India Masters made history by winning the first International Masters League (IML) 2025 title, triumphing over West Indies Masters by six wickets in a spectacular final that rekindled the enchantment of cricket’s golden age. Under the leadership of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, India Masters delivered an impressive all-around performance to surpass Brian Lara’s West Indies Masters and secure the prestigious title in front of nearly 50,000 spectators at SVNS International Stadium on Sunday.
The SVNS International Stadium in Raipur resonated with the sounds of history as legendary cricketers from two dominant nations came together for the grand finale of the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025 on Sunday. This tournament, rooted in nostalgia, talent, and an enduring passion for the sport, had produced thrilling matchups, and none was more significant than this — Sachin Tendulkar’s India Masters facing off against Brian Lara’s West Indies Masters for the prestigious title.
Brian Lara, the skipper, chose to bat first after winning the toss.
Taking charge, Brian Lara made a daring decision to open the innings himself. At 55, his mere presence ignited a wave of emotion among the crowd, and together with the dynamic Dwayne Smith, he created an ideal beginning. The Caribbean pair attacked the new ball aggressively, reaching 34 in just under four overs, prompting Indian Masters captain Sachin Tendulkar and his bowlers to reconsider their strategies.
Vinay Kumar delivered the decisive blow to get rid of Lara.
However, as the saying goes, cricket is a great equalizer, and it was Vinay Kumar who provided a significant turn of events by dismissing Lara for 6, effectively stopping the West Indies Masters’ momentum. As the legendary left-handed batsman made his way back to the pavilion, the packed crowd, which had been quieted by his team’s early aggression, stood together in recognition not only of the wicket but also of a cricketing legend who had shaped an era.
Unusual strategies employed by Lara while his batters failed to tackle spinners.
William Perkins came in to take Lara’s place but quickly fell prey to the cunning of Shahbaz Nadeem. Meanwhile, Smith continued to assert his presence, hitting six boundaries and two sixes before Nadeem struck again, bowling Smith out through his gate and ending his innings after 35 deliveries.
From that point on, the India Masters tightened their hold on the match with the spin duo of Nadeem and Pawan Negi stifling the middle order, leaving the Caribbean team struggling for momentum.
The Prince, Brian Lara promoted Ravi Rampaul in the batting order to counteract the left-arm spin from both Negi and Nadeem, but this strategy backfired as Stuart Binny dismissed him cheaply.
Although Rampaul can hit a few sixes with a long handle when only a few deliveries remain, he will always find it challenging against quality left-arm spin bowling especially on a pitch that offers assistance to spinners. Utilising him as a pinch hitter while more accomplished batsmen like Walton and Ramdin who had performed well in previous matches waited in the dugout seemed like a hasty tactic that ultimately proved ineffective.
Lendl Simmons stepped up yet again to save the WI Masters.
Pawan Negi then delivered another significant blow, dismissing Chadwick Walton (6) right after he was sent off for a towering six. In the midst of the turmoil, Lendl Simmons emerged as a key player with a counterattacking fifty off 34 balls, anchoring the West Indies Masters innings alongside wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin (12 not out) in a crucial sixth wicket partnership worth 61 runs, where Ramdin played a supportive role.
However, Simmons fell after facing 41 balls for his score of 57, which included five boundaries and one six, while trying to accelerate in the final over of the innings as India Masters ultimately limited them to
an inadequate total.
Vinay Kumar was the standout bowler for the home team, finishing with figures of 3/26, while Shahbaz Nadeem took two wickets. Pawan Negi and Stuart Binny each contributed with one wicket.
Energetic beginning by Indian Masters.
Following the India Masters’ control over the opposition, who managed a modest 148/7, they showcased their batting prowess as Tendulkar and Rayudu delighted the packed stadium with some classic stroke play. Tendulkar displayed his finesse, skilfully threading the field with his trademark cover drives and flicks, while Rayudu opted for a more aggressive approach, effectively dismantling the West India Masters bowling attack.
The 51-year-old icon captivated the audience with several boundaries and a six during his smooth 18-ball innings before a sharp delivery from Tino Best brought his innings to an end, momentarily silencing
the enthusiastic crowd.
Lack of effort in the field by Lara’s Windies Masters.
A few misfields by the fielders gave the Indian batsmen some easy runs, and Ravi Rampaul dropped a challenging chance off Sachin. Taking such catches can boost team morale, but these cricketers aren’t as agile now as they used to be, making those catches difficult for them to secure.
Rayudu continued to dominate the uninspired bowling.
Rayudu, nonetheless, made sure the excitement persisted as India Masters smoothly advanced towards their target. During this phase, the right-handed opener reached a fifty off 34 deliveries with a boundary against Best, while his partnership with Gurkeerat Singh Mann (14) contributed an additional 28 runs to the Indian score. Mann was dismissed while trying for an ambitious shot against off-spinner Ashley Nurse, which set the stage for Yuvraj Singh’s (13 not out) entrance into the middle to enthusiastic applause.
Intense clash between Yuvraj and Tino Best.
The incident occurred after 13 overs when India needed only 35 runs from the remaining seven overs. Tino Best delivered the 13th over, and immediately afterward, tensions flared between non-striker Yuvraj Singh and the bowler. The two engaged in a heated exchange, with their verbal confrontation escalating at one point. Umpire Billy Bowden, along with Brian Lara and Ambati Rayudu, had to step in to separate them.
The tension finally eased during the second strategic timeout when Yuvraj Singh playfully patted Best on the back.
Stuart Binny concluded the match with flair.
Just as the India Masters were cruising towards victory, the West Indies Masters spinners postponed the inevitable by taking the wickets of Rayudu, who was dismissed by left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn after hitting nine fours and three massive sixes in his 50-ball innings, and new man Yusuf Pathan, who was trapped lbw by Nurse. Nevertheless, with only 17 runs needed from the last 28 deliveries, Stuart Binny (16 not out) finished things off in style by smashing two enormous sixes.
Why are Indian masters surpassing other teams in these veteran leagues?
The reflexes of both Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar may have diminished, but their talent remains evident, as showcased by their stroke play throughout the series. It’s important to note that while they are both in their 50s—Sachin being four years younger than Lara—they both contend with aging bodies.
However, what distinguishes the Indian Masters from other teams is that retired Indian players continue to participate in various leagues worldwide and are not considered old.
Most members of the team are not forgotten stars; in contrast, many players on other teams haven’t picked up a bat in ages and rarely play cricket because they rely solely on their natural talent.
They tend to prepare just before a series, which often leads them to struggle against Indian players.
Will the IML T20 Cricket Series be successful and take place annually?
While nearly 50,000 fans attended the final in Raipur mainly due to the presence of Indian players, many matches featuring India during the league stages saw numerous empty seats. This suggests that these leagues may not have a promising future.
Although bringing in legends like Lara and Sachin can be beneficial, even their immense talent may not be enough to draw large crowds. However, including more renowned retired players with significant reputations as great cricketers could provide a lifeline for these leagues when they seem on the brink of extinction. Attracting iconic players might encourage fans to visit stadiums, and keeping ticket prices low or offering free entry could certainly enhance the popularity of such leagues.
