India Masters Played fantastic batting in the International Masters League (IML) T20 2025, scoring an impressive 222/4 in 20 overs against Sri Lanka Masters. The innings were Strengthened by explosive performances from Yusuf Pathan and Stuart Binny, who turned back the years with their brilliant knocks.

Binny & Yusuf Pathan helped to Set 223-Run Target for Sri Lanka Masters in IML T20 2025

Yusuf Pathan was unstoppable, smashing an unbeaten 56 off 22 balls in the final overs. His aggressive hitting took the Sri Lankan bowlers backstage and then India Masters ended with a massive total of 221 loss of 4 wickets.

ALSO READ: WPL 2025: UP Warriorz’s Chinelle Henry smashed 50 off just 18 balls against Delhi Capitals, equaling the fastest half-century in WPL history

Earlier, Stuart Binny played a crucial knock, scoring a rapid 68 off 31 balls. His attacking shots gave India a strong start, even after losing early wickets like sachin tendulkar.

INDIA MASTERS POSTED 222 FOR 4 IN IMLT20 🦁

- What s terrific batting show by Binny & Yusuf Pathan, well supported by Gurkeerat and Yuvraj. pic.twitter.com/KrBu72HaZG

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 22, 2025

Solid Contributions from Yuvraj & Gurkeerat

Yuvraj Singh played a steady innings, scoring 31 off 22 balls and Gurkeerat Singh Mann also played an important knock, helping to score a massive total against Srilanka masters.

International Masters League (IML) 2025 is a tournament in cricket involving legendary players from different parts of the world. The tournament will be held in India and has matches lined up in Navi Mumbai, Rajkot, and Raipur. Cricket enthusiasts can watch the matches on TV and online as well. Given below are the full details of watching the tournament live.

Tournament Schedule

• Start Date: February 22, 2025
• Number of Matches: 18 matches, including group-stage games, semifinals, and the final.
• Match Timings: All games will begin at 7:30 PM IST.
• Opening Match: India Masters vs. Sri Lanka Masters at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.

Live Streaming and TV Broadcast

• TV Channels: The matches will be broadcast live on Colors Cineplex (SD & HD) and Colors Cineplex Superhits.
• Online Streaming: Fans can watch the matches online via the JioHotstar app and website.

Teams Participating

• India Masters
• Sri Lanka Masters
• Australia Masters
• England Masters
• West Indies Masters
• South Africa Masters

India Masters Squad: Sachin Tendulkar (c), Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Ambati Rayudu, Stuart Binny, Dhawal Kulkarni, R Vinay Kumar, Shahbaz Nadeem, Rahul Sharma, Naman Ojha, Pawan Negi, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Abhimanyu Mithun, Saurabh Tiwary

ALSO READ:UPW vs DCW WPL Live Streaming: Where & How to Watch the Match Online on TV

Players to Watch

Cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, and Kumar Sangakkara are expected to participate, making this a must-watch event for fans.

Former Indian opener Navjot Singh Sidhu revealed the 16-year-old Sachin Tendulkar’s determination story when the right-handed batter told “main khelega” (I will play) after getting hit on his nose, which was bleeding. 

Sachin Tendulkar is a legendary cricketer in Indian cricket history, and the entire cricket world respects him hugely. The right-handed batter set many international cricket records in his more than two decades of international cricket career. 

Sachin made his international cricket debut at the age of 16 when India toured Pakistan. Hosts Pakistan then had pacers like Waqar Younis, Washim Akram, and Imran Khan, who were threats to every world-class batter. Then helmets were only for the shielding head and nearby, and there wasn’t any front grill to cover the face.

Also Watch: Shikhar Dhawan Reveals How MS Dhoni Backed Him & Rohit Sharma

Four batters were out for single-digit scores

Jinnah Stadium in Sialkot hosted the last Test of the four-match Test series. India went on to secure the Test match on the final day of that fourth Test, while the visitors lost their first four wickets for only 38 runs in the third innings of the match, where India earlier had a 74-run lead. Apart from the opener Navjot Sidhu, all other batters among the top five failed to reach even the 5-run mark. 

