Legends League T20: J&K LG hosts high tea; ex-cricketers visit Vaishno Devi

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha hosted a “high tea” on Tuesday (November 28) for the cricketers participating in the ongoing Legends League T20 in Jammu, expressing hope that the event would usher a new sporting era in the Union Territory.

More than 100 former international cricketers, including Harbhajan Singh, Gautam Gambhir, Mohammad Kaif, Irfan Pathan (India), Shane Watson, Aaron Finch (Australia), Tilakarante Dilshan (Sri Lanka), Chris Gayle, Ricardo Powell (the West Indies), Hashim Amla, Morne Morkel (South Africa), Kevin Petersen (England), Ross Taylor and Martin Guptil (New Zealand), are in Jammu as part of the second season of Legends League T20.

High tea

Interacting with the cricketers, the LG said entire Jammu and Kashmir is proud and excited about the matches being held at the MA Stadium in the heart of Jammu.

“This is the first major international cricket event in the Union Territory after several decades and a beginning of a new sporting era for Jammu and Kashmir.

“These matches featuring international cricket stars will not only help us achieve excellence in organising international sporting events, but also popularise a robust sports culture among the masses, especially among youngsters,” he said.

Sinha said over the next three days, Jammu and Kashmir will celebrate and honour the sporting excellence, dedication and commitment of the cricketers, who will also get an opportunity to enjoy the hospitality and incredible culture of the region during their stay.

The LG congratulated the players, including Gayle, Singh, Suresh Raina, Praveen Kumar, Thisara Perera and Stuart Binny, and extended his best wishes to the teams for the remaining matches.

Visit to Vaishno Devi

Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, and S Sreesanth on Tuesday also paid a visit to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills in Reasi district.

After their arrival in Katra, the group of cricketers was welcomed by the Katra Sports Club. They then flew to Sanjichat from where they proceeded to the cave shrine, officials said.

After paying obeisance at the shrine, the cricketers visited Bhairon Ghati to pray at the Bhairon Baba Temple. They returned to Jammu in the evening, officials said.

“I have come here to get the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi. I am fortunate to get the opportunity to pay obeisance at the cave shrine,” Singh told reporters in Katra before leaving for the cave shrine.

Sharing his experience of playing in Jammu, the former India spinner said, “People are enthusiastic about the matches as they are being held here after many years. We loved playing here,” he said.

The Legends League reached Jammu on the third leg of the tournament to play a total of four matches in the city. While the first match was played on Monday, the remaining three matches will be played on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

(With agency inputs)