The highly anticipated Road Safety World Series, a T20 league showcasing former international cricket stars, is set to make history by featuring a team from Pakistan for the first time. While the league has been held in India in the past, the upcoming season will take place in England, following the approval from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

A League with a Purpose

The Road Safety World Series was launched in March 2020 with the aim of promoting road safety awareness through the game of cricket. The league has gained immense popularity due to its star-studded line-ups and competitive matches. Former ODI and T20 World Cup champions like Sachin Tendulkar, Kevin Pietersen, Sanath Jayasuriya, Shane Watson, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Yuvraj Singh, Brian Lara, Jonty Rhodes, and Shane Bond have participated in the tournament, making it a treat for cricket fans around the world.

A Brief Overview of the Previous Seasons

The league’s inaugural season took place across 2020 and 2021, with teams from India, Sri Lanka, South Africa, West Indies, and Australia competing. However, the competition was cut short after just four games due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The remaining games resumed in March 2021 in Raipur, but Australia had to pull out due to Covid-19 related travel restrictions. They were replaced by Bangladesh, and England also joined the tournament.

The second season of the Road Safety World Series was held in Dehradun and Raipur in September 2022. New Zealand joined the competition as the eighth team, and Australia made a comeback. In both editions of the tournament, the India Legends team emerged victorious, defeating the Sri Lanka Legends in the final held in Raipur.

The Inclusion of Pakistan in the Third Season

Due to strained relations between the governments of India and Pakistan in recent years, there was no team from Pakistan in the previous editions of the Road Safety World Series. However, the upcoming third season will mark a significant milestone as a team from Pakistan will finally participate in the tournament. The decision to include Pakistan has been met with enthusiasm and excitement from cricket fans worldwide.

The Shift to England

While the Road Safety World Series has been primarily held in India, the upcoming season will be hosted in England. This change in venue adds a new dimension to the league and provides an opportunity for fans in England to witness the action live. The approval from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) further solidifies the league’s international appeal and highlights the importance of road safety on a global scale.

The Third Season – Dates and Participating Teams

The exact dates for the third season of the Road Safety World Series are yet to be finalized. However, it is expected to be played in early September for approximately three weeks. The upcoming edition will see an increase in the number of participating teams, with nine teams set to compete compared to eight in the previous season.

Conclusion

The inclusion of a team from Pakistan in the upcoming season of the Road Safety World Series marks a significant milestone for the tournament. The league’s mission to promote road safety awareness through cricket has been met with great success, attracting renowned cricket stars from around the world. The decision to hold the third season in England adds a new dynamic to the tournament, allowing fans in England to witness the thrilling matches firsthand. Cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the start of the Road Safety World Series, where former legends of the game will come together to entertain and spread the message of road safety.