The International Masters League (IML) 2025 kicked off with significant excitement as India Masters led by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar displayed outstanding performance, securing a decisive nine-wicket victory over England Masters at the DY Patil Sports Academy on February 25, 2025.
Sachin Tendulkar, who once again proved why he is revered as one of cricket's greats, rolled back the years with his impressive batting. He scored 34 runs off just 21 balls, electrifying the crowd with five fours and one six during his time at the crease. His knock set the stage for India Masters, which chased down the target of 133 runs with great confidence and ease, accomplishing the chase within just 11.4 overs.
Gurkeerat Singh Mann was the star of the match, finishing with an unbeaten 63 runs off 35 deliveries. His partnership with Yuvraj Singh, who contributed 27 not out off 14 balls, ensured India Masters quickly reached their target, showcasing their batting prowess. With the crowd firmly behind them, the duo helped secure the home side’s second consecutive win of the tournament.
Earlier, when the match began, India Masters won the toss and opted to field first, a decision which paid off handsomely. England Masters could only muster 132 runs for the loss of 8 wickets, thanks largely to the disciplined bowling of Dhawal Kulkarni, who claimed three wickets for just 21 runs over four overs. He was well supported by Abhimanyu Mithun and Pawan Negi, each taking two wickets apiece.
Despite some promising starts from England’s batting order, including contributions from Darren Maddy and Tim Ambrose, the team struggled to build significant partnerships, leading to their undoing. Kulkarni's exceptional spell effectively dismantled the England lineup, and he was instrumental in keeping their score within reach for the Indian batting contingent.
The match served as another reminder of Tendulkar's enduring skill and class, as he struck three boundaries within the fifth over alone. The crowd erupted with joy, witnessing the nostalgic display reminiscent of Tendulkar's past glories. He was eventually dismissed by Chris Schofield, but the foundation was laid for the home side's victory.
After the match, Tendulkar noted the importance of teamwork and the spirit displayed by his squad, emphasizing how happy he was to be competing again at such stages. "Sachin Tendulkar rolled back the years with this innings, drawing rapturous applause from the crowd," reported the Press Trust of India.
The victory sees India Masters solidifying their position in the tournament’s standings, having clinched their second win following their initial match against Sri Lanka Masters, which they had narrowly won by four runs. With high hopes of continuing their winning streak, the team looks to their next encounter with unyielding determination.
The inaugural IML T20 2025 features six teams, with the tournament format structured as round-robin, culminating with the semifinals and finals scheduled across various venues—Navi Mumbai, Vadodara, and Raipur—where top teams will vie for the championship title on March 16.
This edition of the IML, which features legends of international cricket, showcases veterans including Brian Lara, Kumar Sangakkara, and Jacques Kallis, making it a nostalgic yet competitive event for players and fans alike.
Mann expressed his joy over the team's performance, saying, "Gurkeerat Singh Mann top-scored with his powerful innings, reflecting the depth of talent present within the squad." He showed great promise not only as a batsman but as part of the cohesive unit under Tendulkar’s mentorship.
With strong performances and strategic plays, India Masters aims to maintain momentum as they progress through the tournament, showcasing both the skills of the players and the spirit of the game.