Cricket is preparing for a significant expansion into China, with the World Championship of Cricket (WCC) joining hands with Dongyuehui Sports to introduce the country's first eight-team Legends T20 franchise competition in May 2027.

The proposed tournament, which will feature some of the biggest names from international cricket, marks an ambitious attempt to establish the sport in a market where it has traditionally struggled to attract mainstream attention. The competition is expected to bring together celebrated former international cricketers, offering Chinese audiences an opportunity to experience the game through a high-profile franchise-based format.

The development also comes at a significant time for international cricket, with the sport set to return to the Olympic programme at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The ICC has been exploring opportunities to expand cricket's presence in emerging markets, and China could become an important destination in that global growth strategy.

The partnership between WCC and Dongyuehui Sports was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2026. The agreement was signed by WCC Chairman Praveen Sharma and Dongyuehui Sports Chairman Yonghui Tong.

The competition will be hosted in collaboration with the Shaxi Town Cricket Centre in Taicang, Jiangsu Province, which is expected to play a central role in the development of cricketing infrastructure and activities in the region.

Speaking about the initiative, WCC Chairman Praveen Sharma said: "Cricket has the unique ability to connect people across cultures and borders, and China presents one of the most exciting opportunities for the sport's future growth. We are seeking the support of the Local Authorities and our partnership with Dongyuehui Sports, we are committed to delivering a world-class cricketing experience and creating a platform that can inspire the next generation of players and fans. This agreement marks an important milestone in turning that vision into reality."

WCC founder Amandeep Singh also highlighted the significance of taking the competition to China, describing it as an ambition that had been part of the project's vision from the beginning.

"Taking WCC to China has been an ambition from the beginning. Today's signing brings that ambition a step closer. We want to give fans the chance to watch celebrated cricketers in action and introduce new audiences to the excitement of the game. We look forward to working with our partners in Taicang to make the inaugural edition something special."

WCC is promoted by the ownership group behind the World Tennis League (WTL), Stars Golf League (SGL) and World Padel League (WPL), bringing experience in organising and managing international franchise sporting properties.

Meanwhile, Dongyuehui Sports aims to establish China as a destination for major international sporting events, with the Shaxi Town Cricket Centre envisioned as a leading cricket venue in the country.

Yonghui Tong said: "Our vision is to establish China as a destination for major international sporting events, and to position the Shaxi Town Cricket Centre as the leading home of cricket in the country. Partnering with WCC allows us to introduce some of the biggest names in world cricket to Chinese fans, inspire greater participation in the sport, and create a lasting legacy for cricket's growth in China."

Beyond entertainment, the Legends T20 competition is also expected to provide an opportunity for emerging Chinese cricketers to interact with and learn from former international stars. Several participating legends have represented their countries at the ICC Cricket World Cup and other major international competitions.

With the inaugural edition scheduled for May 2027, the project represents an important attempt to introduce cricket to a wider Chinese audience and build a foundation for the sport's long-term development in the country.

Story first published: Thursday, November 12, 2026, 13:12 [IST]

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