In a historic development, a Pakistani team is all set to feature in the Road Safety World Series for the very first time this year. The Road Safety World Series is a T20 league that brings together former international cricket players from around the world, founded by Ravi Gaikwad, the chief road traffic officer of Thane, in collaboration with the BCCI. The league aims to raise awareness about road safety through the power of cricket.
The tournament commenced in 2020 but had to be postponed after four matches due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The remaining matches were successfully played in 2021, with seven teams participating, including India Legends, Sri Lanka Legends, South Africa Legends, West Indies Legends, England Legends, Bangladesh Legends, and Australia Legends. However, Australia Legends could only play one match against Sri Lanka Legends and had to forfeit the rest due to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic. Ultimately, India Legends emerged as the champions of the inaugural edition after defeating their Sri Lankan counterparts.
The second edition of the Road Safety World Series took place in 2022 with the inclusion of New Zealand Legends, making it an eight-team competition. Once again, India Legends showcased their dominance and lifted the trophy for the second consecutive year.
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Now, reports suggest that the third edition of the Road Safety World Series could witness a significant breakthrough, with a Pakistani team making its debut. The strained relationship between India and Pakistan had previously barred Pakistani teams from participating in bilateral series in India, and their players were not allowed to feature in the IPL as well.
However, the Road Safety World Series offers a unique opportunity for Pakistani players to showcase their talent on the international stage. The upcoming season of the tournament is likely to be held outside India for the first time, with England emerging as the chosen host. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has already given the green light for the tournament, paving the way for a potential participation from Pakistan.
If all goes as planned, cricket fans can look forward to witnessing Pakistan’s legendary cricketers in action, adding a new dimension to the competition. The tournament is tentatively scheduled for September, promising exciting matches and moments that will not only entertain but also spread a vital message about road safety.