Last Man Stands: Revolutionizing Amateur Cricket in Kerala

Last Man Stands (LMS), the world’s largest amateur T20 cricket league, has made significant inroads into Kerala’s cricketing landscape, offering a dynamic platform for enthusiasts across the state. Backed by cricket legend AB de Villiers and co-founded by Bjorn Briggs, LMS has been instrumental in revolutionizing grassroots cricket in the region.

LMS in Kerala: A New Era for Amateur Cricket

In 2025, LMS expanded its footprint across Kerala, establishing leagues in cities such as Kochi, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Palakkad, Thiruvananthapuram, and Thrissur. These local leagues provided players with opportunities to engage in competitive matches, improve their skills, and climb the global LMS rankings.

AB de Villiers: Global Ambassador Elevating LMS

In 2021, South African cricket legend AB de Villiers became the first global ambassador for LMS. Known for his innovative batting and dynamic presence on the field, de Villiers brought unparalleled credibility and visibility to the league. His involvement has been pivotal in promoting LMS’s mission to make cricket accessible to all, regardless of background or location.

De Villiers emphasized the significance of LMS, stating:

“It’s great to be involved as the first global ambassador of Last Man Stands. I have watched their innovative format grow globally at grassroots level over the years. It has kept a lot of players in the game.”

Bjorn Briggs: Co-Founder and Visionary

Bjorn Briggs, alongside Wayne Greve, co-founded LMS in London in 2005. Their vision was to create an inclusive, fast-paced, and accessible cricket format that catered to players of all skill levels. Briggs has been a driving force behind LMS’s expansion, emphasizing the league’s commitment to community engagement and technological innovation. His leadership has been pivotal in integrating features like live scoring, global rankings, and match highlights, ensuring that amateur players receive a professional cricketing experience.

Innovative Format and Global Reach

LMS’s unique 8-a-side, 2-hour T20 format, combined with innovative rules and a strong emphasis on community, has made it a preferred choice for amateur cricketers worldwide. The league now boasts over 200,000 players participating in more than 20,000 matches annually across countries like India, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England, and the USA.

Through the combined efforts of AB de Villiers and Bjorn Briggs, LMS has not only elevated the stature of amateur cricket but has also fostered a global community united by their passion for the game. Kerala’s cricket enthusiasts now have a robust platform to showcase their talent, engage with a passionate community, and enjoy the sport in its most dynamic form.