MUMBAI: Yet another franchise-based T20 cricket tournament that will see retired cricketers in action has announced itself. Cricketing icons Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar have entered into a partnership with Indian sports management agency PMG Sports and global sports marketing company SPORTFIVE to stage the International Masters League (IML) before the year is out.
The four partners have established a company in India to stage the six-team IML, which is planned to be an annual T20 tournament, initially featuring cricketing stars from six cricket-playing nations – India, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, England, and Sri Lanka.
Gavaskar has been appointed as IML league commissioner, matches for which are scheduled to held in Mumbai, Lucknow and Raipur.
One key USP that IML boasts that differentiates it from other “masters” leagues that are now dotting the cricketing landscape is Tendulkar himself. The IML will see the cricketing legend not just as ambassador of the league (no surprises here), but also as a marquee player of one of the six teams (viewed from this perch, that would in all likelihood be the Mumbai franchise).
PMG Sports, founded by Gavaskar in 1985 and presently a part of Madison World, and SPORTFIVE Sports Management LLC, SPORTFIVE’s UAE-based arm, will be providing 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.
Parties interested in participating in the league through an ownership of one of the franchise teams, have been invited to express their interest in this opportunity by registering at [email protected].
Stefan Felsing, CEO of SPORTFIVE, emphasized the importance of this project, 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.”
Tendulkar, speaking about IML, said: “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, we all want to play top quality cricket and try to win.”
