India Masters emerged victorious in the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025, defeating West Indies Masters by six wickets in a grand finale that rekindled the nostalgia of cricket’s golden era. Led by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, India Masters put on a clinical performance to secure the title in front of a roaring crowd of nearly 50,000 fans at the SVNS International Stadium.
The highly anticipated clash featured a star-studded lineup, with Brian Lara leading the West Indies Masters, and the match proved to be a spectacle that celebrated both skill and legacy. Along with the prestigious title, India Masters also bagged a massive prize money of ₹1 crore for their triumph.
The Grand Finale: India Masters vs West Indies Masters
The final match of IML 2025 was a thrilling encounter between two of the most formidable teams in the league. The West Indies Masters, batting first, managed to score 148/7 in 20 overs, setting up a competitive total. In response, India Masters displayed their batting dominance, chasing down the target with six wickets in hand and 17 balls to spare.
West Indies Masters Struggle Against Indian Bowling Attack
Batting first, West Indies Masters faced a disciplined Indian bowling attack. The Indian bowlers maintained tight lines and restricted the Caribbean side from accelerating.
- Vinay Kumar emerged as the standout bowler, picking up 3 wickets for 26 runs.
- Shahbaz Nadeem delivered an economical spell, bagging 2 wickets for just 12 runs in 4 overs.
- Pawan Negi and Stuart Binny also contributed with one wicket each, ensuring that the West Indies Masters couldn’t put up an imposing total.
Despite a few promising knocks, West Indies could only manage 148/7 in 20 overs, which proved to be below par against India Masters’ strong batting lineup.
IML 2025 Awards and Prize Money
Apart from lifting the IML 2025 trophy, several players were recognized for their stellar performances throughout the tournament.
Match Awards:
- Bank of Baroda Masterstroke of the Match: Ambati Rayudu (9 fours) – ₹50,000
- Most Sixes in the Match: Ambati Rayudu (3 sixes) – ₹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) – ₹50,000
Season Awards:
- Most Fours in the Season: Kumar Sangakkara – 38 fours (₹5,00,000)
- Most Sixes in the Season: Shane Watson – 25 sixes (₹5,00,000)
IML 2025 Prize Money:
- Winners (India Masters): ₹1 crore (₹10,000,000)
- Runners-up (West Indies Masters): ₹50 lakh (₹5,000,000)
The Legacy of IML 2025
The International Masters League (IML) 2025 was built on nostalgia, skill, and the undying passion for the game, bringing cricketing legends back to the field. The final between India Masters and West Indies Masters was the perfect climax, with fans witnessing an exhilarating battle between some of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
This tournament successfully blended past glory with present entertainment, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next edition of IML.
Summary of IML 2025 Final in Tabular Format
Category | Details |
---|---|
Why in News? | India Masters won the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025 by defeating West Indies Masters in the final. |
Match Result | India Masters won by 6 wickets. |
Venue | SVNS International Stadium |
Captain (India Masters) | Sachin Tendulkar |
Captain (West Indies Masters) | Brian Lara |
West Indies Masters’ Total | 148/7 (20 overs) |
India Masters’ Chase | 149/4 (17.5 overs) |
Top Performers (Batting) | – Ambati Rayudu (74 off 50 balls) – Sachin Tendulkar (25 off 18 balls) |
Top Performers (Bowling) | – Vinay Kumar (3/26) – Shahbaz Nadeem (2/12) |
Player of the Match | Ambati Rayudu (74 runs, 9 fours, 3 sixes) |
Prize Money (Winners – India Masters) | ₹1 crore (₹10,000,000) |
Prize Money (Runners-up – West Indies Masters) | ₹50 lakh (₹5,000,000) |
Most Fours in the Tournament | Kumar Sangakkara (38 fours, ₹5,00,000) |
Most Sixes in the Tournament | Shane Watson (25 sixes, ₹5,00,000) |
Final Over Heroics | Stuart Binny finished the match with two huge sixes. |