Mumbai, October 8 (IANS). The much-awaited International Masters League (IML) is set to take the world by storm, with legendary cricketers from six cricket powerhouses – India, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, South Africa and West Indies coming together in an exciting T20 franchise tournament. The inaugural edition will run from November 17, 2024 to December 8, 2024.
DY in Navi Mumbai Patil Stadium will host the first leg of four matches. The tournament will begin on November 17 with a thrilling encounter between India and Sri Lanka, which will see Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara face-to-face, reminiscent of their great encounters.
In the second match, Shane Watson's Australia will face Jacques Kallis's South Africa, followed by another clash between Sri Lanka and Eoin Morgan's England. Brian Lara and his West Indies team will return to the field to face Australia in what promises to be an exciting encounter.
After this, the match will be held in Lucknow (Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee (BRSABV) Ekana Cricket Stadium) on 21st November, where India will play South Africa. There will be six matches in Lucknow, after which the league will shift to Raipur (Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, Raipur), where India will take on England on November 28. There will be a total of eight matches in Raipur, including semi-finals and then the final on December 8, which will crown the first champion of the International Masters League.
Iconic players, who have had stellar careers, will captain their respective teams, bringing their unmatched experience and competitive spirit to the T20 format. With 18 action-packed matches, the IML promises to enthrall the audience, combining high-energy cricket with nostalgia.
The captains in the International Masters League are as follows:
1. India: Sachin Tendulkar
2. West Indies: Brian Lara
3. Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara
4. Australia: Shane Watson
5. England: Eoin Morgan
6. South Africa: Jacques Kallis
Cricket icon and league ambassador Sachin Tendulkar said, “As the ambassador and face of the IML, I look forward to leading and representing India Masters in the league. The action on the field will undoubtedly be competitive and exciting. All Players are excited about the prospect of playing IML in multiple venues, this is an opportunity to inspire the next generation while also celebrating the game we all love.”
West Indies team captain Brian Lara said, “It will be amazing to be back on the field with such a talented group of players. This format is fast, exciting and competitive – exactly what the fans want.”
England captain Eoin Morgan said, “The IML features the best players in the world – cricketing legends and franchises competing. It is going to be an unprecedented experience for both players and fans.”
“It's thrilling to get the chance to play in such a competitive environment again. The IML will showcase not only our talent but also our passion for the game,” South Africa captain Jacques Kallis said.
Australia captain Shane Watson said, “It's incredible to see so many legends of the game together in one league. I'm excited to lead Australia and hopefully bring some great cricket to the fans.”
Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara said, “It is special to play against the best once again in this format. Fans will get a chance to watch competitive cricket and relive some unforgettable moments.”
League Commissioner Sunil Gavaskar said, “Legends from every country will play in the International Masters League. For them, it is a great opportunity to showcase their skills and show the world that they are still very good. These guys don't know that How to make it easy. It is going to be an exciting league with close matches. I am sure it will be a treat for everyone who will come to the ground and watch on television.
–IANS
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