Sachin Tendulkar said "main khelega" to Navjot Sidhu

It was a tough time for the visitors when Sachin joined Sidhu in the crease. In the early period of that innings, Sachin was hit on his nose when he was facing Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis. Although Sachin’s nose was bleeding and Sidhu was sure enough for the youngster’s retired hurt, Sachin didn’t give up and told “main khelega” (I will play).

पाकिस्तान, खून और सचिन....#INDvsPAK #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/C7nGZKsV8X

— Abhishek Tripathi / अभिषेक त्रिपाठी (@abhishereporter) February 21, 2025

Sidhu and Sachin set up an incredible 101-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Sachin scored his second Test half-century and was only dismissed by Imran Khan after scoring a valuable 57 off 134 balls with six fours. India successfully saved that Test match, while Sidhu won the Player of the Match award for scoring valuable 97 runs off 234 balls in that third innings. 

Let’s picture the world of cricket as if it were scripted sports entertainment, with its promos and betrayals and over-the-top feuds.

The Ultimate Heel: David Warner

Like every great wrestling story, it needed a top bad guy and David Warner is it. With his combative on-field persona, volatile temperament and background of controversies , Warner would make an ideal heel. Picture Warner racing out to the crease, delivering heel promos and flaunting dismissals. He loved leaning into being the villain, heckling the other players, working up the audience into a frenzied bitterness and looked an awfully lot like a familiar video game villain.

In second place:

Virat Kohli:  His intensity, fishy celebrations and passionate sledging would have jeopardized his "villain' tag in the enemy camp.

Gautam Gambhir:  Gambhir’s no-nonsense approach and his tussles with the opposition mean he is never found wanting for back-and-forths, making him a natural villain.

The Ultimate Babyface: MS Dhoni

Every wrestling promotion needs an overbabyface, and when it comes to cricket, there’s no bigger babyface than MS Dhoni. Level-headed in a crisis, adored by fans across the globe and a late-over finish wizard, Dhoni is the picture of heroism. Imagine the sound of the entrance music that accompanies Dhoni so perfectly for so many years, while the fans are cheering and falling over themselves while he walks to the crease, his eyes glazed. He is always controlled, the ideal hero against the game’s most infamous heels.

In second place:

Sachin Tendulkar: Tendulkar is the most loved cricketer in history — the John Cena of cricket for always fighting for the audience, no matter which team they support, respected by all players and the epitome of sportsmanship.

Kane Williamson: The nice guy of cricket that all sport needs, Williamson’s sportsmanship and disposition are too good to pass up for a fairytale.

Nations Over Cricket: An Iconic Feuds in a Cricket-WWE Universe

Warner vs Dhoni (Corporate Champion vs People’s Champion) – it’s Warner the cocky heel, fronting a frillionaire IPL party, versus Dhoni the man of the people who plays for the love of the game.

Kohli vs. Smith (The Intensity Showdown) – An ultra-competitive battle between two skillful players, aggressive in their styles and prepared to get into each other head.

Gambhir vs. Kohli (Faction Warfare) – It actually has in real life! Now actually visualize doing this two top rival stables paving the way for the largest faction war in cricket WWE history.

If cricket had ever taken a leaf out of the WWE playbook, global sporting field would be an entertainment flow like never before. The sledging would become scripted promos, the rivalries played up as grudge matches, and every match larger-than-life storytelling. Until then, all we can do is savour the natural drama of cricket the way it plays out in real life, which-let’s be real-at times follows the well-trodden path of WWE!

