Former players Brian Lara, Michael Vaughan and Graeme Smith look ahead to the new masters Twenty20 cricket league (MCL).

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Brian Lara, former West Indies captain, believes the atmostphere will be very competitive.

"I still do play a bit of cricket, so I'm definitely looking forward to the MCL (Masters Cricket League)," the batting legend said. "It's maybe the biggest stage for anyone in my situation, so I'm definitely going to get myself fit and ready for the tournament.

"Playing with guys that I have played with in the past, I want to be as competitive as I can be, and I like being on the top of the tree, so why not in the MCL."

Michael Vaughan, former England captain, chose to concentrate on the benefits of age in relation to his style of cricket.

"Well, remarkably my off-spin has improved over the last five years." said Vaughan, a specialist batsman in his playing days. "I've become a very good off-spinner, and my strike rate has improved as well. So I think I've improved immensely in the commentary box.

"I played a game last night with the British media against the ICC (International Cricket Council) staff, managed to block the first five and then smack a 75-year-old Indian around the park, so I feel in good form for this tournament."