Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar is poised to make a grand return to the field, as he prepares to compete in the inaugural season of the International Masters League (IML). The tournament, set to take place in November 2024, will feature six teams—India, England, Australia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and the West Indies—reigniting classic cricket rivalries. The matches will be held across three cities in India: Mumbai, Lucknow, and Raipur, though the exact dates have yet to be finalized.The IML is a collaboration between Tendulkar and his longtime idol, Sunil Gavaskar, who will serve as the league’s commissioner. The pair will work alongside leading sports management firms PMG Sports and Sportfive, aiming to deliver a competitive and thrilling series. This new league joins the growing trend of events that feature retired cricket legends, but it seeks to distinguish itself with a more serious and competitive edge.Tendulkar, who retired from international cricket in 2013, has remained active in various exhibition matches and charity events over the years. His last major appearance was in the Road Safety World Series, where he led India Legends to victory in both the 2021 and 2022 editions. The 51-year-old’s return to competitive cricket comes after an 11-year retirement, but his passion for the game remains undiminished.In a statement, Tendulkar emphasized that, while athletes may retire from formal competition, their drive and love for the sport never fade. “The competitive spirit inside always waits for another opportunity to shine,” Tendulkar remarked. He sees the International Masters League as a perfect blend of nostalgia and competition, offering fans the chance to relive the magic of legendary cricketers on the field once again.Gavaskar echoed Tendulkar’s sentiments, highlighting the rise of T20 cricket and its ability to unite fans across generations. He expressed excitement about bringing cricketing legends back to the spotlight, offering fans a rare opportunity to see their favorite players live once more.Tendulkar’s involvement in exhibition cricket has been notable in recent years, including his participation in the Cricket All-Stars Series in 2015 and appearances in the Bushfire charity match in Australia in 2020. Despite a few injury setbacks, Tendulkar’s love for the game has remained intact, as evidenced by his sporadic yet impactful appearances on the field.As the International Masters League gears up for its debut season, fans are eagerly anticipating the chance to witness their favorite cricket stars from the past come together in this highly anticipated tournament.
