The highly-anticipated International Masters League (IML) unveiled its magnificent trophy in the presence of the icons who will lead their respective teams in the inaugural edition. India’s cricket icon and Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar was joined by Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, West Indies maestro Brian Lara, England’s World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan, Australia’s Shane Watson and South Africa’s Jonty Rhodes, who represented captain Jacques Kallis, at the Captains’ Day, which was held at the DY Patil University campus on Wednesday.

The IML is set to capture the imagination of cricket fans by providing a thrilling experience of high-octane action, featuring stalwarts of the sport.  India Masters and Sri Lanka Masters will play the opening fixture of the IML at the D.Y. Patil Stadium on Saturday, February 22.

Sachin Tendulkar, captain of India Masters, said, “Stepping back onto the cricket field is like returning to the place that has given me my identity as a sportsperson. Reuniting with my former teammates and peers, reliving our experiences, and sharing our cherished memories is truly special. I am as excited today as I was on the day of my debut to represent our country, and I have no doubt that every player shares the same passion to play the game we all love, once again.”

Brian Lara, captain of West Indies Masters: “I’m truly excited to be back in India, a country that has always felt like a second home to me. Its vibrant culture and the passion of its diverse fans make playing here an unforgettable experience. Taking the field once again with old friends in the International Masters League is something I deeply look forward to, and I can’t wait to reignite some of our fabled rivalries. The stage is set, the energy is electric, and I’m ready for the action!”

Kumar Sangakkara, captain of Sri Lanka Masters: “I’m delighted to be part of this incredible competition. Cricket is a huge part of my life, and having the chance to play alongside some of the greatest ambassadors of the game makes the IML even more special. I can’t wait for that opening match against India Masters-it’s going to be a fantastic contest!”

Shane Watson, captain of Australia Masters, said: “India has always been one of my favourite countries, and the love and support I’ve received here is second to none. I’m really chuffed to be playing in the International Masters League, sharing the field once again with friends and old colleagues. It’s going to be a riveting contest, and I know India will be a tough opponent-but we’ve got a strong squad, and we’re ready for the challenge!”

Eoin Morgan, captain of England Masters, said: “The International Masters League is going to be an exciting tournament, and I can’t wait to regroup with the boys and get back out there. India is a cricket-loving nation where fans truly worship the game, making it the perfect place for a tournament like this one. I’ve been training hard to ensure we deliver the goods, and fingers crossed for a great outing!”

Jonty Rhodes (Representing Jacques Kallis for South Africa Masters), said, “It’s no secret how special India is to me. Playing here has always been an incredible experience, and I’m thrilled to be back for the International Masters League. We’ve assembled a strong squad, and I’m confident we’ll have a fantastic time. This will be a truly special competition, and while we’re hoping for the best results, I am excited to be back on the field!”

The unveiling of the International Masters League trophy symbolizes the commencement of a cricketing spectacle that will celebrate the rich legacy of the sport.

It was announced during the Captains’ Day that entry for students and senior citizens to the stadium for the opening game was free. _Students would have to present a valid ID card from their current college or university, while senior citizens would have to carry a government-issued senior citizen card. Entry will be denied at the gate if a valid and authentic ID proof is not provided.

Match tickets are available on BookMyShow, the ticketing partner.

Watch the IML February 22nd onwards, live on JioHotstar along with Colors Cineplex (SD & HD) and Colors Cineplex Superhits will broadcast the IML live, 7.30 pm onwards.

Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist has weighed in on the greatest all-rounder debate, challenging Ricky Ponting’s assertion that Jacques Kallis is the best cricketer of all time. While Ponting recently hailed Kallis for his staggering numbers with both bat and ball, Gilchrist believes statistics alone don’t define greatness and instead placed the late Shane Warne at the top of cricket’s all-time elite. “I understand where Ricky is coming from—statistically, the runs, wickets, and catches—but there is more to it than just numbers,” Gilchrist said in an interview with news.com.au. “I personally think Shane Warne is the greatest to have played.”

Ponting had earlier named Kallis as the cricketing GOAT, citing his 13,289 Test runs, 45 centuries, and 292 wickets as unparalleled achievements. However, Gilchrist insisted that Warne’s impact on the game, both as a bowler and a tactician, was unmatched.

“For Warnie to achieve what he did, especially living the way he did and still managing to perform at that level, it shows he was a true champion,” Gilchrist said. “Beyond his bowling, he was also an incredible batsman. He just left way too many runs out there when he played. I don’t even think he knew his own batting talent. When it comes down to pure cricketing genius—batting, bowling, catching, and tactical brilliance—Warnie is No.1 for me.”

Gilchrist’s comments come amid Australia’s dominance in world cricket, which has led to criticism from England supporters. After Australia completed a 2-0 series win against Sri Lanka, England’s Barmy Army accused them of “stat-padding” by selecting weaker opponents to boost their records.

The Barmy Army’s post, “Keep stat-padding, Aussies,” implied that Australia was playing against a Sri Lankan side ranked below them to make their numbers look better. However, Gilchrist was quick to fire back.

“It’ll be interesting to see what excuse they come up with if Australia lifts the Champions Trophy at Lord’s in June,” he quipped. “I bet they will struggle with that one. I absolutely can’t wait for that and the rivalry of the Ashes next year.”

With Australia holding every major bilateral trophy and preparing for another World Test Championship final, Gilchrist believes the team is silencing its critics in the best way possible—by winning.

