The cricketing world is abuzz with the announcement of the International Masters League (IML), an exciting new T20 franchise tournament featuring six teams composed of cricketing stars from across the globe. Scheduled to commence in November 2024, the league aims to unite legends from India, Australia, England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies, rekindling the magic of cricket’s golden era.
The brainchild of two of cricket’s greatest icons, Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar, the league is being brought to life through their respective companies, PMG Sports and SRT Sports Management, in partnership with SPORTFIVE. Tendulkar will serve as the league’s face, while Gavaskar has been appointed League Commissioner, responsible for upholding the tournament’s high standards.
The IML will comprise six franchises, each representing a different cricketing nation and featuring a wealth of experience and talent. Among the confirmed participants are legends such as Brian Lara, Virender Sehwag, and Jacques Kallis. Their involvement not only adds significant star power to the tournament but also ensuring that fans can look forward to thrilling matches filled with nostalgia and competitive spirit. The presence of these cricketing icons is likely to create an electrifying atmosphere, offering audiences the chance to witness the skill and flair that defined their illustrious careers.
The matches of the International Masters League will be held across three major Indian venues – Mumbai, Lucknow and Raipur.
PMG Sports and SPORTFIVE will oversee the league’s commercial and operational aspects, including franchise partnerships, commercial rights management, on-ground execution, and broadcast production. This collaboration underscores the tournament’s ambition to deliver a professional and engaging cricketing experience.
SPORTFIVE CEO Stefan Felsing expressed enthusiasm for the league’s potential, “This tournament presents a fantastic opportunity to enhance our footprint in cricket. It’s just the start, with more cricket initiatives coming soon. We are thrilled to be part of this journey, bringing back iconic players to the pitch and giving fans a new way to connect with their heroes.
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