You never grow old watching your favorite game. Same goes for the players who never grow old playing it. Fans of cricket around the world would never want to see their favorite players retire if there was a possibility. But, age intervenes and there is no choice left. However, someone somewhere saw this coming down the line and did come up with an idea because he had an undying love and passion for the game. That someone is no other than the most loved and respected, fondly referred to as “Master Blaster” and “God of Cricket”, Sachin Tendulkar.
And, the result is Cricket All-Stars, a T20 series that commences today, the 7th of November, 2015. A one-of-its-kind series, it features a stellar lineup of renowned cricketers divided into two teams that will be headlined by cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne.
A brief Overview
Titled “Cricket All-Stars Series 2015”, the first game of the format will be played on November 7 at Citi Field, New York. Other than NY, matches will also be played in Houston and Texas. The initial two of this tri-match series is slated to be played during the day time, while the final showdown is planned as a day-night.
What You Are Going to See?
A clash between the next-generation players who, although internationally regarded and acclaimed for their historical performances are all retired, with less-toned body and expanded waistlines. Sachin’s Blasters will be facing Warne’s Warriors and each team houses legends that are feeling glorious to be on their favorite turf.
Some best batsmen of their times – most probably of all times – are seeming to have lost their grip, some best bowlers are finding their palms sore and some best fielders are not diving anymore. The raging intensity that once used to live inside them might have softened a little bit but it is sure going to be fun.
Why America?
It does sound strange that how could an event as huge as this could happen nowhere else but America. The prospect of watching Tendulkar and other internationals couldn’t be more fascinating. But, the game is not limited to any particular soil. Moreover, Americans, especially Indian-Americans, are highly excited to watch the famous cricket stars in the flesh for the first time.
“I’ve picked up a bat to globalize cricket”, said Sachin who is really looking forward to this. His enthusiasm to play in the American soil for the first time can be easily judged by his remark, “fantastic to play at famous baseball fields”.
So for those of you of thought that you won’t ever see Sachin on action again, think again. Who said, God never listens!
Sachin’s Blasters: Sachin Tendulkar (c), VVS Laxman, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Brian Lara, Mahela Jayawardene, Carl Hooper, Lance Klusener, Shaun Pollock, Moin Khan, Graeme Swann, Glenn McGrath, Muttiah Muralitharan, Shoaib Akhtar, Curtly Ambrose
Warne’s Warriors: Shane Warne (c), Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting, Michael Vaughan, Jacques Kallis, Kumar Sangakkara, Andrew Symonds, Jonty Rhodes, Saqlain Mushtaq, Wasim Akram, Daniel Vettori, Courtney Walsh, Allan Donald, Ajit Agarkar