The International Masters League (IML) is set to bring cricket legends back to the field in a highly anticipated T20 franchise tournament, kicking off on November 17 and running until December 8.
Featuring iconic players from six cricketing powerhouses—India, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies—this inaugural edition promises to be a thrilling event for fans of the game.
The action-packed tournament will feature 18 matches across three major venues: DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, and Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur.
The opening match on November 17 will see Sachin Tendulkar’s India face off against Kumar Sangakkara’s Sri Lanka, in what promises to be an exciting throwback to their famous duels on the international stage.
- Teams and Captains:
- India: Sachin Tendulkar
- West Indies: Brian Lara
- Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara
- Australia: Shane Watson
- England: Eoin Morgan
- South Africa: Jacques Kallis
- Tournament Schedule:
- November 17: India vs Sri Lanka (Opening match, DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai)
- November 18: Australia vs South Africa
- November 19: Sri Lanka vs England
- November 21: India vs South Africa (Lucknow)
- Lucknow will host six matches in total, followed by Raipur, which will host eight matches, including the semi-finals and final.
Each captain, including Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Kumar Sangakkara, and Eoin Morgan, expressed their enthusiasm about stepping back onto the field. Tendulkar, the league’s ambassador, shared his excitement about leading the India Masters and how this tournament is an opportunity to inspire the next generation while celebrating the sport. Brian Lara, Shane Watson, and Jacques Kallis echoed similar sentiments, looking forward to reliving their competitive days.
Sunil Gavaskar, the League Commissioner, emphasized that fans will witness some close contests, with players showing that their competitive spirit remains undiminished. The IML blends the nostalgia of watching cricketing legends with the excitement of a modern franchise competition, promising high-energy cricket and unforgettable moments for fans around the world.
The International Masters League is shaping up to be a unique and entertaining spectacle, where these iconic players will reignite their rivalries, offering fans a chance to experience cricket’s golden era once again.
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