Countries United Arab Emirates Format Twenty20 Founded 2015 | Administrator Emirates Cricket Board First tournament 2016 Number of teams 6 | |
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Tournament format Round-robin and knockout Current champion Gemini Arabians (1st title) Profiles | ||
Masters Champions League (MCL) was a Twenty20 cricket league held in the United Arab Emirates and contested by former international cricketers. The inaugural season consisting of six teams was held in January and February 2016 and won by the Gemini Arabians. The MCL has received a 10-year approval from the Emirates Cricket Board but faced difficulties before its first season over the status of "retired" international players who were still contracted to other domestic competitions, as well as delays in player payments which almost led to players abandoning the tournament mid-season.
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History
The tournament was announced by the league's CEO Zafar Shah in June 2015. Formed by Saim Malik, Chairman of GM Sports, it is a league for retired cricketers, some of whom have never played the Twenty20 format.
MCL has generated support in the UAE, including the official approval from the Emirates Cricket Board. The company operates under the umbrella of the Grand Midwest Group and is a promoter of sports activities in the region.
Player auction
Former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis attracted the highest bid of US $175,000 at the first player auction and joined the Libra Legends franchise. Former Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist was the second-highest signing, purchased by the Sagittarius Soldiers for $170,000. Other players with high bids included former England captain Paul Collingwood ($140,000), Muttiah Muralitharan of Sri Lanka ($120,000), West Indies' Brian Lara ($100,000) and Brett Lee of Australia ($100,000).
MCL Governing Body
The MCL governing body includes 8 key people.