Navi Mumbai witnessed the thrilling start of the International Masters League T20 2025 on February 22, as the India Masters edged the Sri Lanka Masters by just four runs at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy. The inaugural match set the tone for what promises to be an exciting tournament, featuring some of cricket’s most celebrated retired players within six competing teams.
Winning the toss, Sri Lanka Masters opted to bowl first, hoping to contain the strong batting lineup of India Masters. Their strategy seemed sound initially as Ambati Rayudu and legendary captain Sachin Tendulkar fell for low scores, with the batting pressure mounting early. Yet, the resilient India Masters bounced back, building partnerships to post a formidable total of 222 runs for the loss of just four wickets.
Yusuf Pathan was the standout performer, notching up 56 runs off just 22 balls, demonstrating his explosive hitting ability. Stuart Binny also contributed significantly, scoring 68 runs off 31 deliveries, supported by Gurkeerat Singh’s 44 and Yuvraj Singh’s noteworthy unbeaten 31 runs. The aggressive batting display saw India Masters finishing their innings at 222, setting Sri Lanka Masters with a steep chase.
The chase began unfavorably for Sri Lanka, who lost their opener Upul Tharanga for merely 10 runs. Kumar Sangakkara, the veteran cricketer, steadied the ship, scoring 51 runs under pressure. Lahiru Thirimanne and, later, seasoned players like Jeevan Mendis, who scored 42 off 17, kept the hopes alive, but the wickets fell too frequently. Despite their efforts, Sri Lanka Masters managed to only reach 218 runs before bowing out, handing India Masters their victorious start to the tournament.
Vinay Kumar was worth his weight, capturing three wickets for 32 runs and playing a pivotal role in the Indians' bowling strategy. Irfan Pathan and Abhimanyu Mithun also contributed with key wickets, ensuring the team secured their win. Reflecting on the tightly contested match, Yuvraj Singh expressed his excitement: “Fabulous feeling. It’s always great coming out to the field. The atmosphere was electric... To support cricket above all was great.”
A highlight of the match was Yuvraj Singh's breathtaking catch, taken at the boundary when Thirimanne tried to smash one over. Even at age 43, Yuvraj’s remarkable fielding left fans and commentators alike astonished, reinforcing his reputation as one of cricket's finest. Captured on video, his acrobatic catch sparked widespread reaction, including laudatory remarks from Sara Tendulkar, daughter of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, observing from the stands.
Building anticipation for the format, the tournament features former legends leading their respective national teams; India is captained by Tendulkar, Sri Lanka by Sangakkara, and five other teams with leaders including Eoin Morgan for England and Brian Lara for West Indies. The league, running until March 16, is intended to reignite the cricketing spirit among fans with 18 exhilarating matches played across various stadiums, showcasing past cricketing prowess.
Upcoming matches promise to keep the excitement alive, with India Masters set to clash against Eoin Morgan's England Masters on February 25, signalling the continuation of thrilling cricketing action. This league not only revives competitive play among legends but also serves as a tribute to the legacy they've built throughout their careers.
Fans can catch all the action live on various platforms including Jio Hotstar, Colors Cineplex, and CCSuperhits, ensuring all cricket lovers remain glued to their screens. The International Masters League, dubbed as the “Baaps Of Cricket,” aims to provide fans with nostalgic experiences and thrilling performances as they watch legends take the field once more.