In a spectacle set to reignite nostalgia and cricketing rivalries, Indian cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh will return to the field as they lead India Masters in the opening clash of the inaugural International Masters League (IML) T20 2025 against Sri Lanka Masters at DY Patil Sports Academy here on Saturday.
The much-anticipated encounter brings together some of the finest cricketers from the past, rekindling the storied rivalry between India and Sri Lanka. With over 34,000 international runs and 100 centuries to his name, Tendulkar is regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. Despite his dominance across formats, he featured in just one T20 International for India, making this return in the shortest format a special occasion.
Yuvraj, a key contributor to India’s triumphs in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup and 2007 T20 World Cup, expressed excitement about donning the Indian colours again. “India versus Sri Lanka has always been an intense battle, and this match will be no different. Playing alongside legends, especially with Sachin Paaji leading us, is a thrilling experience. The fans are in for a treat,” the star allrounder said.
Reflecting on the occasion, Tendulkar remarked, “Playing against Sri Lanka has always been special, with the 2011 World Cup final being one of the most memorable moments of my career. This tournament gives us an opportunity to relive those rivalries and bring joy to cricket fans once again.”
The India Masters squad features other former international stars, including the Pathan brothers—Yusuf and Irfan—along with Stuart Binny, Dhawal Kulkarni, and Ambati Rayudu. The Sri Lanka Masters will be led by legendary wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Sangakkara and includes seasoned players like Upul Tharanga, Romesh Kaluwitharana, and Suranga Lakmal.
Kartikey Mishra, owner of India Masters, hailed the initiative as a celebration of cricket’s legacy. “The IML is about nostalgia, competition, and passion. These players have given us unforgettable moments, and this tournament is about bringing that magic back.”
The IML T20 2025 will feature six teams—India, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, West Indies, and South Africa—competing across venues in Navi Mumbai, Vadodara, and Raipur. The semifinals and final will be held in Raipur, with the championship decider scheduled for March 16.
India Masters squad: Sachin Tendulkar (captain), Saurabh Tiwary, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Ambati Rayudu, Yuvraj Singh, Stuart Binny, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Pawan Negi, Naman Ojha, Abhimanyu Mithun, Dhawal Kulkarni, Rahul Sharma, Shahbaz Nadeem, Vinay Kumar.
Sri Lanka Masters squad: Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Lahiru Thirimanne, Upul Tharanga, Asela Gunaratne, Ashan Priyanjan, Chinthaka Jayasinghe, Chaturanga de Silva, Dilruwan Perera, Jeevan Mendis, Isuru Udana, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Seekkuge Prasanna, Dhammika Prasad, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal.
Source: UNI
--Agencies
