Cricket fans are set for a thrilling contest as two of the game's greatest icons, Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara, prepare to lead their teams in the final of the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025.
The highly anticipated title clash between India Masters and West Indies Masters will take place on Sunday, March 16, at the SVNS International Stadium in Raipur.
The India Masters, one of the strongest contenders from the start, have enjoyed an exceptional run in the tournament. Despite a minor setback in the league stage, they bounced back in dominant fashion.
They began their campaign with a thrilling four-run victory against the Sri Lanka Masters, followed by a convincing nine-wicket win over England Masters.
Their momentum continued with a commanding eight-wicket triumph over South Africa Masters. However, their unbeaten streak was halted by Australia Masters, who handed them their only defeat in the group stage.
Determined to regain their dominance, Tendulkar’s team bounced back strongly, securing a seven-run win over the West Indies Masters in their final league match. This victory ensured they finished second on the points table.
In the semi-final clash against Australia Masters, India Masters delivered a stunning performance, crushing Shane Watson’s side by 94 runs to storm into the final.
On the other hand, West Indies Masters also had a promising start to their campaign, securing back-to-back victories against Australia Masters and England Masters. However, they faltered midway, suffering consecutive defeats to Sri Lanka Masters and India Masters.
They managed to recover in time, securing a 29-run win against South Africa Masters in their final league match to book their spot in the semi-finals. In a tense semi-final clash against Sri Lanka Masters, the West Indies held their nerve to claim a six-run victory, securing their place in the grand finale.
The upcoming final promises to be a nostalgic spectacle, as Tendulkar and Lara—two of the most celebrated batsmen in cricket history—face off once again in a high-stakes encounter.
The tournament has provided fans with a unique opportunity to relive cricket’s golden era, as legendary players have showcased their timeless skills on the field.