Sachin Tendulkar will captain India in the International Masters League.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 8: The much-anticipated International Masters League (IML) is gearing up to captivate cricket fans worldwide by uniting legendary players from six cricketing nations: India, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, South Africa, and the West Indies in an exciting T20 franchise tournament.

The inaugural edition is scheduled to take place from November 17 to December 8, with the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai hosting the first four matches.

The tournament will kick off with a thrilling match between India and Sri Lanka on November 17, featuring Sachin Tendulkar going head-to-head with Kumar Sangakkara, reminiscent of their legendary clashes in the past.

In the second match, Shane Watson's Australia will face Jacques Kallis' South Africa, followed by a contest between Sri Lanka and Eoin Morgan's England. Brian Lara and his West Indies team will also take to the field against Australia in what promises to be an exhilarating matchup.

After the initial matches, the tournament will shift to Lucknow (Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee (BRSABV) Ekana Cricket Stadium) on November 21, where India will take on South Africa.

Lucknow will host six matches before the league moves to Raipur (Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium), where India will battle England on November 28.

Raipur will feature a total of eight games, including the semi-finals, culminating in the final on December 8, where the inaugural champions of the International Masters League will be determined.

All the captains in the International Masters League are iconic players with illustrious careers, bringing their invaluable experience and competitive spirit to the T20 format. With 18 action-packed matches, the IML promises to engage audiences by blending nostalgia with high-energy cricket.

The captains for the International Masters League include: India: Sachin Tendulkar, West Indies: Brian Lara, Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara, Australia: Shane Watson, England: Eoin Morgan, and South Africa: Jacques Kallis.

Cricket legend and League Ambassador Sachin Tendulkar expressed, "As the ambassador and face of the IML, I am eager to lead and represent India Masters in the league. The competition on the field will undoubtedly be thrilling. All players are excited about the prospect of playing in the IML across multiple venues. It’s a chance to inspire the next generation while celebrating the sport we love."

Brian Lara, the West Indies captain, remarked, "It's going to be fantastic to step back onto the field with such a talented group of players. The format is fast, thrilling, and competitive—exactly what the fans want."

England captain Eoin Morgan added, "The IML combines cricketing legends and franchise competition, creating a phenomenal experience for both players and fans."

Jacques Kallis, captain of South Africa, noted, "The opportunity to compete in such a challenging environment again is exhilarating. The IML will showcase our talent and passion for the game."

Australia's captain Shane Watson stated, "It’s amazing to see so many legends of the game coming together in one league. I’m excited to lead Australia and aim to deliver some top-quality cricket for the fans."

Kumar Sangakkara, the Sri Lanka captain, mentioned, "Playing against the best again in this format is special. Fans will witness competitive cricket and relive unforgettable moments."

League Commissioner Sunil Gavaskar commented, "Stalwarts from every nation will participate in the International Masters League. For them, it's a fantastic opportunity to showcase their skills and demonstrate that they are still at their best. These players don't know how to take it easy. The league promises to be thrilling, with tightly contested matches. I am confident it will be a treat for those attending and watching on television."