Kumar Sangakkara rolled back the years with a sensational century, leading Sri Lanka Masters to a dominant nine-wicket victory over England Masters in their final group-stage match of the International Masters League (IML) 2025. His breathtaking innings of 106* off just 47 balls left the crowd in awe and secured Sri Lanka Masters' position at the top of the points table.

A Century of Pure Class

Chasing a target of 147, Sri Lanka Masters needed to reach it within 15.4 overs to claim the top spot. Sangakkara took charge from the very beginning, unleashing a flurry of exquisite strokes all around the ground. His unbeaten 106 included 19 fours and a six, showcasing his perfect timing and placement.

The former Sri Lankan captain controlled the chase masterfully, punishing loose deliveries while effortlessly rotating the strike. His innings was a mix of classic drives, elegant flicks, and aggressive cuts, reminding everyone why he was once one of the best batsmen in the world.

ALSO SEE: ICC Reveals the Champions Trophy 2025 Team of the Tournament

𝐔𝐧𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐧. 𝐔𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞. 𝐔𝐧𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞! 💯

Sangakkara’s 𝟏𝟎𝟔* wasn’t just a knock - it was a 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕! 💥 Leading #SriLankaMasters to a spectacular victory with the winning shot! #IMLT20 #TheBaapsOfCricket #IMLonJioHotstar #IMLonCineplex pic.twitter.com/pFle5IJmeg

— INTERNATIONAL MASTERS LEAGUE (@imlt20official) March 10, 2025

Breaking Records and Leading from the Front

Sangakkara’s century is one of the fastest in IML 2025, coming off just 47 balls. More importantly, it was an innings of intent and dominance, ensuring Sri Lanka Masters finished the group stage on a high note.

With this commanding performance, Sri Lanka Masters head into the semi-finals with momentum, while England Masters bow out of the tournament. Sangakkara’s brilliance with the bat proved once again that class is permanent, leaving fans with a knock to remember.

Success in international cricket is measured by titles, performances under pressure and match winning performances. One major metric to gauge a player’s impact is the number of wins he has been part of in ICC white ball events (ODIs and T20Is). A recent list has the top cricketers with the most wins in ICC events and it’s no surprise that modern day greats like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma top the list.

With 72 wins in 90 matches, Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli has been part of the most number of wins in ICC white ball tournaments. His ability to perform on the biggest stage, whether in World Cups, Champions Trophy or T20 World Cups, makes him one of the most important cricketers of his era. Kohli’s match winning performances, especially in high pressure games have been the reason for India’s success over the years.

India’s current captain Rohit Sharma is just behind Kohli with 70 wins in 90 matches. He is known for his effortless stroke play and ability to rise in big tournaments, Rohit has been a key player in India’s wins in ICC events.He has centuries in World Cups and has led, so he’s one of the all time greats.

The list also features some of the most decorated cricketers in history.

• Mahela Jayawardene (Sri lanka) - 57 wins in 93 matches
• Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) - 56 wins in 90 matches
• Ravindra Jadeja (India) - 52 wins in 70 matches
• Ricky Ponting (Australia) - 52 wins 70 matches
• MS Dhoni (India) - 52 wins in 78 matches                                                                                                                                                                                         

Sri Lankan greats Jayawardene and Sangakkara were the main men in their team’s success in the 2000s and early 2010s, taking Sri Lanka to multiple ICC finals, including a T20 World Cup win in 2014.

Part of Most wins in ICC Events (White Ball)

72 - Virat Kohli (90 Matches)
70 - Rohit Sharma (90 Matches)
57 - Mahela Jayawardene (93 Matches)
56 - Kumar Sangakkara (90 Matches)
52 - Ravindra Jadeja (66 Matches)
52 - Ricky Ponting (70 Matches)
52 - MS Dhoni (78 Matches)… pic.twitter.com/Ewz1f7K7s2

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 10, 2025

Also Read: Cricketers Who Made Stunning Comebacks Thanks to IPL

MS Dhoni, the Indian captain, is also on this list with 52 wins in 78 matches. He led India to win the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy, so he’s one of the most successful captains in ICC history.

It is a mark of the players' consistent performances and their ability to perform in the clutch in ICC white ball events that the list is as it stands today. This has written a new chapter in the history of cricket with Kohli and Rohit leading India as captain, while legends of the game like Dhoni, Ponting and Jayawardene have come to the crease and left their mark. As the next ICC tournaments approach, fans will be waiting to see who rises to the top and adds to their legacy.

Cricket is not just about skills; it’s also about smart thinking and aggressive thinking and taking the right moves according to the game. Some players have an incredible ability to read the game, plan, and make quick decisions that give them an edge over their opponents. Here are five cricketers who used their intelligence to stay ahead of the game.

