New Delhi: Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar is set to return to cricketing action later in the year in a new competition of T20 cricket formed for the legend players. The iconic Indian batter will feature in the inaugural edition of the International Masters League (IML). The event is expected to included six teams with the matches to be staged in Mumbai, Lucknow and Raipur.
The IML will see players from India, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, England and Sri Lanka participate in the first season, whose schedule is yet to be revealed. The tournament is said to be held annually, joining the tournaments like Legends League Cricket (franchise-based) and World Championship of Legends (international), tournaments which are build for legendary cricketers across the globe.
The new T20 tournament is the brainchild of Tendulkar and former India opener Sunil Gavaskar, who will shoulder the responsibility of the league commissioner.
What Tendulkar and Gavaskar have to say about the new T20 league for legend cricketers
In a release issued by the organisers, the two Indian legendary players will collaborate with Professional Management Group (PMG) Sports (Indian sports marketing firm) and Sportfive (German sports marketing agency) to stage the T20 league.
“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,” Tendulkar was quoted as saying in a release.
“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,” he added.
Parties interested in participating in the league through an ownership of one of the franchise teams were also invited to send expression of interest.
Gavaskar is of the opinion that the IML will rekindle the memories of old Indian cricket fans by watching their favourite players once again in action on the field.
“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,” Gavaskar said.
Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar have initiated a new T20 league in the name of International Masters League (IML). The first season will see players from India, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, England and Sri Lanka participate. The event is expected to included six teams with the matches to be staged in Mumbai, Lucknow and Raipur. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
