LLC tournament a great success: Raheja
Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 15: While lauding the J&K administration for its support and the people of Kashmir for their love, the co-founder of Legends League Cricket (LLC), Raman Raheja, today termed the tournament a great success.
Addressing the pre-finals press conference alongside the founder and chairman of LLC, Vivek Khushalani, as well as Irfan Pathan from Konark Suryas Odisha and Southern Superstars’ Kedar Jadhav, Raheja said the tournament ran smoothly, exceeding expectations.
“The LLC matches in Srinagar have been successful, and we were humbled by the love the people of Kashmir showered on us and the players,” he said.
Ahead of tomorrow’s final between Konark Suryas Odisha and Southern Superstars, Raheja said the top teams had made it to the end. “The fight is going to be between the best of the best,” he remarked.
He added, “We received immense love from Jammu last year, and even then, players were eager to play in Kashmir. The administration here has been supportive, and to me, it wasn’t a challenge at all.”
LLC founder Vivek Khushalani expressed his gratitude to LG Manoj Sinha, saying that his support made it possible to conduct the LLC in Srinagar. He also hoped for a larger turnout of spectators for the final match.
“I express my gratitude to LG Manoj Sinha. Thanks to him, we were able to come here and play these matches. I also thank the administration and security forces for making this possible,” he said.
Star cricketer Irfan Pathan said that the LLC provided an opportunity for retired players to continue playing cricket. He noted that the main objective of the league and the matches in Srinagar was to inspire youngsters.
“We’ve seen kids coming out to watch the matches, and in the process, they end up meeting big players, which leaves an impact. The league aims to inspire the youth here,” he said. Pathan, who has worked in Kashmir for a few years, added that he always feels at home here.
He emphasized that youngsters in J&K need only a platform, saying, “Once that is provided, they deliver.” “My experience here has always been great; what’s even more special is that the weather adds to the flavour of the game,” he shared. Regarding the pitch at Bakshi Stadium, he called it challenging but noted, “It improves with use.” On the upcoming final, he said, “It’s going to be a great game.”
Southern Superstars’ captain, Kedar Jadhav, also expressed his excitement for the final game, saying, “It is a privilege for us to be able to play here.”
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