Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar expressed his joy after India Masters’ triumph in the International Masters League (IML) 2025. He remarked that the entire tournament, from practice to matches, felt like a delightful trip down memory lane. India Masters secured the first-ever IML 2025 title by defeating West Indies Masters in a thrilling final on Sunday.
Tendulkar shared on social media, “C.H.A.M.P.I.O.N.S. Every moment at the @imlt20official, from practice to game day, was like stepping back in time. It was amazing to share the field again with some of cricket’s greats. I appreciate everyone who made this experience so special, including the fans, organizers, and my India Masters teammates.”
Sachin captivated fans throughout the tournament with his exciting brand of cricket, showcasing the fitness, skillful shots, and quickness of his earlier days. He evoked nostalgic feelings among cricket enthusiasts, scoring 181 runs in six matches with an average of 30.16 and a strike rate of 153.38, including a half-century. His highest score was 64.
For India Masters, key performances came from Ambati Rayadu (188 runs, two fifties), Yuvraj Singh (179 runs, fifty, three wickets), Stuart Binny (122 runs, half-century), Irfan Pathan (113 runs, half-century, six wickets), Pawan Negi (nine wickets), and Vinay Kumar (eight wickets).
The tournament, celebrating nostalgia, talent, and the enduring passion for cricket, delivered exciting contests. The final match between India Masters and West Indies Masters was a fitting conclusion.
The final was a classic showdown in a packed stadium. Cricket legends turned back the clock as fans anticipated an epic battle. After India Masters restricted West Indies Masters to 148/7, a strong 67-run opening partnership from Tendulkar (25) and Ambati Rayudu (74) set the stage for the run chase.
India Masters displayed their batting strength as Tendulkar and Rayudu entertained the crowd with classic cricket strokes. Tendulkar played with elegance, placing signature cover drives and flicks, while Rayudu adopted an aggressive approach, attacking the West Indies Masters’ bowling with calculated power.
The 51-year-old Tendulkar thrilled the audience with several boundaries and a six during his quick 18-ball innings, before being dismissed by Tino Best.
Rayudu maintained the momentum, ensuring India Masters progressed steadily towards the target. He reached a fifty in 34 balls and formed a 28-run partnership with Gurkeerat Singh Mann (14). Yuvraj Singh (13 not out) then entered to cheers after Mann was dismissed.
Despite some late wickets from West Indies Masters’ spinners, Stuart Binny (16 not out) sealed the victory with two massive sixes.
Earlier, India Masters’ bowlers dominated after West Indies Masters chose to bat first, limiting them to 148/7, despite a half-century from Lendl Simmons.
Brian Lara (6) opened the innings, and his presence energized the crowd. Alongside Dwayne Smith (45), they provided a rapid start, reaching 34 runs in under four overs.
However, Vinay Kumar dismissed Lara, halting West Indies Masters’ momentum. William Perkins (6) replaced Lara but soon fell to Shahbaz Nadeem. Smith continued aggressively before Nadeem dismissed him. India Masters then tightened their control with spinners Nadeem and Pawan Negi restricting the middle order. Stuart Binny dismissed Ravi Rampaul (2) cheaply.
Negi then removed Chadwick Walton (6). Lendl Simmons resisted with a fifty, partnering with Denesh Ramdin (12 not out) for 61 runs. Simmons was eventually dismissed for 57 off 41 balls as India Masters restricted West Indies Masters to a modest total.
Vinay Kumar was the standout bowler for India Masters, taking 3/26, while Shahbaz Nadeem took two wickets. Pawan Negi and Stuart Binny each claimed a wicket.
