PANAJI
Shadab Jakati will be the only cricketer from Goa to participate in the upcoming World Legends Pro T20 League (WLPT20) to be held at the newly constructed 1919 Sportz Cricket Stadium, Verna – Goa from 26 January to 4 February 2026.
The tournament which will feature six franchises - Rajasthan Kings, Delhi Warriors, Pune Panthers, Dubai Royals, Gurugram Thunders and Maharashtra Tycoons, will feature 90 cricketers from around the globe.
Jakati will be playing for Rajasthan Kings under the leadership of Eoin Morgan.
“It’s a great opportunity for me and especially for Goan cricket. People from Goa will get a chance to see big cricket stars in action in their home state. Youngsters can come and see their favourite stars play. Big names like Kieron Pollard, Chris Gayle, Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh will be playing in this tournament. These are some of the biggest names in world cricket. So, I am sure that this is going to be a big event. I am really excited and looking forward to play in the World Legends Pro T20 League,” Jakati told The Goan.
He further added, “We have a sporting culture in Goa. Youngsters love watching cricket. This tournament will help to boost tourism and also cricket in the state.”
“I would really thank the organizers of this tournament 1919 Sportz for organizing such a world-class event in Goa.”
Jakati is an iconic figure in Goan cricket. In a career spanning 19 years from 1998 – 2017, Jakati went on to become highest wicket taker for Goa in first-class cricket with 275 wickets in 92 matches. Besides that, he has scored 2734 runs in first-class cricket which includes a century and 14 fifties, thereby cementing his place as a true all-rounder.
In fact, the slow left arm orthodox spinner is the only cricketer from Goa who has played for three franchises in IPL - Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Lions. He made his IPL debut for Chennai Super Kings in 2009. Jakati was a key figure in Chennai Super Kings winning campaign in 2010 and 2011 editions of IPL wherein he took 13 and 10 wickets respectively. Later, Jakati played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2014 and Gujarat Lions in 2016 and 2017. In his IPL career, Jakati took 47 wickets in 59 matches.
The World Legends Pro T20 League (WLPT20) will feature some of the legendary cricketers in world cricket.
“I have played against and along with most of these players in the IPL. It’s a good opportunity for me to catch up with them and relive those good old memories. It will be like playing in the IPL even though this is a Legends League. Each player will be striving to win the tournament for their franchise.” Jakati said.
Certainly, this is first-of-its-kind event to be held in Goa and Goan cricket fans will get a chance to witness some world-class cricketing action in their own backyard.
