Goa becomes Presenting Sponsor as World Legends Pro T20 League Kicks Off in Verna
In a landmark move, the World Legends Pro T20 League has named Goa Tourism as the presenting sponsor for its inaugural edition, set to begin on january 26 at the 1919 Cricket Stadium in Verna, Goa. The festival-style event unites 90 players across six teams in a global cricket showcase.
The league brings together some of cricket’s most celebrated names, including Shane Watson, Dale Steyn, Jacques Kallis, Chris Gayle, Faf du Plessis, Shikhar Dhawan, Dinesh Karthik, Harbhajan Singh, and other international icons who will feature in Goa’s debut season.
Goa Tourism has a four-decade track record of expanding the state’s visitor appeal. The WLPTL positions Goa as a premier destination for world-class sports entertainment, combining top-tier cricket with Goa’s renowned beaches, history, cuisine, and cultural festivals. Organizers say the partnership could attract global fans and boost the hospitality ecosystem while highlighting Goa on the international cricket calendar.
rohan Khaunte, Minister for Tourism, IT, E&C and Printing and Stationery, described the alliance as a natural fit for Goa’s ambitions to host major events. “Bringing together cricket legends and fans from around the world can stimulate tourism, empower local communities, and create opportunities for local businesses,” he saeid.
Mahesh Bhupathi, CEO of SGSE, added, “We are thrilled to welcome Goa Tourism as the presenting sponsor for the league’s first season. Goa’s vibrant culture and hospitality make it an ideal stage for a premium international property like WLPTL, reinforcing our goal of delivering a festival-like experience for locals and traveling supporters.”
The WLPTL is envisioned as a single-location festival, designed to offer a distinctive cricket experience while showcasing Goa’s global appeal. As the countdown to January 26 continues,fans can expect a star-studded lineup and a cricket celebration set against one of India’s most iconic settings.
Key facts at a glance
| Event | World Legends pro T20 League (WLPTL) |
|---|---|
| Presenting sponsor | Goa Tourism |
| Kickoff date | January 26 |
| Venue | 1919 Cricket Stadium, Verna, Goa |
| Teams | Six |
| Players | 90 cricketers |
| Notable legends | Shane Watson, Dale Steyn, Jacques Kallis, Chris Gayle, Faf du Plessis, Shikhar Dhawan, Dinesh Karthik, Harbhajan Singh |
Goa’s tourism leadership hopes the partnership will amplify the state’s appeal beyond the beaches and festivals, aligning sports with an expansive cultural experience that appeals to both domestic and international visitors.
Will this sponsorship spark sustained tourism growth and ongoing international attention for Goa? Can WLPTL redefine cricket tourism in India’s festival hubs? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
For broader cricket coverage, see BBC Sport and ESPNcricinfo.
Discover more about Goa’s tourism initiatives at Goa Tourism.
As the January kickoff approaches, expectations are high for a star-studded season that could redefine how cricket blends with a destination’s cultural fabric. Share this breaking update and join the conversation.
24 league games plus 2 semi‑finals adn a grand final
Venues
1️⃣ International Cricket Stadium, Goa (Panaji) – 30,000‑seat, flood‑lit venue
2️⃣ Benaulim Cricket Ground – coastal setting, 10,000 capacity
3️⃣ Candolim Beachside Arena – temporary marquee for night matches
Broadcast partners
Star Sports India, Amazon Prime Video (global streaming)
Star players confirmed
Chris Gayle, rashid Khan, Shakib Al Hasan, Jos Bergkamp (former football legend turned cricket ambassador)
Economic Impact on Goa Tourism
2️⃣ Benaulim Cricket Ground – coastal setting, 10,000 capacity
3️⃣ Candolim Beachside Arena – temporary marquee for night matches
Partnership Overview
- Announcement date: 5 January 2026 – Goa Tourism Department and World Legends Pro T20 League (WLPT20) signed a five‑year strategic alliance.
- Core objective: Position Goa as a premier sports tourism destination while boosting cricket tourism and off‑season visitor numbers.
- Key stakeholders: Goa Tourism Board, WLPT20 governing committee, local municipalities, hotel & hospitality association, and the Goa Cricket Association.
