had record viewership and was reportedly one of the most-watched events in the UK. Additionally, the final had a TRP in Pakistan of 6.1, overtaking a number of live bilateral series currently. The conversation also echoed across India as fans discussed the heroics from AB de Villiers, as well as having the tournament trend on multiple social platforms in the country.

The WCL's growing global scope, along with its unique format and legendary players, has transcended tournaments to become a celebration of that cricket journey with audiences and fans. By blending nostalgia and great cricket action, the World Championship of Legends has continued to distinguish itself from others, providing an opportunity for cricket fans of all ages to appreciate great cricket. With record viewing numbers and a growing fan base, the WCL 2025 has cemented its place in the cricket calendar as a must-view event.

In the World Championship of Legends, two former cricket heavyweights, Australia and India, will go head-to-head in a thrilling matchup. It should be a fairytale-style match in terms of atmosphere, with match-winning batters, crafty captains, bowlers, and legendary cricketing heroes on show. On one side India will have a mix of deadly middle-order impact and spin options, while Australia will have their aggressive top order and surplus depth of fast bowling. It adds up to an exciting game.

Match Details – WCL 2025

• Match: India Champions vs Australia Champions
• Date: July 26, 2025
• Time: 05:00 PM IST 
• Venue: Headingley, Leeds, United Kingdom
• Tournament: World Championship of Legends 2025 – Match 10

Players to Watch Out For

• Yuvraj Singh vs. Brett Lee—It's a storied rivalry once again in action: one of India's big-match heroes vs. Australia's express quick.
• Robin Uthappa vs. Nathan Coulter-Nile—Big-hitting openers versus a disciplined and accurate pacer.
• Suresh Raina vs Steve O'Keefe—Raina's aggressive hitting against O'Keefe's discipline as a tidy left-arm spinner.
• Chris Lynn vs. Harbhajan Singh—raw, power hitting versus craft and guile—the middle-overs battle is real.
• Irfan Pathan vs. Ben Cutting—Two utility all-rounders look to have some troubling overs and some big hits to make.

IAC vs. AAC Probable Playing XIs:

India Champions Probable Playing XIs

Australia Champions Probable Playing XIs

Shaun Marsh, Chris Lynn, D’Arcy Short, Ben Dunk (wk), Callum Ferguson, Ben Cutting, Daniel Christian, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Steve O’Keefe, Brett Lee (c), Peter Siddle

As the World Championship of Legends 2025 continues to develop into a classic, the match between the England Champions versus the South Africa Champions is going to have all the makings of class, composure, and spectacles. Both teams have legendary cricketers who are all winners in their own moments of pressure in their playing careers. Now with match-winners on each, it has potential for awe and skill to match with old-school excellence blending with modern T20 instincts.

Match Details

• Fixture: England Champions vs South Africa Champions
• Date: July 24, 2025
• Time: 09:00 PM IST
• Venue: Grace Road, Leicester, United Kingdom

Players to Watch Out For

England Champions:

• Eoin Morgan (Captain)—England's most successful white-ball captain and clutch performer in the middle order and at the end.
• James Vince—An elegantly correct technical top-order batter able to anchor or accelerate the innings.
• Ravi Bopara—England's utility man—offers control with the ball and stability with the bat, especially under pressure.
• Chris Tremlett—A tall, quick bowler who doesn't just bounce; he also moves it tall early, presenting challenges to the top order.
• Samit Patel—The experienced all-rounder's spin and aggressive batting mean he is an important player on slowish pitches.

South Africa Champions:

• AB de Villiers (Captain)—Genius returns; you would expect not just the shot-making but also the leadership about him to light the tournament up.
• Hashim Amla—class and coolness at the top, can anchor and with ease accelerate the innings in any conditions.
• Chris Morris—the big-hitting all-rounder can get you a quick kill and some fireworks in the later order.
• JP Duminy—The left-hander is spin savvy to take different attacks apart as well as handy with off-spin.
• Wayne Parnell—The left-arm seamer swings it up front as well as controlling death with his slower deliveries.

Also read: [WATCH] ENG vs IND 2025: Naseer Hussain expresses his views on Injury substitutes in cricket

EDC vs SAC Probable Playing XIs:

England Champions Probable Playing XIs

The World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 is here! Amazing cricketing action and legendary players from all over the globe will take to the field in epic contests. This tournament features friendship, nostalgia, intense rivalries, and our favorite personalities making their long-awaited returns! If you are watching at home or streaming on the go, here is your complete guide on how to watch WCL 2025 live from anywhere!

