Sachin Tendulkar to Captain India in International Masters League

The International Masters League (IML) is set to commence its inaugural edition, aiming to enthrall cricket fans worldwide by reuniting legendary players from cricketing powerhouse nations in a T20 franchise tournament format. The tournament is scheduled to run from November 17 to December 8, 2024, with iconic players such as Sachin Tendulkar leading the charge for India.

The competition will showcase teams from India, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies. The inaugural match will be held at Navi Mumbai’s D.Y. Patil Stadium, featuring a highly anticipated matchup between India and Sri Lanka on November 17, rekindling the historic rivalry between Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.

Former Australian star Shane Watson will captain Australia against South Africa, led by Jacques Kallis, in the second fixture. The tournament continues with Sri Lanka confronting Eoin Morgan‘s England, while Brian Lara will lead the West Indies against Australia, adding another thrilling dimension to the tournament.

The IML will proceed to the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee (BRSABV) Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on November 21, where India will take on South Africa. Lucknow is scheduled to host six matches. Subsequently, the league will relocate to Raipur‘s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, which will host eight matches, including the semi-finals and the final on December 8, where the league’s first champions will be determined.

The tournament brings together veteran players like Kumar Sangakkara, Shane Watson, Eoin Morgan, Brian Lara, and Jacques Kallis, each captaining their respective teams. Speaking about the event, Sachin Tendulkar stated, “As the ambassador and face of the IML, I am looking forward to leading and representing India Masters in the league. The action on the field will no doubt be competitive and exciting.”

Brian Lara expressed enthusiasm for the league, noting, “It’s going to be amazing to step back onto the field with such a talented group of players. The format is fast, exciting, and competitive—just what the fans want.” Meanwhile, English captain Eoin Morgan highlighted, “The IML brings the best of both worlds—cricketing legends and franchise competition.”

South Africa’s captain, Jacques Kallis, echoed these sentiments, commenting, “The chance to play in such a competitive environment again is thrilling.” Australia’s captain Shane Watson remarked, “It’s incredible to see so many legends of the game coming together in one league.”

League Commissioner Sunil Gavaskar stated that the tournament would provide an entertaining spectacle, “Stalwarts from every country will be playing the International Masters League. These guys don’t know what it is to take it easy. It is going to be an exciting league, with close contests.”