5. Sachin Tendulkar – The Mastermind of Batting

Sachin Tendulkar (a record-breaking batsman) is a player with a sharp cricketing brain who makes smart decisions in the game. He could read the bowler’s movements, understand pitch conditions, and adjust his shots accordingly. His deep knowledge of the game helped him become the highest run scorer in both Tests and ODIs, proving that intelligence plays a huge role in cricket.

4. Kane Williamson – The Calm Strategist Player

Kane Williamson is known for his cool and calm approach to the game. As captain, he led New Zealand to their first-ever ICC World Test Championship title in 2021. His ability to handle pressure, adjust to match situations, make smart tactical moves, and read the game quickly makes him one of the most intelligent cricketers of the modern era.

See also: Most runs on ODI Debut

3. Kumar Sangakkara – The Smart and Skilled Cricketer

Kumar Sangakkara was more than just a great batsman; he was a deep thinker of the game. He had an amazing ability to read bowlers, plan his innings, and guide his team with smart decisions. As a captain, he helped Sri Lanka as a strong team, mentoring young players and ensuring his team always had a solid strategy and promising decisions in the game.

2. Ricky Ponting – The Aggressive Tactician

Ricky Ponting was not just a great batsman but also a brilliant thinker in the game. As Australia’s captain, he made bold decisions that helped his team dominate world cricket. Under his leadership, Australia won the ODI World Cup in 2003 and 2007. His sharp understanding of the game and fearless captaincy made him a tough opponent to beat.

See also: Indian Batsmen with the Most Centuries After Turning 30

1. MS Dhoni – The Cool and Clever Captain

MS Dhoni is known as one of the smartest captains in cricket history. His ability to stay calm under pressure and make quick decisions helped India win big tournaments like the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy. Whether it was making smart bowling changes or setting tricky field placements, Dhoni always seemed one step ahead of the opposition.

Whether it was Dhoni’s cool decisions, Kohli’s aggressive planning, Ponting’s sharp captaincy, Lara’s unpredictable batting, or Tendulkar’s deep game knowledge, each of them used intelligence to dominate the sport. They showed that thinking smart can be just as powerful as hitting big sixes or bowling fast.

The International Masters League (IML) has announced the schedule and squads for its first season, starting on February 22. The tournament will started with an exciting match between India and Sri Lanka in Navi Mumbai.  

IML 2025 has  six teams -India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Australia, West Indies, and England made up of retired cricket legends. The matches will be played in three cities. The first five games in Navi Mumbai, followed six matches in Rajkot and the tournament will move to Raipur for the semifinals and the grand finale.

IML 2025 Schedule: Full Fixtures, Stages, and Venues

Navi Mumbai Stage

February 22: India Masters vs Sri Lanka Masters – 7:30 PM

February 24: West Indies Masters vs Australia Masters – 7:30 PM

February 25: India Masters vs England Masters – 7:30 PM

February 26: South Africa Masters vs Sri Lanka Masters – 7:30 PM

February 27: West Indies Masters vs England Masters – 7:30 PM

Rajkot Stage

February 28: Sri Lanka Masters vs Australia Masters – 7:30 PM

March 1: India Masters vs South Africa Masters – 7:30 PM

March 3: South Africa Masters vs England Masters – 7:30 PM

March 5: India Masters vs Australia Masters – 7:30 PM

March 6: West Indies Masters vs England Masters – 7:30 PM

March 7: Australia Masters vs South Africa Masters – 7:30 PM

Raipur Stage

March 8: India Masters vs West Indies Masters – 7:30 PM

March 10: Sri Lanka Masters vs England Masters – 7:30 PM

March 11: West Indies Masters vs South Africa Masters – 7:30 PM

March 12: England Masters vs Australia Masters – 7:30 PM

Semi-Finals & Final

March 13: Semi-Final 1 – 7:30 PM (Raipur)

March 14: Semi-Final 2 – 7:30 PM (Raipur)

March 16: Final – 7:30 PM (Raipur)

ALSO READ: If Cricket Was a Game of Chess, These 5 Players Would Be Grandmasters

International Masters League 2025: Full Team Squads

India Masters Squad

Australia Masters Squad

West Indies Masters Squad

England Masters Squad

South Africa Masters Squad

Sri Lanka Masters Squad

International Masters League 2025: Where to Watch

TV Telecast:

• Colors Cineplex SD/HD
• Colors Cineplex Superhits

Live Streaming:

• Disney+ Hotstar (India)

Once again, Virat Kohli demonstrates why he is one of the best players of all time in the game. India's batting icon Virat Kohli has now crossed the milestone of 16,000 international runs across all formats, becoming the fourth player in history to hit this super-tall target.

