The legendary Sachin Tendulkar is set to make a comeback to cricket through the newly launched International Masters League (IML), which will begin this year. The league, conceived by cricket icons Sunil Gavaskar and Tendulkar, will include six teams representing India, England, Australia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and the West Indies.
The matches are scheduled to take place in November in Mumbai, Lucknow, and Raipur, with the complete schedule expected to be announced soon.
The tournament is set to bring back memories and create new rivalries by featuring some of the greatest players in cricket history. Tendulkar will play for the Indian team, while Gavaskar has been named the League Commissioner.
“Cricket continues to grow in popularity not just in India, but across the world. In the last decade, T20 cricket has accelerated its adoption and has drawn new fans into the game. There is now a strong desire among fans across ages, to re-witness age-old battles in newer formats,” Tendulkar said.
“Sportspersons never retire at heart and the competitive streak within waits for an opportunity to get back on the field. We have conceived the International Masters League as a meeting point for passionate fans and competitive cricketers. I am certain all players participating will get back into the groove and prepare hard. When we represent our countries, we all want to play top-quality cricket and try to win.”
Tendulkar and Gavaskar will be working together with PMG Sports and SPORTFIVE Sports Management LLC to organize the league.
The commissioner of the league Sunil Gavaskar said, “T20 cricket’s rise offers a fantastic opportunity to relive the magic of the sport we love. The International Masters League will bring fans closer to the legends they’ve admired for years, offering another golden chance to watch their heroes LIVE in action. This is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of nostalgia, where unforgettable moments of cricketing brilliance will come alive once again. We invite everyone to join us on this exciting journey and create new memories together.”
