India Masters made history by winning the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025, defeating West Indies Masters by six wickets in a thrilling finale attended by nearly 50,000 fans. Led by Sachin Tendulkar, the India Masters showcased an impressive all-round performance, chasing down the West Indies’ 148/7 target with Ambati Rayudu scoring 74 runs off 50 balls and contributing to a solid opening partnership. The tournament celebrated cricket’s golden age with nostalgic matchups. Notable match awards included Ambati Rayudu being named Player of the Match and winning Rs. 50,000. The champions received Rs. 10 million in prize money.
The India Masters made history by securing the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025 title, triumphing over the West Indies Masters by six wickets in a spectacular finale that evoked the charm of cricket’s golden era on Sunday. With the legendary Sachin Tendulkar at the helm, India Masters showcased a complete team performance to outshine Brian Lara’s West Indies Masters, claiming the prestigious title in front of nearly 50,000 fans at SVNS International Stadium. Along with the title, the Tendulkar-led team also received an impressive cash prize.
IML Match Awards and Prize Money
Match Awards
- Bank of Baroda Masterstroke of the Match: Ambati Rayudu (9 fours) – Rs. 50,000
- Most Sixes in the Match: Ambati Rayudu (3 sixes) – Rs. 50,000
- Gamechanger of the Match: Shahbaz Nadeem (2/12 in 4 overs)
- Most Economical Bowler: Shahbaz Nadeem (economy rate of 3.00)
- Player of the Match: Ambati Rayudu (74 runs off 50 balls) – Rs. 50,000
Season Awards
- Most Fours in the Season: Kumar Sangakkara – 38 fours (Rs. 500,000)
- Most Sixes in the Season: Shane Watson – 25 sixes (Rs. 500,000)
IML 2025 Prize Money
- Winners: India Masters – Rs. 10,000,000 (1 crore rupees)
- Runners-up: West Indies Masters – Rs. 5,000,000 (50 lakh rupees)
This tournament, rooted in nostalgia, skill, and the unwavering passion for cricket, produced thrilling matchups, culminating in a climactic clash between the two cricketing giants — India Masters and West Indies Masters. The matchup was nothing short of a classic, held in a packed stadium, where cricketing legends rekindled their glory days, leading spectators into a highly anticipated showdown after India Masters restricted their opponents to a modest 148/7, bolstered by a strong 67-run opening partnership from Master Blaster Tendulkar (25) alongside Ambati Rayudu (74), effectively setting the stage for the chase.
Demonstrating their batting prowess, the India Masters dazzled the audience with exquisite shots as Tendulkar and Rayudu delighted the packed stadium with their vintage play. Tendulkar exhibited finesse, threading the field with his classic cover drives and wristy flicks, while Rayudu opted for an attacking strategy, dismantling the West Indies Masters bowling attack with calculated aggression. The 51-year-old star captivated the crowd with several boundaries and a six during his brisk 18-ball innings until a sharp delivery from Tino Best concluded his innings and briefly hushed the enthusiastic crowd.
Rayudu, however, ensured that the excitement continued as the India Masters steadily approached their target. He reached a rapid 34-ball fifty with a boundary off Best, while his partnership with Gurkeerat Singh Mann (14) contributed an additional 28 runs to the team’s total. Mann was dismissed while attempting a big shot against off-spinner Ashley Nurse, paving the way for Yuvraj Singh’s (13 not out) enthusiastic entry into the field amidst cheers from the crowd.
Just as the India Masters seemed to be on the path to victory, the West Indies Masters spinners created a moment of suspense by taking the wickets of Rayudu, who was caught by left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn after scoring nine fours and three impressive sixes in his 50-ball innings, and Yusuf Pathan, who fell victim to Nurse’s lbw. Nevertheless, with only 17 runs needed off the final 28 balls, Stuart Binny (16 not out) completed the chase in style, hitting two massive sixes to seal the victory.
For the home team, Vinay Kumar was the standout bowler, taking 3/26, while Shahbaz Nadeem claimed two wickets. Pawan Negi and Stuart Binny each contributed with one wicket.
With ANI Inputs
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