Cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar will captain India in the International Masters League, to be played by teams from six cricketing superpowers — India, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies. The tournament will be played between November 17 and December 8. D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will host four matches including the opening leg.
The International Masters League is headed by the legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar (India), Brian Lara (West Indies), Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), Shane Watson (Australia), Eoin Morgan (England), and Jacques Kallis (South Africa). The tournament promises to begin in a memorable manner as India is set to lock horns with Sri Lanka on November 17, pitting their batting maestros Tendulkar against Kumar Sangakkara, the hallmark of their rough battles of yore.
"As the ambassador and face of the IML, I am looking forward to leading and representing India Masters in the league. It is going to be aggressive action on the field. All the players are excited at the prospect of playing the IML at multiple venues. It's an opportunity to inspire the next generation while celebrating the sport that we all love," Cricket icon and league ambassador Tendulkar said.
For Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, it is "special playing against the best once again in this format. Fans will get to see competitive cricket and relive some unforgettable moments."
Then comes another contest between Shane Watson's Australia and Jacques Kallis' South Africa, followed by yet another match featuring Sri Lanka against Eoin Morgan's England. Brian Lara and his West Indies team will once again be back to test their skills against Australia in what is bound to be a dizzying contest. "It's fantastic to see so many cricket legends coming together in one league. I am excited to lead Australia and hope to bring some great cricket to the fans," said Australia captain Shane Watson.
This will then shift on to Lucknow on November 21 at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee (BRSABV) Ekana Cricket Stadium as India will play against South Africa.
"For me, it is thrilling to have the chance to play in such a competitive environment again. We will not just show the world our talent but also our passion for the game," said the south African captain Jacques Kallis.
Lucknow will host six matches; after that, the league will shift to Raipur (Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, Raipur), where India will clash with England on November 28. "The IML brings the best of both worlds — cricketing legends and franchise competition. It's going to be a phenomenal experience for both players and fans," England captain Eoin Morgan said.
It will host the remaining eight games-These include semifinals and the final, where the cricketing history will see the first-ever champions of International Masters League (IML) being crowned on December 8.
Continuing with Brian Lara, West Indies captain said, "It's going to be amazing to step back into the field with such a bunch of talented cricketing players. The format is fast, exciting, and competitive, just what the fans want.".
Legendary players, who all have had glorious careers, will lead each team, bringing their unparalleled experience and competitive spirit to the game, T20 format.
"Stalwarts from every country will be playing the International Masters League (IML). For them it is a super opportunity to showcase skills and show the world that they are still very good. These guys do not know what it is to take it easy.". It is going to be an exciting league with close contests," said League Commissioner Sunil Gavaskar, sure it would be a treat worth seeing for all those coming to the ground and on television.