Also Read:- Indian Flag Waves High at Karachi's National Stadium on Champions Trophy 2025 Opening

Milind Rege a starwalt of Mumbai Ranji team who shapped the way of many youngsters including Sachin Tendulkar dies at the age of 76 due to heart attack. His loss is really deprived to Ranji fertinity who just not played for the team but worked for the betterment of the club too. He started his Ranji Career from 1967 and played for 10 long years. 

Rege dedicated himself to Mumbai cricket and was passionate about it. He just didn't played for Mumbai but made himself to the highest post of becoming a cheif selector and was integral part of Mumbai cricket improvement committee.  The most interesting part is he was one of the part of selection committee who picked the legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar for Mumbai season in 1988 - 89

Read More : Rizwan Promises Fans They Will Play Best Cricket To Defend The Title

Rege For Mumbai Cricket

Rege had a legendary career in his Ranji tenure he was an off spin all rounder who just changed the course of Mumbai Cricket after his inclusion the team was just unstoppable they grabbed 13 Ranji Trophy titles on a trot which was just unbelievable.Rege had played 52 first class matches from 1967 to 1978 in this span he taken 126 wickets and has two five wicket haul and has a batter he has scored 1532 runs. 

Having this type of stats at that time was considered as remarkable one, to achieve this feat had to struggle a lot it was not easy for Milind to reach this position says his close friend the little master Sunil Gavaskar, he mentioned that both Milind and him were childhood friends from schooling to college. Miland himself told about his cricketing journey where he admired lot of people. 

A Finest Gem Lost

Sardesai was one them which he admired the most and having the photograph of him. He shared his room with that legend which was an unreal moment for him. Sardesai told one important point to him which is still in his mind that Milind its not easy to get it into Mumbai Ranji Team if you won't perform in one match you will never be called again. Vijay Merchant, Madhav Mantri, Umgigar sat into a panel to select me, even senior were too supportive to protect me. 

Really sad to hear about the demise of a dear friend Milind Rege. A true Champion in his contribution to Mumbai and Tata's cricket all-round. A Mentor Par Excellence. Heartfelt condolences to Raj and family. God bless his soul. pic.twitter.com/ZrB1fHAizg

— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) February 19, 2025

Sad to hear about Milind Rege Sir's passing. He was a true Mumbai cricketer with immense contributions to the city's cricket. He and other CCI members saw potential in me and asked me to play for CCI, which, as I look back now, was a landmark moment in my career.

He could pick… pic.twitter.com/MD00ghszkW

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 19, 2025

Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Mumbai cheif selector Ajay conveyed their condolesence for the great player and the mentor who just not only played the game but developed the path of the youngsters who want to aspire the game. 

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)

If cricket were a chess game, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and Ricky Ponting would be the Grandmasters. With their smart thinking, quick decisions, and great skills, they would always be one step forward.

5. Virat Kohli – The Aggressive Player

Virat Kohli is a very Aggressive Player always focused and ready to face any situation in the game. He is known for putting pressure on the opposition and taking very aggressive steps according to the situation. His bold style makes him a challenging player, how quickly he thinks and makes decisions in the game. Kohli plays the game with so much passion, but his aggressive and clever thinking helps him take to control when it matters. He's always planning his next move and plans about what he can do in the field like chess players who can understand the next step of opponents.

4.AB de Villiers – The  Genius player

AB de Villiers(360 players) was a magician with the bat, he played all along the ground. His shots show that no one else can play that shot or even imagine, always keeping bowlers on edge. His ability to adapt to any situation and take new ideas made him unpredictable and hard to know what shot he could play in the game. De Villiers was a master of reading the ball and game and everyone knows with his creativity he played all over the ground and had unbelievable shots. Like a chess player who can't think about his clever moves, AB de Villiers is a very Genius player.

3. Ricky Ponting – The Bold tactical player

Ricky Ponting was never afraid to take risks in the game like a Bold tactical player, and that’s why he made him such a smart player, other teams were afraid of him for making very bold decisions. His decisions are quick bowling changes and aggressive field setting to confuse the other teams. His batting approach was always aggressive, he knew when to play hard and when to pull back according to the situation. Ponting’s Captaincy and his ability to make bold decisions made him one of the best captains ever. His boldness and strategy made him a  Bold tactical player on the field.

