Tendulkar, Sangakkara to Headline International Masters League 2025
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Tendulkar To Lead India Masters
The 2025 International Masters League (IML) is ready to transport fans back to cricket’s golden era, bringing together a star-studded lineup of legendary players for an unforgettable T20 tournament. Indian cricket fans are in for an unforgettable experience as the icon Sachin Tendulkar returns to captain the India Masters. This powerhouse team blends elegance and explosive power, featuring some of the most celebrated names of the 2000s and 2010s.
Gautam Gambhir, the hero of India’s 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup victories, will be joined by the dynamic Suresh Raina and Ambati Rayudu, both known for their fearless batting. The Pathan brothers, Yusuf and Irfan, will bring their all-around firepower to the table, while Naman Ojha steps in as the wicketkeeper in a squad dripping with talent and experience. Vinay Kumar and Dhawal Kulkarni will lead India’s pace attack, while Stuart Binny, Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Sharma are also set to feature with ball in hand.
India Masters: Sachin Tendulkar (C), Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Stuart Binny, Dhawal Kulkarni, Vinay Kumar, Shahbaz Nadeem, Rahul Sharma, Naman Ojha, Pawan Negi, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Abhimanyu Mithun
Sangakkara Skippers Team Sri Lanka
One of the most well-known ambassadors of the game, Kumar Sangakkara, is set to lead a Sri Lankan team that sports a blend of unparalleled skill and experience in the IML 2025. A two-time World Cup finalist in 2007 and 2011 and T20 World Cup champion in 2014, Sangakkara’s side is filled with players who have helped him shape the nation’s cricketing history, such as Romesh Kaluwitharana, the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman from their 1996 World Cup-winning squad.
Sri Lanka’s top-order features the ever-dependable Upul Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne and Chinthaka Jayasinghe, known for their cool heads under pressure. The middle-order stability will come from Ashan Priyanjan and Asela Gunaratne, while the bowling attack will be spearheaded by quicks Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, and Dhammika Prasad. All-rounders Seekkuge Prasanna, Jeevan Mendis and Dilruwan Perera add depth and balance to the already formidable Sri Lankan squad.
Sri Lanka Masters: Kumar Sangakkara (C), Romesh Kaluwitharana, Ashan Priyanjan, Upul Tharanga, Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Thirimanne, Chinthaka Jayasinghe, Seekkuge Prasanna, Jeevan Mendis, Isuru Udana, Dhammika Prasad, Suranga Lakmal, Dilruwan Perera, Asela Gunaratne, Chaturanga de Silva
Lara, Kallis, Morgan To Don National Colours
The remaining four teams that will participate in the competition are the West Indies, England, South Africa and Australia, and there is no shortage of class wherever you look. The Caribbean side will be led by one of the greatest batsmen of all time, Brian Lara, and he is joined by master blaster Chris Gayle, forming a lethal top order. Lendl Simmons, Dinesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul and Tino Best are also part of the West Indies Masters.
West Indies Masters: Brian Lara (C), Chris Gayle, Kirk Edwards, Lendl Simmons, Narsingh Deonarine, Ashley Nurse, Dwayne Smith, Chadwick Walton, Denesh Ramdin, Williams Perkins, Fiden Edwards, Jerome Taylor, Ravi Rampaul, Sulieman Benn, Tino Best
For England, former skipper Eoin Morgan will once again lead the Three Lions into battle, and we will also be able to enjoy the power-hitting prowess of Kevin Pietersen, who was one of the most devastating strikers of the ball in his prime. Spinner Monty Panesar features as part of a well-rounded bowling attack that includes Ryan Sidebottom, Steven Finn, and Stuart Meaker.
England Masters: Eoin Morgan (C), Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen, Darren Maddy, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Tim Bresnan, Phil Mustard, Tim Ambrose, Boyd Rankin, Chris Schofield, Chris Tremlett, Monty Panesar, Ryan Sidebottom, Steve Finn, Stuart Meaker
Jacques Kallis, arguably the best all-rounder of all time, headlines a South African squad that boasts names that have topped the charts in every category. Still widely considered the greatest fielder the game has seen, Jonty Rhodes has been included, as has former number-one batsman in the world Hashim Amla. Vernon Philander will chip in on both ends lower down the order, while the Proteas’ bowling lineup will be led by Makhaya Ntini and Morne van Wyk.
South Africa Masters: Alviro Petersen, Farhaan Behardien, Hashim Amla, Henry Davids, Jacques Rudolph, Jonty Rhodes, Jacques Kallis, JP Duminy, Vernon Philander, Dane Vilas, Morne van Wyk, Eddie Leie, Garnett Kruger, Makhaya Ntini, Thandi Tshabalala
Rounding out the teams at the 2025 IML is Australia, who will be captained by none other than Shane Watson. Callum Ferguson, Shaun Marsh and Ben Dunk will make up part of the Aussies batting lineup, while Nathan Coulter-Nile and Xavier Doherty are among the players that will be relied on to have an impact with the ball in hand. Set to run from February 22 to March 16, 2025, the IML allows us the privilege of once again being able to see some of the biggest stars of the game back in action.
Australia Masters: Shane Watson (C), Callum Ferguson, Nathan Reardon, Shaun Marsh, Ben Cutting, Dan Christian, Ben Dunk, Peter Nevill, Ben Hilfenhaus, Ben Laughlin, Bryce McGain, James Pattinson, Jason Krejza, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty
