The first edition of the International Masters League (IML), one of the top T20 franchise events, is all set to begin this year, with an array of cricketing legends included.
Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar, two of the world’s finest cricketers, founded the six-team league. These two all-time greats will work with India’s best sports management organisation, PMG Sports, and SPORTFIVE, a well-known worldwide sports marketing firm, to establish a company in India to host the league.
The International Masters League (IML) will be an annual T20 cricket event featuring cricket talents from six countries: India, Australia, South Africa, the West Indies, England, and Sri Lanka. The event aims to revive memories and spark new clashes as it recreates the charm of some of the game’s best players. Indian great Sachin Tendulkar’s comeback is expected to spark enthusiasm among millions of fans anxious to see the Master Blaster’s wizardry with the bat once more across the 22 yards. Sunil Gavaskar, a legendary cricketer, has been chosen as League Commissioner.
The contest is planned to take place in Mumbai, Lucknow, and Raipur.
PMG Sports and SPORTFIVE Sports Management LLC will handle parts of the league’s commercial and operational components, which involves franchise partnerships, commercial rights partnerships, on-the-ground execution, and broadcast production.
On this development, Sachin Tendulkar said, “Cricket continues to grow in popularity not just in India, but across the world. In the last decade, T20 cricket has accelerated its adoption, and has drawn new fans into the game. There is now a strong desire among fans across ages, to re-witness age-old battles in newer formats. Sportspersons never retire at heart, and the competitive streak within, waits for an opportunity to get back on the field.
“We have conceived the International Masters League as a meeting point of passionate fans and competitive cricketers. I am certain all players participating will get back into the groove and prepare hard. When we represent our countries, we all want to play top quality cricket and try to win.”
Sunil Gavaskar, Commissioner of the International Masters League, said, “T20 cricket’s rise offers a fantastic opportunity to relive the magic of the sport we love. The International Masters League will bring fans closer to the legends they’ve admired for years, offering another golden chance to watch their heroes LIVE in action. This is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of nostalgia, where unforgettable moments of cricketing brilliance will come alive once again. We invite everyone to join us on this exciting journey and create new memories together.”
Stefan Felsing, CEO of SPORTFIVE, said, “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.”
SPORTFIVE’s Seamus O’Brien, President APAC, said, “This marks a milestone in our strategic development of the SPORTFIVE Asia network, expanding our footprint across the key business and sporting centres of the continent. Unlocking the opportunities of the Indian marketplace with such a marquee event and iconic partners is a pivotal moment. The IML is not just a tournament — it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact by celebrating the legacy of cricket’s greatest players and their connection with millions of fans in India and throughout the world, whilst creating new memories and more great sporting moments on the way.”