2. MS Dhoni – The Calm Strategic Player

Former Indian Team Captain MS Dhoni is known for staying cool and calm in the toughest situations. His ability to read the game and make smart decisions under pressure. His clever field settings and strategy make him confident in making strategic decisions. As a captain, his strategic mind and his cool nature helped India to win so many times, Other teams were confused about what just happened. His calmness and Strategic mind made him a true master of the game.

1. Sachin Tendulkar – The Master Planner

Sachin Tendulkar, the master blaster for India, is the perfect example of a player who always thinks according to the game like a Master Planner. He didn’t just play the game; he understood it deeply, and then according to that he approached. Whether he was building an innings or attacking bowlers, Sachin always had a plan about what he was doing every time. His ability to read the ball and focused mind allowed him to think about the game. His intelligence and patience made him a true legend, He is always planning ahead of his opponents.

Sehwag, who is a legends of the game himself, called Kohli his favourite batter due to his knack to chase targets. "Kohli is a master of chases “, Sehwag said. He is very good in chases and he seems to get the job done every time."

Why Kohli Pipped the Master Blaster?

Sehwag has a lot of respect for Tendulkar but he has ranked Kohli as No. 1 for his consistency and match-winning ability along with the phenomenal record Kohli has in ODIs.

The Indian trails No. 1 Sehwag, who is hailed as the greatest ever batter. “It’s because Tendulkar is my idol,” Sehwag said. “He is my biggest batman I have ever seen. He taught me a lot about how aggressive you can be up there at the top of the order."

At No. 3, Sehwag chose former Pakistan middle-order batter Inzamam-ul-Haq, who reigned in the 1990s and 2000s. His top two were Indian batters — Sachin Tendulkar at No. 2 and Virat Kohli at No. 1.

The rest of the three batters on Sehwag's shortlist are:
3. Inzamam-ul-Haq
4. AB de Villiers
5. chris Gayle

"All these batters are legends, Sehwag said. “They all have a legacy in ODI cricket.”
Virender Sehwag has jaw-dropping stats of his five ODI batters. Sachin Tendulkar is still the leading run-scorer in ODI as he amassed 18,426 runs at an average of 44.83 and a strike rate of 86.23 across 463 matches. Now the guy with the more hundreds than anyone (50) in limited-overs cricket is Virat Kohli with 13,963 runs at an average of 57.93 with a strike rate of 93.52 in 297 matches. Seventh on 11,739 runs at 39.52 and strike rate of 74.24 in 378 matches. The only batsman to have scored 9,577 runs at an average over 50 and a strike rate over 100 or above is AB de Villiers, who had 228 ODIs with an average of 53.50 and a strike rate of 101.09. Gale who was an explosive batter scored 10,480 runs in ODIs at an average of 37.83 at a strike rate of 87.19.

Kohli takes top spot, Tendulkar at No. 2 🤯@virendersehwag reveals his Top 5 ODI batters 🔥

Watch now 👉🏼 pic.twitter.com/3qIf1nmlDN

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) February 17, 2025

Sehwag's statement will invite controversy but only proves the greatness of both Kohli and Sachin. Both batters have achieved incredible things in ODI cricket and they are both deserving of a place in any all-time list.

Also Read : Indian Flag Missing at Pakistan Venue, Controversy Erupts

Road to the Final: IPL 2025 Playoffs Set to Ignite

The International Masters League (IML) 2025 is all set to back the cricket legends to the field, and Australia Masters have announced their squad with Shane Watson as captain. Their matches starts from February 24, 2025, in Navi Mumbai, first match against West Indies Masters in their opening match.

