Indian cricketing greats Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh are set to reunite on the field after a decade, donning the blue once again to lead India Masters against Sri Lanka in the highly anticipated opener of the inaugural International Masters League (IML) T20 at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Saturday.
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The legendary duo, who played pivotal roles in India’s World Cup victories, will face off against a Sri Lankan side led by Kumar Sangakkara.
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The encounter is expected to revive memories of historic clashes, most notably the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final, where India triumphed.
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“We had some unforgettable moments playing against Sri Lanka over the years, the 2011 World Cup being the most special amongst them. Stepping back onto the field after so many years, and facing a team that has been such a big part of our cricketing journey, makes this even more special,” said Tendulkar, as quoted in an IML press release.
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The tournament, featuring six teamsโIndia, Sri Lanka, Australia, England, West Indies, and South Africaโaims to reignite nostalgia among fans by bringing back some of cricketโs most celebrated names. The matches will be played across Navi Mumbai, Vadodara, and Raipur, with the final scheduled for 16 March in Raipur.
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Yuvraj, known for his all-round prowess and heroics in Indiaโs T20 and ODI World Cup victories, expressed his excitement ahead of the contest.
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“I can’t wait to step back onto the field again. India versus Sri Lanka has always been a high-intensity, thrilling contest, and I know the fans are just as excited as we are.ย Playing alongside legends, and rekindling old rivalries, this is what the International Masters League is all about. With Sachin Paaji leading us against Sanga and the Sri Lankan team, it feels like stepping back in time, but with the same passion for the game,” Singh Said.ย
“The fans are in for a treat, and we’re ready to put on a fantastic show.” he added.
Also read: Yuvraj Singh returns to cricket with India Masters in IML 2025
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The India Masters squad, led by Tendulkar, includes notable players such as Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Stuart Binny, and Dhawal Kulkarni, while Sri Lanka Masters will be captained by Sangakkara and feature the likes of Upul Tharanga, Isuru Udana, and Suranga Lakmal.
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The IML T20, a franchise-based competition, has been conceived to give cricketing legends a platform to compete once more, providing fans with an opportunity to witness their favourite players in action.
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Kartikey Mishra, owner of the India Masters team, highlighted the significance of the tournament.
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“Bringing these legends together for the India Masters Team is a celebration of cricket and its rich legacy in our country. These players have given fans countless unforgettable moments, and IML T20 2025 is about reliving that magic on the field once again. Beyond the competition, seeing them back on the field under the Indian tricolour rekindles the passion and excitement that made these household names not only in India but around the world,” Mishra said.
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As the excitement builds for the tournamentโs inaugural edition, fans will be eagerly anticipating a thrilling opening clash, with two of Indiaโs greatest match-winners looking to script yet another memorable chapter in cricketโs history.
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Squads:
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India Masters: Sachin Tendulkar (captain), Saurabh Tiwary, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Ambati Rayudu, Yuvraj Singh, Stuart Binny, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Pawan Negi, Naman Ojha, Abhimanyu Mithun, Dhawal Kulkarni, Rahul Sharma, Shahbaz Nadeem, Vinay Kumar.
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Sri Lanka Masters: Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Lahira Thirimanne, Upul Tharanga, Asela Gunaratne, Ashan Priyanjan, Chinthaka Jayasinghe, Chaturanga de Silva, Dilruwan Perera, Jeevan Mendis, Isuru Udana, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Seekkuge Prasanna, Dhammika Prasad, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal.
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