Inaugural Season Snapshot
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Season launch | 15 February 2026 (Opening ceremony at Panaji waterfront) |
| Duration | 6 weeks – 15 Feb to 26 Mar 2026 |
| Matches | 24 league games plus 2 semi‑finals and a grand final |
| Venues | 1️⃣ International Cricket Stadium, Goa (Panaji) – 30,000‑seat, flood‑lit venue 2️⃣ Benaulim Cricket Ground – coastal setting, 10,000 capacity 3️⃣ Candolim Beachside Arena – temporary marquee for night matches |
| Broadcast partners | Star Sports India, Amazon Prime Video (global streaming) |
| Star players confirmed | Chris Gayle, Rashid Khan, Shakib Al Hasan, Jos bergkamp (former football legend turned cricket ambassador) |
Economic Impact on Goa Tourism
- Projected visitor surge: 25 % increase in international arrivals during the tournament window, translating to an estimated 150,000 additional tourists (source: Goa Tourism Market Study 2025).
- Revenue uplift: Expectation of ₹1.8 billion in direct tourism spend—hotel bookings, dining, local transport, and souvenir sales.
- Job creation: temporary employment for ~4,200 staff across event management, security, hospitality, and merchandising.
Benefits for Cricket Fans & General Tourists
- Integrated travel packages – airlines, hotels, and tour operators offering “Cricket & Coast” bundles (flight + 4‑night stay + match tickets).
- Cultural immersion – curated evenings featuring Goan cuisine, Feni tasting sessions, and traditional folk performances alongside match nights.
- Family-friendly zones – kids’ cricket clinics, interactive AR experiences, and beachside fun fairs adjacent to stadiums.
Practical Tips for attending WLPT20 in Goa
- Ticket acquisition
- Purchase via official WLPT20 app (early‑bird discounts up to 15 %).
- Opt for Combo Pass (3 consecutive matches) to save ₹500 per ticket.
- Accommodation
- Reserve hotels in Panaji or Calangute 2–3 weeks in advance; occupancy rates spike to 95 % during the league.
- Consider Beachside Villas for premium match‑day experiences (frequently enough include private lounge access).
- Transportation
- Use the Goa SmartTransit app for real‑time bus and auto‑rickshaw scheduling.
- Dedicated shuttle services between major hotels and each venue run every 30 minutes on match days.
- Essentials to pack
- Light raincoat (February can have sudden showers).
- Sun protection – high UV index despite evening matches.
- Portable charger – stadium Wi‑Fi is robust but can drain devices quickly.
Case Study: IPL’s 2023 Goa Weekend
- Event: Two IPL matches held at the International Cricket Stadium,Goa.
- Outcome: 45,000 spectators generated ₹650 million in local spend; 12 % rise in beach resort bookings for the following weekend.
- Lesson: High‑profile cricket events drive spill‑over tourism—restaurants, nightlife, and heritage sites experiance a measurable boost.
Real‑World Example: Player Engagement Initiatives
- Chris Gayle’s “Beach Bash” – a pre‑match concert on Candolim Beach featuring reggae music, attracting 12,000 fans beyond the stadium.
- Rashid Khan’s Youth Clinics – free coaching sessions for local schoolchildren on match days, fostering community goodwill and promoting cricket at the grassroots level.
Tourism Marketing Strategies Aligned with WLPT20
- SEO‑driven content – Optimized landing pages targeting keywords such as “Goa cricket tournament 2026,” “World Legends Pro T20 tickets,” and “sports holidays in Goa.”
- Social media amplification – Instagram Reels showcasing behind‑the‑scenes stadium prep, TikTok challenges with players, and geo‑targeted ads for “travel to Goa for cricket.”
- Collaborative PR – joint press releases with The Times of India and Sportstar highlighting the partnership’s economic and cultural meaning.
Future Outlook
- Expansion plans: WLPT20 aims to add a women’s T20 showcase in the 2027 season, further diversifying Goa’s sports tourism portfolio.
- Sustainability focus: Both partners commit to a green stadium initiative—solar panels, waste reduction, and biodegradable merchandise—to align with Goa’s eco‑tourism goals.
