Suresh Raina to lead VVIP UP in inaugural Indian Veteran Premier League

In a recent turn of events for cricket enthusiasts, the inaugural edition of the Indian Veteran Premier League (IVPL) is set to witness the return of former India and Chennai Super Kings star cricketer Suresh Raina, who has been appointed as the captain of VVIP Uttar Pradesh.

The tournament, scheduled to be played from February 23 to March 3, 2024, promises to be a nostalgic journey for Raina as he dons the yellow jersey once again, this time representing his home side. Fondly known as Chinna Thala by CSK fans, Raina is all set to lead VVIP Uttar Pradesh and showcase his dynamic batting prowess and captaincy skills.

In a statement filled with enthusiasm, Raina expressed his excitement and said that he is super thrilled to be part of the Indian Veteran Premier League.

“Hello everyone. I’m Suresh Raina and I’m super thrilled to be part of the Indian Veteran Premier League, I will be playing for Team VVIP Uttar Pradesh. This is the chance to play with veteran cricketers once again,” said Raina in a statement, as quoted by My Khel.

Raina will be joined by former IPL champions Rajat Bhatia and former Australian all-rounder Dan Christian in VVIP Uttar Pradesh. With their combined experience and skills, the team aims to make a strong impact in the IVPL, which will be hosted at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun.

The IVPL, organized by the Board for Veteran Cricket in India (BVCI) and managed by 100 Sports, brings together cricketing legends like Sehwag, Munaf Patel, Chris Gayle, and Herschelle Gibbs. Shri Praveen Tyagi, the Acting President of BVCI and Chairman of IVPL expressed his excitement and said that the veteran cricketers will infuse a new energy for Veteran Cricket in India

“The veteran cricketers will infuse a new energy for Veteran Cricket in India. We welcome Suresh Raina to the IVPL family and I’m sure fans will be happy to see him back on the field,” he said.

The participating teams, including VVIP Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan Legends, Red Carpet Delhi, Chhattisgarh Warriors, Telangana Tigers, and Mumbai Champions, are set to create a cricketing showdown. Former India opener Virender Sehwag, West Indies’ Chris Gayle, and Herschelle Gibbs will lead Mumbai Champions, Telangana Tigers, and Red Carpet Delhi, respectively.

Cricket enthusiasts can catch the live action on Eurosport channel, DD Sports, and Fancode. Tickets for matches at the iconic Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium will soon be available, offering fans a chance to witness the live cricketing extravaganza firsthand.