International Masters League: Sachin Tendulkar Named Captain of Indian Team - Everything You Need to Know

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New Delhi: The International Masters League (IML) is all geared up to showcase the cricketing prowess of legendary players from powerhouse cricket nations including India, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, South Africa, and West Indies in an exhilarating T20 franchise tournament. The much-anticipated inaugural edition is scheduled to kick off from November 17, 2024, and will culminate on December 8, 2024. Fans can expect a thrilling display of cricketing talent and intense competition during this prestigious event.

The D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai is set to host the opening leg of four matches for the International Masters League. The tournament will begin with an exciting clash between India and Sri Lanka on November 17, featuring a nostalgic face-off between Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. The second match will see Shane Watson’s Australia take on Jacques Kallis’ South Africa, followed by Sri Lanka facing off against Eoin Morgan’s England. Brian Lara and the West Indies team will then go up against Australia in what is expected to be a thrilling contest.

After the initial matches in Navi Mumbai, the International Masters League action will shift to Lucknow’s Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee (BRSABV) Ekana Cricket Stadium on November 21, where India will face South Africa. Lucknow will host a total of six matches before the league moves to Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium. Raipur will feature eight games, including the highly anticipated semi-finals and the grand final on December 8, where the first-ever champions of the International Masters League will be crowned.

The International Masters League (IML) will feature iconic players as captains, each bringing the wealth of their illustrious careers, experience, and competitive edge to the T20 stage. Across 18 thrilling matches, the IML promises to captivate fans by blending nostalgia with the dynamic excitement of modern-day cricket.

The captains in the International Masters League are as follows:

India: Sachin Tendulkar
West Indies: Brian Lara
Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara
Australia: Shane Watson
England: Eoin Morgan
South Africa: Jacques Kallis

Cricket icon and League Ambassador Sachin Tendulkar expressed his excitement about the International Masters League (IML), saying, “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. All the players are enthused 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.”

Brian Lara, captain of the West Indies team, shared his enthusiasm for the International Masters League, stating, “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.”

England captain Eoin Morgan remarked, “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.”

Jacques Kallis, South Africa’s captain, said, “The chance to play in such a competitive environment again is thrilling. The IML will showcase not only our talent but also our passion for the game.”

Australia captain Shane Watson said, “It’s incredible to see so many legends of the game coming together in one league. I’m excited to lead Australia and will hopefully deliver some top-notch cricket for the fans.”

Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara added, “Playing against the best once again in this format is special. Fans will get to see competitive cricket and relive some unforgettable moments.”

League Commissioner Sunil Gavaskar said, “Stalwarts from every country will be playing the International Masters League. For them, it is a wonderful opportunity to showcase their skills and show the world that they are still very good. These guys don’t know what it is to take it easy. It is going to be an exciting league, with close contests. I am sure it will be a worth a treat for all those who come to the ground and watch on the television.”

Here is the full fixture of the International Masters League:

17-11-2024 Sun 7:30 PM Mumbai India v Sri Lanka

18-11-2024 Mon 7:30 PM Mumbai Australia v South Africa

19-11-2024 Tue 7:30 PM Mumbai Sri Lanka v England

20-11-2024 Wed 7:30 PM Mumbai West Indies v Australia

21-11-2024 Thu 7:30 PM Lucknow India v South Africa

23-11-2024 Sat 7:30 PM Lucknow South Africa v England

24-11-2024 Sun 7:30 PM Lucknow India v Australia

25-11-2024 Mon 7:30 PM Lucknow West Indies v Sri Lanka

26-11-2024 Tue 7:30 PM Lucknow England v Australia

27-11-2024 Wed 7:30 PM Lucknow West Indies v South Africa

28-11-2024 Thu 7:30 PM Raipur India v England