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Their retirements accounted for a great many hours of depression for every cricket fan in the world, but now, Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne are making a collective comeback. In a league of their.
No, really. It is a league of their own.
Sachin and Warne together have helmed a three-part T20 series for retired players that kicks-off in New York later tonight.
The Cricket All-Stars League is meant for retired players and will see Sachin’s Blasters take on Warne’s Warriors in three matches over 10 days.
Now even as the two work together in the back rooms to put the show together - in the promos at least, they have their fans getting ready for yet another Sachin vs Warne showdown.
Exhibit A.
Sachin’s Wall of Game
The Master is seen walking beside a wall with pictures of his favourite innings against Warne. Starting with the Sydney Test in 1992 - “148 not out,” remarks Sachin. Adding, “how can I forget your debut, Warnie”.
Next he comes to Chennai 1998 where he scored an unbeaten 155 against the Aussies and then finishes with Sharjah 1998. Though he scored 80, 143 and 134 against them Australia during the series, he zeroes-in on his 143 on 22nd April calling it the “best birthday” of his life.
Three empty boards follow - what’s to come in America?
“Sachin, I’ve Been Practising”
Shane Warne’s reply is a bit less creative. The veteran spinner is seen just sending a plain video message to the Little Master.
“Sachin, I have been practising. I may not have got you out too many times in Test cricket, in ODIs and in the IPL, you may have smashed me all over the park. But I have been secret training, ready to go so watch out. Bring your A-game buddy, because I am ready,” he says.
The 3 match tournament kicks-off in New York on the 7th with games to follow on the 11th in Houston and 14th in Los Angeles. The two legends have also managed to stack up a star-studded roster for their tournament - Virender Sehwag being the most recent addition.
They also have confirmed participation from Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Ricky Ponting, Glenn McGrath, Kumar Sangakkara, Muralitharan and Wasim Akram among a total of 22.
With the obvious lack of world-class cricket arenas in the three venue cities, the Cricket All-Stars league adds to its novelty factor with the matches being hosted at baseball stadiums.
Shane Warne posted the above picture on social media, with the drop-in pitch being transported for the big game.
Any more innovations, Gentlemen?
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