Tendulkar and Gavaskar visualise International Masters League (IML) with cricketing icons

By K.R. Nayar 

Ask any cricket fan if he would like to see Sachin Tendulkar in action again, and the response will be without doubt a YES!!! If that is do, he does not have to wait long. Two greats of Indian cricket, Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar, who inspired millions and made Indians proud, have joined hands to stage a six-nation tournament featuring legends across the globe. Titled International Masters League, this tournament will be held soon with Tendulkar in action along with legendary players.

 


Cricketing icons from six cricket-playing nations, India, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, England, and Sri Lanka, will be in action along with Tendulkar. Sunil Gavaskar has been appointed the League Commissioner. This event is expected to be one of the grandest T20 franchise tournaments. Gavaskar and Tendulkar will collaborate with India’s leading sports management company PMG Sports and SPORTFIVE, a renowned global sports marketing company to stage the league.

 

Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar at  the Lord's. Photo by K.R. Nayar 

The International Masters League (IML) will be an annual T20 cricket tournament. It promises to rekindle memories and draw out new battles. It is bound to bring back the magic of some of the game’s greatest players. The matches are scheduled to held in Mumbai, Lucknow and Raipur. 

 

PMG Sports and SPORTFIVE Sports Management LLC will provide services for some of the commercial and operational aspects of the league including sourcing franchise partnerships, commercial rights partnerships, on-ground execution and broadcast production. 

 

The organisers have announced that parties interested in participating in the league through an ownership of one of the franchise teams are invited to express their interest in this opportunity by registering ateoi@imlt20.in

 

Sachin Tendulkar ... competitive streak remains

A statement from Sachin Tendulkar emphasising the fact that sportspersons never retire at heart, gave a clear picture about the concept behind the International Masters League: “Cricket continues to grow in popularity not just in India, but across the world. 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. 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. I am certain all players participating will get back into the groove and prepare hard. When we represent our countries, all we want is to play top quality cricket and try to win.”

 

Sunil Gavaskar ... set to rekindle nostalgia 

Sunil Gavaskar, Commissioner of the International Masters League, who has been rekindling nostalgia through his writings and commentary, too remarked on why the International Masters League has been planned.  “T20 cricket’s rise offers a fantastic opportunity to relive the magic of the sport we love. 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. This is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of nostalgia, where unforgettable moments of cricketing brilliance will come alive once again. We invite everyone to join us on this exciting journey and create new memories together.”

 

Stefan Felsing, CEO of SPORTFIVE, underlined the importance of this tournament that will help fans to connect with their heroes and said: “This tournament presents a fantastic opportunity to enhance our footprint in cricket. It’s just the start, with more cricket initiatives coming soon. We are thrilled to be part of this journey, bringing back iconic players to the pitch and giving fans a new way to connect with their heroes.” 

 


SPORTFIVE’s Seamus O’Brien, President APAC, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “This marks a milestone in our strategic development of the SPORTFIVE Asia network, expanding our footprint across the key business and sporting centres of the continent. Unlocking the opportunities of the Indian marketplace with such a marquee event and iconic partners is a pivotal moment. The IML is not just a tournament — it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact by celebrating the legacy of cricket’s greatest players and their connection with millions of fans in India and throughout the world, whilst creating new memories and more great sporting moments on the way.” 

 

The reputed PMG and Gavaskar 


PMG is a name synonymous with cricket as it was visualised by Gavaskar in 1985 and has implemented many creative initiatives. It is more than India’s leading sports marketing company. PMG’s expertise in sports marketing and strategic approach has helped them create numerous long-lasting partnerships delivering value for brands and sports properties alike. PMG pioneered sports content creation and media syndication in India and now operates under multiple verticals including consulting, sponsorship, brand endorsements, content creation, and conceptualizing and executing IPs. 

 

SPORTFIVE is a global sports marketing agency that delivers customer-centric solutions based on trust and transparency, deep industry experience and global relationships, digital intelligence and innovation. SPORTFIVE strategically and creatively connects brands, rightsholders, media platforms and fans to create and enable contemporary partnerships in sports. While creating and growing long term value for all, SPORTFIVE often leads the sports business into the future through innovative digital solutions and strives to be the most progressive and respected partner in sports. 

 

Following is what SPORTFIVE has for the future. It will use its unique position to make a positive contribution to sustainability and to live up to the social and economic duty and responsibility which sport and consequently all parties involved also have. SPORTFIVE operates with a global mindset and network of over 1,200 local experts based in 15 countries around the world, active in football, golf, esports, motorsport, handball, tennis, American football, basketball, ice hockey, rugby, the Olympics, and multi-sport events, among others. 

 

UAE based entity 

SPORTFIVE’s participation in the league will be undertaken through its UAE-based entity, SPORTFIVE Sports Management LLC, which will be a shareholder in the Indian company set up to operate the league.

 

About SRTSM and  Tendulkar 

(SRTSM): SRTSM was established by the Tendulkar family to serve as the exclusive representative of Sachin Tendulkar across social and commercial partnerships. The organization fosters impactful relationships between Sachin Tendulkar and like-minded partners, working closely with them to unlock value through shared objectives. 

 

For more details, contact 

Noel D’Souza: 7506054306 |noel.dsouza@adfactorspr.com Ashish Sahoo: 7606000958 | ashish.sahoo@adfactorspr.com

Comments

  1. SOctober 4, 2024 at 1:00 AM

    Legends Live Action is not Fun, Efforts can go into U-15 & U-13 serious cricket supported by the legends and it's sponsors

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