Match Details – WCL 2025

• Match: England Champions vs South Africa Champions
• Date: July 24, 2025
• Time: 09:00 PM IST 
• Venue: Grace Road, Leicester, United Kingdom
• Tournament: World Championship of Legends 2025 – Match 8

Live Streaming Details

• India: FanCode app 
• Pakistan: A sports
• United Kingdom: TNT Sports
• USA & Canada: Willow TV
• Australia: Foxtel / Kayo Sports
• South Africa: SuperSport
• New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ

Also read: [WATCH] ENG vs IND 2025: Naseer Hussain expresses his views on Injury substitutes in cricket

EDC vs SAC Probable Playing XIs:

England Champions Probable Playing XIs

James Vince, Sir Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan (c), Chris Tremlett, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Phil Mustard (w), Tim Ambrose, Liam Plunkett, Ryan Sidebottom, Stuart Meaker

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 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.

Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard officially part of World T20 2016 Champions West Indies Champions Players representing the best cricketers from around the world are returning to WCL’s Season 2 action. Dee packed This high-profile tournament, best known for resurrecting the careers of legendary cricketers, will see two of the Caribbean’s most celebrated all-rounders face off again.

Bravo’s Return to T20 Cricket

Dwayne Bravo, who hung up his professional cricket spurs in 2021, is clearly excited about taking the field in the format that turned him into an international sensation.  Commenting on his comeback, Bravo said, “The last time I retired from cricket, my body wasn’t ready for what it could take. Now the pressure is on me to not only be given this opportunity but, with my total concentration on coming back to T20 cricket, I have to make sure I’m committed and deliver. The writing produced by artificial intelligence is easily detectable.

While he is most notorious for his death bowling and all-rounder prowess, Bravo has spent his entire 17-year career entertaining the masses. His 631 wickets in 582 matches still place him as one of the leading wicket-takers in the history of T20. His comeback should prove a huge bonus for West Indies Champions in WCL 2025.

Also read: MI vs LSG IPL Match Live Streaming: Where & How to Watch on the tv

Pollard is thrilled to be joining Bravo again.

Kieron Pollard, another T20 legend with more than 600 appearances and more than 11,000 runs, could hardly contain his excitement at Bravo’s return. To hear Dwayne get to return to the stage and play again just really warms my heart. He was a genuine champion and had given much to cricket. “To be playing alongside him again at home for West Indies Champions will be very special,” noted Pollard.

The two share a deep-rooted connection that dates back to when they played together at the club level before their eventual journeys to franchise cricket, and their eventual participation in WCL 2025 will not only strengthen their side but also dazzle cricket fans across the globe.

WCL Welcomes Kieron Pollard & DJ Bravo to West Indies Champions!
The Caribbean flair is back—and it's going to be fire!
Don't miss your chance to witness world-class cricketing action this July.@KieronPollard55 @DJBravo47

Book your tickets now: https://t.co/5g8605JDJx pic.twitter.com/ifiHob8VQC

— World Championship Of Legends (@WclLeague) April 4, 2025

Also read: Jasmine Sandlas to Perform at IPL 18 Opening Ceremony in New Chandigarh

WCL 2025 – A Tournament of Legends

Ajay Sethi, the owner of West Indies Champions, described this reunion as a “reliving of history” as the duo are set to don the West Indies colors once again.  Meanwhile, Harshit Tomar, founder & CEO of WCL, emphasized that their participation will elevate the tournament's profile.

WCL is the only professional T20 league for retired players and the top tier of competition for cricketing greats.  With teams from India, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, England, and the West Indies, the nostalgic tournament adds more salt to cricket’s spiritual home of England with rivalry and brutal competition.

Now that Bravo and Pollard are once again on opposite sides, WCL 2025 is sure to be an unmissable show for anyone who loves T20 cricket.

AB de Villiers: Playing in 2025 WCL

Now, AB de Villiers most recognisable and cherished Test cricketers we have in this era of ageing, has been away from international cricket since he stepped down in 2018. Out of the South Africa's national team during his retirement caused a wasteland in the world of cricket because his unusual method of striking and the style attracted a lot of the cricket crazies all over with left to right sweeps. Yet, there have been some rumors and speculation in recent months about a return to competitive cricket, in 2025.

So far, we know what is known: AB de Villiers comes back
Since his retirement, AB de Villiers who was questioned about the possibility of return to test cricket and every time has left the door open and stated that he will come back when everything makes sense.Now with nothing but 2025 coming up, there is a fresh revival on the possibility of his comeback.

It has been de Villiers may turn up in a few high profile leagues or cup competitions to re-establish himself as competitive cricket player. De Villiers was also linked to the World Champions League (WCL), a brand new cricket league that was probably created on paper merely as a potential tournament in which veteran stars could compete. The WCL would include some of the best cricketers on the planet, past their peak heyday and show impression on international spectators as well.

ALSO READ:The Rise of the Young Guns: How Newcomers Dominated IPL!