Fastest 16000 runs 
Kohli achieved this in just 340 innings, thus becoming the fastest batsman to this milestone. He has now overtaken Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakkara, who holds the record for achieving this feat in 410 innings. The achievement perfectly encapsulates Kohli, his consistency, and true raw skill & domination in the international game year after year.

The all-time 16000+ International Runs classified players
Before Kohli, there were only 3 other batsmen who had managed 16000+ runs in International Cricket. They are:
Sachin Tendulkar (India)
Ricky Ponting (Australia)
Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka)
This brings Kohli as the best batsman that ever played in cricket, hence further establishing him as one of them.

Virat Kohli becomes the fastest to reach 16,000 runs in Asia. 🐐🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/03E66o5dFD

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 12, 2025

Kohli's Contribution to International Cricket
Kohli Started his career in 2008, and India's batting has been incomplete without him since those days. His ability to so with ease track endless strike rates, and anchor innings against pressure separates him. He has still broken so many records and defined the standards for the next generation over the ropes.

ALSO READ: PAK vs SA Tri series Live Streaming&: Where & How to Watch the Match Online & on TV

Kohli is also a great captain, and this does not mean his batting only but apart from this. He has been instrumental in leading India to some unforgettable wins and helped lay down a solid foundation of cricket culture in this country..

The International Masters League (IML) T20 2025 promises a thrilling display of world-class cricket as great cricketers from all corners of the globe come out to have some fun in a T20 competition. Scheduled to kick off on February 22, 2025. when some of the biggest names in cricket captain six teams, every team representing a major cricketing nation.

Participating Teams and Captains

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

Venues for IMLT20:

• Navi Mumbai
• Vadodara
• Raipur

ALSO READ: Probable Finalists of the Champions Trophy 2025

Schedule for IMLT20 2025:

Schedule according to the venues and Date :

Navi Mumbai

Raipur

THE FULL SCHEDULE OF IML T20:

- Navi Mumbai, Vadodara, Raipur to host the legendary cricketers like Sachin, Sangakkara, Yuvraj, Watson, Morgan, Gayle, Lara. pic.twitter.com/Cd3OCAyjqs

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 5, 2025

Livestream and Telecast:

Fans can watch live in Disney+Hotstar, while Colors cinplex SD/HD and Colors cinplex Supherhits will telecast.

Have fun watching your cricket legends in to an action.

Cricket fans are  extremely happy about the first ever International Masters League (IML) for cricket happening in 2025. Famous cricket players such as Chris Gayle, Makhaya Ntini, and Monty Panesar are all going to play, which is making it even more exciting for fans all over the world. The IML is going to be like a big celebration where all the greatest cricket legends come together to play matches. 

Chris Gayle Joins Legends for Inaugural International Masters League 2025

There's going to be a major sports event from February 22 to March 16, 2025. It will be in three places: Navi Mumbai, Rajkot, and Raipur. A portion of the best players will be there, such as Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, and Kumar Sangakkara. Chris Gayle, who can hit the ball very hard, is going to be playing for the West Indies Masters team. There are also two other amazing players. Makhaya Ntini, who Blows the ball very fast, is from South Africa. And there's Monty Panesar, who's very good at Spinning , and he's from England. They will be the Captains of their teams.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 #𝐈𝐌𝐋𝐓𝟐𝟎 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡-𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝! 🤩

Block your dates 🗓️, grab your snacks & get ready for an epic showdown! 😍✨

Catch the action LIVE, 7:30 PM onwards ➡️ @DisneyPlusHS, @Colors_Cineplex & #ColorsCineplexSuperhits 📲📺 pic.twitter.com/4chR4udqq7

— INTERNATIONAL MASTERS LEAGUE (@imlt20official) January 29, 2025

Gayle, a name with explosive batting, has been one of the most entertaining players in T20 cricket history. With a remarkable career spanning over 463 T20 matches, Gayle has scored more than 14,500 runs at an impressive strike-rate of 144.75, including 22 centuries and 88 fifties. His all-round ability and showmanship have made him a fan favorite across the globe, and his presence in the West Indies Masters squad will undoubtedly bring firepower to the team. 

Gayle-storm is loading at #IMLT20! 🌪️ Stay tuned for some 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐬𝐬 power! 🤩

Master Chris Gayle has arrived, and you already know what’s coming! Sixes, Entertainment & a whole lot of firepower! 🔥✨#BaapsOfCricket pic.twitter.com/FkX0fXNqm6

— INTERNATIONAL MASTERS LEAGUE (@imlt20official) February 3, 2025

Reflecting on his return to competitive cricket, Gayle expressed, “It’s always exciting to get back on the field and entertain fans. The IML is a fantastic platform to relive those big moments and share the stage with some of the best in the game. I’m ready to bring the Universe Boss energy to this league.” Tendulkar, who will captain the Indian team, and Brian Lara, leading the West Indies team, will spearhead their respective squads in what is expected to be a fierce competition.

