Mumbai: Cricket fans are in for a prime-time feast, with old rivals poised to return to action. The International Masters League (IML) has revealed the schedule of fixtures for the highly-anticipated inaugural season, which will feature six teams – India, Australia, England, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies.
The opening game, scheduled for February 22, 2025, will witness a faceoff between the Asian giants. Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar will lead the Indian team against the Sri Lankan side led by Kumar Sangakkara, one of Sri Lanka’s most successful captains.
The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! 🤩✨
— INTERNATIONAL MASTERS LEAGUE (@imlt20official) January 16, 2025
The #IMLT20 begins soon, and it’s going to be bigger, better & more electrifying than ever! 🔥
Are you 🫵 ready to be a part of something truly incredible!? #DateReveal pic.twitter.com/EIjzLMk4hB
The six participating teams will be captained by masters of the sport:
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
"The IML will be a celebration of cricket’s unique and enduring legacy. I can’t wait to step back onto the field with my contemporaries in a league that will be intense and competitive, with all the teams playing hard, but fair”, Sachin Tendulkar, the captain of the Indian team, said.
"The IML is a tribute to cricket’s timeless charm. It is a wonderful opportunity for former cricketers. It's a platform where they can relive old rivalries and reconnect with fans. I am excited to participate in this historic league alongside so many illustrious names", said Kumar Sangakkara, the captain of the Sri Lankan team.
Presenting to you the 3️⃣ 𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬 for #IMLT20 😍
— INTERNATIONAL MASTERS LEAGUE (@imlt20official) January 17, 2025
Drop a 🤩 in the comments below if you can’t wait to see your favourite masters back in action! 🙌#VenueReveal pic.twitter.com/fIMVeEfQg9
"We are thrilled and honoured to partner with JioStar for the IML. We have no doubt that JioStar, with its experience and, expertise in sports broadcasting, will make the league a memorable experience for cricket fans across the globe”, Jahan Mehta, said.
After five matches in Navi Mumbai, the IML will move to Rajkot; thereafter, the matches will move to Raipur. Raipur will also host the semi-finals and final.
Let the 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 decide! 😍 Which team of Masters are you backing in the #IMLT20?
— INTERNATIONAL MASTERS LEAGUE (@imlt20official) January 28, 2025
Comment below with the heart that represents your favourite captain & team! 💬⬇️#Cricket #CricketFans pic.twitter.com/Mgd27idvj1
JioStar’s Disney+ Hotstar along with Colors Cineplex (SD & HD) and Colors Cineplex Superhits will broadcast the tournament live for all cricket aficionados. The matches will begin at 7:30 pm.