Former India cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has said he is no longer associated with the Asian Legends League, even as the Emirates Cricket Board warned that the tournament is unauthorised.
In a statement posted on social media, Chopra said he has no association with the league’s second season “in any manner whatsoever,” distancing himself from promotional material that had earlier named him as league commissioner.
Chopra had attended the league’s official launch event earlier this month in Mumbai, where organisers announced plans for the second season of the tournament.
Separately, the Emirates Cricket Board said the Asian Legends League T20 has not been approved or sanctioned by the board. In a statement, the ECB advised players, officials and other stakeholders to remain cautious and vigilant when associating themselves with the league in any capacity.
Cricket tournaments held in the United Arab Emirates require approval from the national governing body to ensure compliance with governance, integrity and player welfare standards.
According to organisers, the Asian Legends League is scheduled to take place from January 19 to February 1, 2026. The proposed second season is expected to feature seven franchises, including two new teams, and a round-robin format in which each team plays six league matches. A total of 25 matches have been planned over a 14-day period.
Organisers have also announced the introduction of an Impact Player rule, allowing teams to make tactical substitutions during matches, similar to formats used in other T20 leagues.
The Emirates Cricket Board’s statement and Chopra’s clarification have raised questions over the status of the tournament, which has been promoted as a competition involving former international players from across Asia.
There has been no immediate response from the organisers of the Asian Legends League following the statements. (Newswire)