The International Masters League or IML, a franchise-based T20 tournament, is going to be the talk of the cricketing fraternity with all its boards, as it is set to start this year. The six-team league is conceived by two of the greatest cricketing icons from the global scale - Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar. IML will be an annual tournament of T20 cricket with cricketing stars from six nations who have a record of cricket playing: India, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, England, and Sri Lanka. Tendulkar's coming will create a huge excitement among crores of his fans who have been awaiting the Master Blaster magic with the bat once again at the 22 yards. Cricket legend Gavaskar has been appointed as the League Commissioner.
Talking exclusively to IANS, Gavaskar explained his take on the league and the excitement of the former greats. Quote from the interview:
IANS: International Masters League will bring in new energy among former cricketers. How do you see that excitement?
Gavaskar: Yes, the IML will definitely re-energise former players as they will once again get an opportunity to play for a national side, albeit not in an international, but in a tournament that will be played like an international.
IANS: Sachin Tendulkar will be back in the field. And fans are already excited with the news. What plans does the league have for the mega show?
Gavaskar: Sachin is evergreen and resides in the hearts of every cricket-lover, not just Indians. Therefore, there is great enthusiasm and anticipation to see him get back onto the field again. He plays all sports competitively, so we could be in for some interesting times ahead. .
IANS: Why only three venues? Any plan to take it into other major centers as well?
Gavaskar: There will be just three venues in the first season, and as the seasons go by, more venues will be able to watch the IML.
IANS: You being the commissioner, how do you see this role? How challenging will it be?
Gavaskar: Well, as a Commissioner, I pretty much have an open and shut job. That is, to ensure that the league goes through without any kind of mismis-understanding between the players. Given the fact that they know what's expected of them and are mature enough into the game, I don't see problems arising between teams. The enormity of this league is just too huge.
IANS: How was the response from the Masters? What messages did you get from them?
Gavaskar: The response from the Masters has been tremendous and all those contacted are keen and eager to show that they still have it in them to excel on the field.
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