The World Championship of Legends has officially released the complete fixture list for its third season, confirming that the tournament will run from October 3 to October 18 across venues in Dubai and Sharjah. Marking its inaugural edition outside the United Kingdom after two successful years in England, the senior-circuit tournament will bring together former international stars representing seven distinct national champion squads.
Among the marquee fixtures scheduled for the two-week competition, the high-profile encounter between India Champions and Pakistan Champions has been locked in for October 10 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The upcoming fixture list follows a second season that drew a reported global audience of 425 million viewers, setting high commercial and viewership expectations for the league's relocation to the Middle East.
Shifting Horizons and Historic UAE Relocation
The relocation to the United Arab Emirates represents a strategic expansion for the tournament, which established its footprint across English grounds during its first two iterations. League organizers confirmed that matches will be distributed across two primary venues, with Sharjah hosting 18 fixtures and Dubai staging six games, including key knockout encounters.
The tournament structure encompasses 24 total matches featuring former international stalwarts representing India Champions, Pakistan Champions, Australia Champions, England Champions, South Africa Champions, West Indies Champions, and newly formed Bangladesh Champions. The inclusion of Bangladesh expands the competitive base of the tournament as veteran players prepare to renew historic international rivalries.
Star-Studded Rosters and Opening Day Fixtures
Tournament organizers confirmed that several of the sport's most recognisable modern-era legends are set to feature prominently across the two-week schedule. Yuvraj Singh, Shahid Afridi, Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, David Warner, Moeen Ali, and Mahmudullah Riyad head a star-studded player roster compiled for the third edition.
Action gets underway on October 3 with a double-header slate in Sharjah. India Champions will begin their tournament campaign against Australia Champions, while Pakistan Champions face the newly introduced Bangladesh Champions in an opening-day fixture designed to highlight regional rivalries.
Defending Champions and Tournament Format
South Africa Champions enter the third season carrying the defending champion mantle after securing the title in 2025 by defeating Pakistan Champions in the final. Pakistan also reached the championship match during the league's inaugural 2024 campaign, establishing a consistent record in the tournament's knockout stages.
South Africa's title defence commences on October 4 when they meet West Indies Champions at Sharjah. The preliminary round will funnel teams toward the latter stages, culminating in the two semi-finals and the grand finale hosted at Sharjah Cricket Ground on October 18.
Leadership Perspectives on Nostalgia and Expansion
League executives emphasized the unique blend of competitive nostalgia and entertainment that underpins the senior-circuit competition. Harshit Tomar, founder and chief executive officer of the World Championship of Legends, noted that the third iteration focuses on reuniting historic rivalries for a global audience.
"Season 3 is about bringing the biggest rivalries and the biggest legends back together," Harshit Tomar said. "We have an incredible line-up and a schedule packed with matches that fans will instantly connect with. Taking WCL to the UAE makes this season even more special, and we are excited to give fans a month of unforgettable cricket and entertainment."
Co-owner Ajay Devgn highlighted the cultural and emotional resonance of the league, describing the platform as a convergence of athletic history and public engagement. Ajay Devgn stated that "WCL is more than just a cricket league - it is emotion, nostalgia and entertainment coming together on one platform. Season 3 is going to be our boldest season yet."
Match Schedule and Tournament Logistics
With the final fixtures officially published, participating squads are finalizing travel and training arrangements ahead of the October 3 opening matches. The compressed two-week window requires teams to navigate a demanding schedule of group fixtures across Dubai and Sharjah before the knockout rounds decide the 2026 champion.
Security and logistical preparations are underway at both the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Ground to accommodate anticipated crowds and international broadcast operations. The tournament continues to position itself as a major fixture in the post-retirement cricket calendar, capitalizing on the enduring appeal of past international icons.
