India Masters made history by securing the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025 title with a six-wicket victory over West Indies Masters in a thrilling final that brought the magic of cricket’s golden era back to life on Sunday. Led by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, India Masters delivered a dominant all-round performance to defeat Brian Lara’s West Indies Masters, clinching the prestigious title in front of nearly 50,000 fans at the SVNS International Stadium. This victory also earned the Tendulkar-led team a remarkable cash prize.
Match Awards
Bank of Baroda Masterstroke of the Match: Ambati Rayudu (9 fours) – INR 50,000
Most Sixes in the Match: Ambati Rayudu (three sixes) – INR 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) – INR 50,000
Season Awards
Most Fours in the Season: Kumar Sangakkara – 38 fours (INR 500,000)
Most Sixes in the Season: Shane Watson – 25 sixes (INR 500,000)
IML 2025 Prize Money
Winners: India Masters – INR 1 crore
Runners-up: West Indies Masters – INR 50 lakh
The tournament, filled with nostalgia, skill, and the spirit of the game, culminated in a thrilling final between India Masters and West Indies Masters. India Masters restricted the opposition to 148/7, setting the stage for a chase that saw a fluent 67-run opening stand between Sachin Tendulkar (25) and Ambati Rayudu (74).
Tendulkar’s finesse and Rayudu’s aggressive strokeplay entertained the crowd. Rayudu reached a 34-ball fifty and added 28 runs with Gurkeerat Singh Mann (14) before Mann was dismissed. Yuvraj Singh (13 not out) joined Rayudu, but the West Indies Masters spinners took quick wickets. Rayudu fell to Sulieman Benn, while Yusuf Pathan was trapped by Ashley Nurse. With 17 runs needed from 28 balls, Stuart Binny (16 not out) finished the game with two massive sixes.
Vinay Kumar (3/26) was the standout bowler for India Masters, supported by Shahbaz Nadeem (2 wickets), Pawan Negi, and Stuart Binny, who each took a wicket.