Ganguly to miss Libra Legends' opener in MCL

Bogged down by a back spasm, former India captain Sourav Ganguly is set to miss Libra Legends' first match of the inaugural Master Cricket League (MCL), starting here on Thursday.

Ganguly was to lead Legends in the T20 tournament but had to pull out after doctors advised him rest after suffering a back spasm during a practice game some days ago, reports gulfnews.com on Wednesday.

However, according to report, the 43-year-old will be in the city cheering his team for the first game on Thursday.

Australian cricketer Brad Hogg who attended the captain's press conference for the Legends said Ganguly would be joining the team soon.

A source close to Ganguly said: "He (Ganguly) had signed the playing contract much earlier and was committed to play in the tournament. Despite his busy schedule, Ganguly had engaged himself in regular practice sessions for a while until this unfortunate turn of events."

"We have already written to the league management clarifying the position and despite the medical advice, he will be undertaking a four and-half hour flight each way to be with the team for the first match."

When asked about Ganguly's pullout earlier in the day, MCL chairman Zafar Shah said he still does not know much about the situation.

With Ganguly not taking part in the opener, the responsibility to lead the team would surely fall on former South African star all-rounder Jacques Kallis, who won the Big Bash League (BBL) on Sunday with Sydney Thunders.

"Kallis' Sydney Thunders won the Big Bash league, so he was not there for training this morning after all that celebrations. I think he has landed and is in the hotel ... I will be going and grabbing him and make sure he is there with us for cruise tonight. He has been the coach of Kolkata Knight Riders, so I have to do a bit of sucking up to him," Hogg said.