The World Champions League: a new chapter in the world of cricket
The WCL is also causing quite a stir, even though there are still a lot of clouds over this structure of the international game; such an idea has raised a lot of attention. Provided the opportunity, perhaps de Villiers can play again using this platform against some of the best players of cricket in the world.
Now still officially a work in progress with no official format nor teams announced, the league seems to be wrestling with how to create another IPL/shadowing leagues that are largely international in scope.
It is likely that the WCL will mix current stars and legends in a really cool caliber of youth with experience.

It’s official. I will be playing for the South African team @WCLSAChampions in the upcoming @WclLeague 2025! 🌟

Mark your calendars: the tournament runs from 18th July to 2nd August.

Can’t wait to renew rivalry with so many legends from five other countries. I’m heading to the… pic.twitter.com/4GnUwdP8LB

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) January 28, 2025

Shikhar Dhawan Joins Team India for the 2025 World Championship of Legends

In 2025, there will be an exceptionally wonderful World Championship of Legends for cricket. It's going to happen the second time. They want to make cricket as amazing as it was in the old days also. Shikhar Dhawan, who is clearly a very famous cricket player from India, said he will play for team India. Everyone is discussing it.

Since he's going to play, the games will be even more amazing. People can't wait to see him play and make the championship very exciting. The first major player to say yes for this year.Co-Owner of Team India, Sumant Bahl, expressed his enthusiasm about the signing of the stylish left-handed opener, saying, "Shikhar Dhawan adds a lot of flair and strength to our team as we are focused on defending our title as the winners of WCL season 1. We will be retaining some of the greats from last year and adding some new players to make our team stronger and better." This signals a strong commitment to maintaining a competitive edge and upholding the high standards set in the inaugural season.

Shikhar Dhawan will play for India Champions in the WCL starting July.@SDhawan25 | #ShikharDhawan pic.twitter.com/PThdLdpKOB

— sʜɪᴋʜᴀʀ ᴅʜᴀᴡᴀɴ Fan 𝕏 (@dhawan_fan_) January 25, 2025

ALSO READ: Star top-order Indian batsman admits being under pressure in red-ball format

Harshit Tomar, the Founder and CEO of the World Championship of Legends, also shared his excitement:  With the participation of Shikhar Dhawan coming to play for the WCL second edition, we are instilled with the faith that our League will mean more for ardent cricket fans. We are certain that we are moving in the direction of the league’s goal, which has primarily been to bring back the golden era of cricket. Following the success of the inaugural edition of the World Championship of Legends, the upcoming season. The first edition witnessed thrilling encounters, including the unforgettable Indian Champions vs. Pakistan Champions match at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. The World Championship of Legends quickly captured the hearts of cricket fans across the globe with its electrifying performances and nostalgia-filled moments.

Shikhar Dhawan, eager to return to competitive cricket, shared his excitement: “When we have such formats like World Championship of Legends, the inspiration to get back on the field fares well. It would be a continuation of my passion for playing the best competitive cricket." His commitment to the format demonstrates the growing appeal of the WCL among legendary cricketers, and his participation will undoubtedly elevate the tournament further.

Likely Match Dates For Group Stage Matches:

Knockout Stage

Where to Watch Live

Cricket fans can catch all the action of the 2025 WCL live on the following platforms:  

       TV Broadcast: Star Sports, Sony Sports Network

       Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLIV

       Social Media Updates: Official WCL pages on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

Manasi Joshi, a top para-badminton champion, openly criticized Harbhajan Singh, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina for their lack of awareness and sensitivity in a video they posted. She stressed the need to understand and respect the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Suresh Raina, former India cricketers, are facing backlash after Manasi Joshi accused them of mocking the way people with disabilities walk.

Manasi, a former world no. 1 in her SL3 badminton category, called out the cricketers for their insensitive Instagram reel posted after their win against Pakistan in the World Championship of Legends tournament.

Harbhajan shared a video on Sunday showing the ex-India players limping and dancing to the Bollywood song “Tauba Tauba” after the match. India Champions, led by Ambati Rayudu’s 50 run performance, chased a 157 run target in the final over.

“Body ki Tauba Tauba ho Gayi in 15 days legends cricket. Every part of the body is sore,” Harbhajan wrote.

The controversial reel

Joshi, an outspoken advocate for people with disabilities, expressed her disappointment and anger over the insensitive content.

Manasi Joshi’s advocacy and response

“Wanted more responsibility from the stars that you all are, please do not mock at the gait patterns of people with disabilities. This isn’t funny.

“You don’t know how much harm your behaviour can do. The appreciation you’re getting from people around is appalling to see. This reel of yours is going to encourage that it is ok to make fun of the walking patterns of people with disabilities for a few laughs. More young children with disabilities will be bullied by using this reel. If any of you athletes would have done responsible community service in disability space area, you all would not have come up with this reel. I’m scared how the PR agencies of these athletes approved this reel for public platform,” Manasi wrote

“This isn’t legendary if you’re mocking the gait patterns of people with polio. This will enable bullying on young children with disabilities in India,” Manasi added.