Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar reckons that the upcoming T20 Mumbai League has the potential to become a good platform for youngsters of Mumbai to showcase their talent.

Sachin the Ambassador of the T20 tournament and during an event in Mumbai, he said, “I firmly believe that something like this (T20 League) was needed for Mumbai cricket. Mumbai cricket has always led Indian cricket and the numbers are biggest proof. I feel happy to be part of this league. It would be nice if youngsters are playing alongside some big names in Mumbai cricket. They will get to learn and that is something that I am looking forward to.”

Also read: Six teams will play T20 Mumbai League

Apart from Tendulkar, Mumbai had produced a plethora of international players like Ajit Wadekar, Sunil Gavaskar, Chandrakant Pandit, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sanjay Manjrekar, Pravin Amre, Vinod Kambli to Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer and pacer Shardul Thakur.

The legendary batsman also said if one does well at leagues like this, then it can take them to reach greater heights. He said, “For any youngster in Mumbai, you need not be playing (with) the season ball. As a kid, I started playing cricket with a tennis ball and we found our own ways of playing in the limited time, but from there every aspiring kid needs to have a platform to express his talent. This league is going to provide that opportunity.”

Sachin Tendulkar explains the importance of the T20 leagues

The T20 Mumbai League will be conducted by Probability Sports Private Limited, a consortium of Probability Sports and Wizcraft, with the approval of the Mumbai Cricket Association from March 11 to 21 at the iconic Wankhede stadium.

Also read: Tendulkar Appointed As The Brand Ambassador Of The T20 Mumbai League

Tendulkar also recalled the fact that there were many cricketers from Mumbai who could not make it to the greater heights as there was no platform available. He said, “I remember there are so many names in Mumbai cricket who should have played for India but at that given moment, there wasn’t a spot available for them. But they were really really good and would have gone on to play for India. Similarly, so many club cricketers would have gone on to play Ranji but they couldn’t do that.”

Talking about the current leagues further, Sachin said, “I think today by playing these leagues, even if you don’t go and play Ranji Trophy, you can still look after your family. And that is the most important thing for any individual. If you can look after your family, make them feel financially secure and be the backbone of the family, it is the greatest feeling anyone can get.”