ALSO READ: India vs. England ODI Series 2025: Schedule, Squads, Probable Playing XI, When & Where to Watch

Let the 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 decide! 😍 Which team of Masters are you backing in the #IMLT20?

Comment below with the heart that represents your favourite captain & team! 💬⬇️#Cricket #CricketFans pic.twitter.com/Mgd27idvj1

— INTERNATIONAL MASTERS LEAGUE (@imlt20official) January 28, 2025

With Gayle bringing his raw power, Ntini his fiery pace, and Panesar his spin magic, the IML 2025 is shaping up to be a spectacular celebration of cricket's rich legacy. Fans worldwide can look forward to witnessing a thrilling contest that honors the game's greatest talents, all while creating new, unforgettable memories for future generations of cricket lovers.

International Masters League 2025: Season Opener Between Sachin Tendulkar vs Kumar Sangakkara from February 22 The International Masters League (IML) 2025 will kick-start on 22nd February a pre-2025. The league-based T20 that will see a parade of the very best T20 cricket players return to the ground all for nostalgia and showpiece fans.

It will not only be presented as the clash of two of greatest cricketing greats Sachin Tendulkar (IND) vs Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) in the opening match of tournament. The first game takes place at Navi Mumbai's iconic D.Y. Patil Stadium, where it all begins for the tournament.

Teams and Captains of the International Masters League 2025

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

Full schedule:

Semi-Finals and Final

LIVE STREAMING DETAILS:

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 edition kickstarts from February 19. The 9th edition of the tournament will be played in Pakistan and UAE (only for India matches). The top eight teams that qualified for the Champions Trophy from the 2023 World Cup will grind it hard to win the title.

With over eight editions being played, the tournament has seen it all amidst the clashes between the best versus best sides. One such element would be veteran batting campaigners who have shown their impact by scoring some pivotal and large count of runs. That said, here are the top five batters with the most runs across the ICC Champions Trophy timeline.

The highly anticipated International Masters League (IML) is ready to take the world of cricket by storm, featuring legendary players from six cricketing powerhouses: India, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies. This T20 franchise tournament, set to run from November 17 to December 8, will bring together iconic cricket captains, with India’s Sachin Tendulkar leading the charge for his nation. The action-packed event will see 18 thrilling matches unfold across multiple venues in India, blending nostalgia with high-energy cricket.

The tournament will kick off on November 17 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai with an exciting fixture between India and Sri Lanka, rekindling the legendary rivalry between Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. This will be followed by a second match featuring Australia, led by Shane Watson, against Jacques Kallis’ South Africa. Other thrilling fixtures will include West Indies, captained by Brian Lara, taking on Eoin Morgan's England, ensuring fans are in for a treat of world-class cricket from their favorite legends.

Captains ready to lead their teams

Iconic cricket stars will lead their respective teams in the IML, bringing their unparalleled experience and competitive spirit to the T20 format. Captains include Sachin Tendulkar (India), Brian Lara (West Indies), Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), Shane Watson (Australia), Eoin Morgan (England), and Jacques Kallis (South Africa). With the tournament spread across key Indian cities, cricket lovers can expect exhilarating action as these legends reignite their historic rivalries on the field.

India's cricket legend and IML Ambassador, Sachin Tendulkar, shared his enthusiasm about the upcoming league: “I am excited to lead and represent India Masters in the IML. The action on the field will undoubtedly be competitive and exciting. All the players are thrilled to be part of this league, and it's a great opportunity to inspire the next generation while celebrating the sport we love.”

Brian Lara, captain of the West Indies team, added, “It’s going to be amazing to step back onto the field with such a talented group of players. The format is fast and exciting—exactly what the fans want.”

See Also: Mahmudullah announces T20I retirement date

Venues and schedule set for IML action

The IML matches will take place in three venues across India, beginning at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, where four matches will be held. The action then moves to Lucknow’s Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee (BRSABV) Ekana Cricket Stadium on November 21, with India taking on South Africa. Six matches will be played in Lucknow before the league shifts to Raipur, which will host eight matches, including the semi-finals and the grand finale on December 8.

League Commissioner Sunil Gavaskar stated, “It’s a wonderful opportunity for these stalwarts to showcase their skills and prove that they are still at the top of their game. Fans can expect exciting contests that will keep them on the edge of their seats.”

The league will crown its first-ever champion at the final in Raipur, where the best teams will battle for glory. The event promises to be a memorable celebration of cricket, with fans reliving iconic moments and enjoying top-class competition from their favorite legends.

During the tournament, fans can expect a balanced format with innings breaks providing moments to recap the action, analyze key performances, and gear up for the thrilling second half. With cricket icons back in action, the excitement will be palpable both on the field and in the stands.