The International Masters League (IML) 2025, an eagerly awaited tournament featuring some of the greatest cricketers of all time, is set to commence on February 22 and will run until March 16. The event promises to bring a nostalgic experience for cricket enthusiasts, as retired international stars from India, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Australia, England, and South Africa return to the field to relive their glory days.
With a lineup of legendary cricketers, the league aims to not only entertain but also celebrate the rich history of the sport. The first match of the International Masters League 2025 will witness an exciting clash between India Masters and Sri Lanka Masters at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on February 22. This historic encounter will mark the beginning of a month-long tournament featuring some of cricket’s most decorated names.
Captains’ Day event: Cricketing icons reunite for the grand launch
The excitement surrounding the IML reached new heights during the Captains’ Day event, held at the DY Patil University campus on Wednesday (February 19). The event saw some of the most renowned names in cricket reunite to officially mark the beginning of the inaugural edition. Indian cricket legend and Sachin Tendulkar led the proceedings, alongside Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, West Indies’ Brian Lara, England’s World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan, Australia’s Shane Watson and South Africa’s Jonty Rhodes, who represented their official captain, Jacques Kallis.
This gathering of cricketing greats symbolized the spirit of the league—reviving old rivalries, rekindling friendships, and bringing back the golden era of cricket. The event allowed the captains to share their thoughts on the upcoming tournament, their expectations, and how they look forward to entertaining fans across the globe. The presence of these legends only added to the tournament’s grandeur, making it an unmissable event for cricket lovers.
- Sachin Tendulkar (India Masters)
- Brian Lara (West Indies Masters)
- Eoin Morgan (England Masters)
- Shane Watson (Australia Masters)
- Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka Masters)
- Jacques Kallis (South Africa Masters)
These legendary captains will lead their respective teams through a memorable tournament, showcasing their wealth of experience and leadership abilities.
Key players for each team in International Masters League 2025
The International Masters League 2025 will feature legendary cricketers who have left a lasting impact on the game. Each team consists of former international stars, many of whom were match-winners during their prime. Here’s a look at the key players for each team and their potential impact in the tournament.
India Masters
- Yuvraj Singh – The explosive middle-order batter, known for his six-hitting ability, will be a game-changer, especially in the latter stages of an innings.
- Irfan Pathan – A left-arm swing bowler and handy lower-order batter, Pathan’s all-round skills will add balance to the team.
- Ambati Rayudu – A reliable middle-order batter with the ability to anchor an innings and accelerate when needed.
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Sri Lanka Masters
- Upul Tharanga – A fluent left-handed opener who can set the tone with his aggressive stroke play.
- Isuru Udana – An effective left-arm seamer who can contribute with both the bat and ball, especially in the death overs.
- Suranga Lakmal – A seasoned pacer who can provide early breakthroughs with the new ball.
Australia Masters
- Shaun Marsh – A technically sound batter who can anchor the innings and play big shots when required.
- Ben Cutting – A powerful finisher with the bat and a handy seam bowler, Cutting is known for his ability to turn matches around.
- Nathan Coulter-Nile – A fast bowler with a knack for picking up wickets at crucial moments, adding depth to the bowling attack.
West Indies Masters
- Chris Gayle – The ‘Universe Boss’ needs no introduction; his six-hitting ability can single-handedly change the course of a match.
- Ravi Rampaul – A skillful right-arm pacer who brings experience and control in the death overs.
- Fidel Edwards – A quick and fiery pacer who can trouble batters with raw pace and bounce.
England Masters
- Ian Bell – A classical batter who can control the innings with his elegant stroke play and adaptability.
- Monty Panesar – A left-arm spinner known for his ability to extract turn and bounce, making him a threat in middle overs.
- Ryan Sidebottom – A left-arm seamer with swing bowling expertise, capable of picking wickets with the new ball.
South Africa Masters
- Hashim Amla – A graceful batter known for his consistency and ability to build big innings.
- Vernon Philander – A swing bowler who can be lethal in helpful conditions, known for his precise line and length.
- Jonty Rhodes – A live wire on the field and a handy middle-order batter, Rhodes’ athleticism will be an asset.
