Mumbai: The much-anticipated International Masters League (IML) is all set to make a grand debut, bolstered by the support of nine prominent sponsors and partners. The inaugural season has already drawn attention from top-tier brands, with the following companies joining as key sponsors:
- CIFDAQ Global – Platinum Sponsor
- Bank of Baroda – Platinum Sponsor
- Dream 11 – Official Fantasy Sports Partner
- NMDC – Official Partner
- SAIL – Official Partner
- NTPC – Official Partner
- Roobat – Official Partner
- Mutual Funds Sahi Hai – Umpire Partner
- Campa Cola – Pouring Partner
These partnerships underline the growing interest in the league, which is poised to deliver a spectacular experience to cricket fans around the world. The tournament will kick off on February 22, 2025, with an exciting opening clash between India Masters, led by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, and Sri Lanka Masters, captained by the iconic Kumar Sangakkara. The match is expected to reignite a historic rivalry, offering fans an electrifying contest that blends skill, nostalgia, and intense competition.
The opening game also carries significant emotional weight as it evokes memories of the 2011 ICC World Cup final, where India triumphed to lift the coveted trophy before a roaring Mumbai crowd. With some of the players from that unforgettable World Cup moment taking the field again in the IML, this clash will surely add extra excitement and meaning.
Romesh Kaluwitharana, a key player for Sri Lanka Masters, expressed his thoughts on the upcoming match and the tournament, saying, “It will be nice. I think playing in India has always been special to us. India, we call our brother. We have a special bond with the players we used to play with, especially Sachin and the rest. It’s good to be back in India and play with them. It’s going to be fun.”
Reflecting on the team’s preparations and players to watch, Kaluwitharana added, “I think we have been training for two days. We have a good balance. I think Sangakkara is going to be the key for us. We have a very good side to give a good go to India. And hopefully the best team wins. I think we have done our homework. Hopefully, we will have a good game.”
The IML’s playing conditions for the inaugural season have been finalized by the Governing Council, in consultation with Simon Taufel, the head of the umpires’ panel for the league. Key playing conditions will mirror other major leagues, with a few unique features, including a Free Hit delivery rule. Under this rule, the batting team will not score runs off a Free Hit delivery if the batter is dismissed either by being bowled or caught.
Additionally, the impact player, mid-over stop clock, and player reviews for wides and no-balls will not be in operation during the IML season. However, DRS (Decision Review System) will be available.
The league will be officiated by an elite panel of umpires, with Gundappa Vishwanath as the Match Referee. Other members of the umpiring team include Simon Taufel (head), Billy Bowden, Lyndon Hannibal, and Umesh Dubey.
Simon Taufel, head of the umpires’ panel, remarked, “The International Masters League will feature some of the greatest cricketers and competitors of all time. They will be complemented by an elite panel of officials. Cricket has always been a dynamic game and the players have been quick to react to changes in playing conditions. It will be interesting to see how the Free Hit innovation that is being introduced in the IML, will impact the matches.”
Fans can catch all the action of the IML live on JioHotstar and Colors Cineplex (SD & HD), with the broadcast starting at 7:30 PM IST from February 22, 2025. The match will also be available on Colors Cineplex Superhits.