Away from the international cricketing debates, Gilchrist is also preparing to return to the field for a special charity T20 match in Lismore this weekend. The match is being held to support the region’s recovery from the devastating 2022 floods, which were among the worst natural disasters in Australia’s history.

Set to be played on Saturday, the game will feature a host of cricketing greats, including Dan Christian, Steve O’Keefe, Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz, and several WBBL and local stars.

Gilchrist, who grew up in Lismore and captained Kadina High School’s cricket team, remains a beloved figure in the region. He admitted that stepping back onto the field is always a nerve-racking experience.

“It’s always nerve-racking to get back out in the middle. Every year, it is tougher to play the game,” Gilchrist said. “You worry about your hamstring going and then facing bowlers, but it’s good fun. That’s what it’s all about—getting back out there with people you’ve traveled the world with and celebrating such a resilient community in the process.”

Legendary South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis hopes Dinesh Karthik’s imminent debut in the SA20 would lead to more retired Indian players joining the league. Karthik, set to play for the Paarl Royals in the 2025 SA20, will become the first Indian cricketer to feature in the league. He became eligible to play in the tournament after announcing his retirement from Indian cricket earlier this year. Karthik joined the Royals as a replacement for Jos Buttler, who opted out of the season.

“It’s wonderful to have quality players especially from India. Hopefully it’s the start of many Indians coming,” SA20 Ambassador said in a virtual interaction.

Under the current BCCI policy, Indian players are only permitted to participate in overseas leagues after retiring from all formats of the game, including the IPL.

“It would be nice to have them yes definitely, but the obvious reasons are the BCCI will have to look after their own players so there has to be a fine balance,” the 49-year-old said.

“We are fortunate with the way SA20 has taken off. Having the backing of major franchises involved in the IPL certainly makes a big difference in delivering the product we have now.

“The IPL is always going to be number one. The product, the quality of players, the audience engagement—it’s on another level, streets ahead of anything else at the moment. We aim to get as close as possible to the IPL and create an exciting product for fans.” Kallis also highlighted the importance of all-rounders in T20 cricket.

“Allrounders give extra joy when they perform well. It’s silly not to develop skills in both batting and bowling. T20 is such an exciting format, and allrounders play a crucial role in it,” he said.

Wouldn’t like to see Impact Player rule in SA20

Kallis further deliberated on the contentious Impact Player rule and said it hinders the growth of an all-rounder.

“No, I don’t like the impact player rule because I think it takes away from the all-rounder. We’re trying to produce all-rounders in South Africa, and this rule diminishes that role. So no, I wouldn’t like to see it in SA20.” The former South African captain also endorsed the idea of reviving the Champions League T20, which previously brought together franchise teams from across the globe.

“It would be a fantastic idea. Fans would be excited to see so many leagues and top players competing in one tournament,” he added.

Kallis also spoke on the jam-packed schedule of franchise cricket in the calendar year said it’s one of the “main challenges” facing the game.

“With so many leagues being played, there’s bound to be scheduling clashes. It’s tough, but if you provide a good product that attracts viewership and the best players, you can still thrive.”

England all-rounder Ben Stokes on Thursday joined the company of West Indies great Garry Sobers and South Africa’s legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis to become the third player and first England player to secure a double of 6,000-plus runs and 200-plus wickets in Test cricket. Stokes accomplished this feat against West Indies in the first Test of the three-match series at Lord’s. Dismissing batter Kirk McKenzie in his first over, Stokes got his 200th Test wicket. In 103 Tests, he has taken 200 wickets so far. Also with the bat, he has scored 6,320 runs at an average of 35.30, with 13 centuries and 31 fifties. His best score is 258.

Meanwhile, Sobers has (8,032 runs and 235 wickets in 93 Tests) and Kallis has (13,289 runs and 292 wickets in 166 Tests).

Also, he is the sixth overall and first-ever England player to secure a double of 10,000 runs and 300 wickets in international cricket. In 260 international matches, Stokes has scored 10,368 runs at an average of 35.75, with 18 centuries and 56 fifties, with the best score of 258. He also has completed his 300 wickets in international cricket.

West Indies all-rounder Carl Hooper, Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya, Kallis, Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi and Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib al Hasan are other players to have scored 10,000 runs and taken 300 or more wickets in Tests.

Coming to the match, England won the toss and elected to field first. West Indies lost wickets at regular intervals and never really got a breather. Mikyle Louis (27 in 58 balls), Kavem Hodge (24 in 48 balls) and Alick Athanaze (23 in 56 balls) did the bulk of scoring as Windies was skittled out for 121 runs in 41.4 overs.

In their first innings, England gained a 250-run lead and they were bundled out for 371 runs, with half-centuries coming from Zak Crawley (76 in 89 balls), debutant wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith (70 in 119 balls), Joe Root (68 in 114 balls), Ollie Pope (57 in 74 balls) and Harry Brook (50 in 64 balls).

Jayden Seales (4/77) was the pick of the bowlers for West Indies. Jason Holder and Gudakesh Motie also took two wickets.

Teams:

West Indies (Playing XI): Kraigg Brathwaite(c), Mikyle Louis, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Joshua Da Silva(w), Jason Holder, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales

England (Playing XI): Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith(w), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson.

File image of Gautam Gambhir.© AFP

Dale Steyn lauded Gautam Gambhir’s appointment as India’s head coach.© BCCI

File photo of Gautam Gambhir (R)© X (formerly Twitter)