Cricket is set to go big in China as the World Championship of Cricket (WCC) plans an eight-team Legends T20 franchise league in May 2027. The competition will feature some of the best-known former international cricketers and Chinese fans will get a chance to watch them on their own soil.
The announcement was made on November 12, 2026. WCC will partner with Dongyuehui Sports to organise the tournament which is expected to be an important milestone for cricket entering new international markets.
The league proposed will be based in Shanghai and will try to bring franchise-based T20 cricket to a wider Chinese audience.
Eight Teams to Feature Former International Legends
The inaugural WCC Legends T20 will have eight franchise teams from former international cricketers.
The organisers haven’t announced the teams or player lists yet but they expect well known names from international cricket to be in the tournament.
The presence of former players could help interest cricket fans in China where the sport is still emerging compared with more established sporting markets.
The organisers want to create a competitive entertainment platform and introduce new audiences to some of the game’s most recognisable personalities.
WCC Partners With Dongyuehui Sports
The World Championship of Cricket has partnered with Dongyuehui Sports to develop the proposed competition.
The partnership follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two organisations in October 2026. Praveen Sharma, Chairman WCC and Yonghui Tong, Chairman Dongyuehui Sports signed the agreement.
Dongyuehui Sports operates Shaxi Town Cricket Centre in Taicang Jiangsu Province. The partnership seeks to bring WCC’s international franchise sporting events expertise with local infrastructure and sporting knowledge.
WCC chairman Praveen Sharma said China was an exciting opportunity for cricket’s future growth and he also spoke of the ambition to create a platform that could inspire a new generation of players and supporters.
Why China Is Important for Cricket's Global Expansion
The proposed league is being launched at a time when international cricket is preparing to return to the Olympic programme (Los Angeles 2028 Games) and opportunities exist to attract audiences in countries where cricket has historically not been popular.
China is a big opportunity because of its population size, sporting infrastructure and interest in international sporting events.
The International Cricket Council has also seen China as an important market for long-term development of the sport.
WCC initiative could bring cricket to more spectators and give young Chinese players an opportunity to learn from experienced international cricketers.
Shanghai Could Become a New Destination for Legends Cricket
The proposed competition also seeks to position China as a destination for major international sporting events.
Yonghui Tong, chairman of Dongyuehui Sports said the organisation wants to make Shaxi Town Cricket Centre a leading cricket destination in China.
The partnership could also create commercial opportunities (franchise ownership, sponsorships and strategic investments).
However, details about the tournament’s venues, franchises involved and commercial partners are still to be announced.
When Will the WCC Legends League Begin?
The inaugural eight-team Legends T20 league will be played in May 2027. Organisers are expected to announce more details on teams, players, fixtures and broadcasting arrangements in the coming months.
If launched successfully then the competition could be an important step in increasing cricket’s popularity in China.
With former international players likely to feature, the tournament could introduce a new generation of Chinese sports fans to the thrill of T20 cricket.
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