Shane Watson to Lead Australia Masters in International Masters League 2025

Watson, said, "Playing in India always feels special, it brings back so many great memories. The rivalry between Australia and India is intense, and we love that challenge. Leading Australia Masters in the IML is a huge honor, and our goal is simple to win the trophy. With so many great players in the league, it won’t be easy, but we are ready to give our best."

The tournament is ready for the cricket fans, bringing back some of the most exciting rivalries. Fans can  see the most thrilling clash between India and Australia, where Tendulkar’s batting skills will be tested against Watson’s all-round abilities. Meanwhile, Lara’s attacking shots will challenge Australia’s bowlers, Kallis’ all-round game will make South Africa a tough opponent, Sangakkara’s experience will be crucial for Sri Lanka, and Morgan’s leadership will strengthen England’s challenge.

🚨 𝑩𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑲𝑰𝑵𝑮 🚨

Australia Masters' 15-member squad is out for the International Masters T20 League (IML)! 🇦🇺🏏

All-rounder Shane Watson will lead the side as the tournament kicks off on 22nd February 💪#IML #ShaneWatson #T20s #Australia #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/tfOIADT7eo

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) February 14, 2025

Australia Masters is co-owned by Indian-American entrepreneurs Hari Agrawal, Ajay Gupta, and Ruchika Gupta, who aim to bring this league. Hari Agrawal, founder of CNA Group, said that, "Cricket is all about skill, strategy, and endurance, but we also need to think about sustainability. This league is a great opportunity to promote a greener future for the game." Ajay Gupta, saying, "Cricket builds friendships, creates unforgettable moments, and unites communities. That’s what makes it so special."

ALSO READ: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – Predicted Playing XIs for India and Pakistan match

Ruchika Gupta, Founder & CEO of Health Click Away, highlighted the link between sports and fitness, saying, "Good health and performance go hand in hand. Cricket is a passion shared by both India and Australia, and through this bond, we can inspire people to focus on fitness and healthy living." With legendary players, exciting rivalries, and for the future, the IML 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for cricket fans around the world.

 Australia Masters squad 

 Australia Masters full schedule

India Masters Squad

The India Masters side will be led by the great of all time Sachin Tendulkar in the teams. The squad has a few past Indian players who played pivotal roles in the history of Indian cricket. Full squad:

Full Squad List:

• Sachin Tendulkar (Captain)
• Yuvraj Singh
• Suresh Raina
• Ambati Rayudu
• Yusuf Pathan
• Irfan Pathan
• Stuart Binny
• Dhawal Kulkarni
• Vinay Kumar
• Shahbaz Nadeem
• Rahul Sharma
• Pragyan Ojha
• Pawan Negi
• Gurkeerat Mann
• Abhimanyu Mithun

Fan reaction is High High
Fans are so happy to see their favorite cricketers back and playing the game. Sachin Tendulkar has been seen in action for the tournament, too, and videos of net sessions went viral across social media. Some believe this tournament may well afford fans a peek at the pre-RCB golden era of Indian cricket.

The likes of Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina, both powerful batters are going to play a crucial role in this team. Some of the good regular bowlers who will strengthen batting and bowling in-rounders like Yusuf Pathan, and Irfan Pathan. The squad has some established pacemen in the bowling lineup of Vinay Kumar and Dhawal Kulkarni whereas Pragyan Ojha and Rahul Sharma are there for the spin.

ALSO READ: Sri Lanka created history after beating Australia: A History to Remember

Tournament Schedule and Initial Match
DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai 22nd Feb -- 01st March 2025: Start of the campaign by the India Masters side against Sri Lanka Masters. The league will retake its place at the matches in Rajkot and Raipur with the finale held in March 2025.

For all other wannabe cricket fans
A tournament for cricket as the memories of these cricketers, who engrossed international cricket in their past will surely come back to some individuals. IML T20 2025 promises to be the feast of cricket we have six solid teams and some great players lined up!