Sachin Tendulkar’s India Masters emerged victorious in the inaugural International Masters League (IML), defeating Brian Lara’s West Indies Masters by six wickets in the final. The match, played with intense competition despite featuring retired cricketers, saw India dominate from the start, thanks to a stellar bowling performance by Shahbaz Nadeem and a match-winning knock from Ambati Rayudu.

Prize money breakdown

The India Masters, featuring cricket legends like Yuvraj Singh, Yusuf Pathan, and Irfan Pathan, were awarded a cash prize of ₹1 crore for their triumph. Surprisingly, the West Indies Masters, despite finishing as runners-up, took home a higher prize amount of ₹5 crore.

Ambati Rayudu Shines in the Final

Ambati Rayudu played a crucial role in India’s victory, scoring 74 runs off 50 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award along with a cash prize of ₹50,000.

Full List of Award Winners

Match Awards

Player of the Match: Ambati Rayudu (74 runs off 50 balls) – Rs 50,000

Masterstroke of the Match: Ambati Rayudu (9 fours) – Rs 50,000

Most Sixes in the Match: Ambati Rayudu (3 sixes) – Rs 50,000

Gamechanger of the Match: Shahbaz Nadeem (2/12 in 4 overs)

Most Economical Bowler: Shahbaz Nadeem (economy rate of 3.00)

Season Awards

Most Fours in the Season: Kumar Sangakkara – 38 fours (Rs 5 lakh)

Most Sixes in the Season: Shane Watson – 25 sixes (Rs 5 lakh)

The tournament saw heated moments, including a verbal altercation between Yuvraj Singh and Tino Best, proving that even legends still bring passion and intensity to the game.

The highly anticipated Chennai Super Kings (CSK) vs Mumbai Indians (MI) clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium is set to kick off the IPL 2025 season, and ticket sales for this blockbuster match will go live on March 19, 2025, at 10:15 AM.

Fans eager to witness this high-stakes encounter can book their tickets via the District app or www.district.in.

Ticket prices and seating details

While the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) has not officially announced the pricing for IPL 2025, the ticket prices for last year ranged from ₹1,700 to ₹6,000. The expected price breakdown for this year is as follows:

Expected ticket prices for CSK vs MI IPL 2025 opener

Rs 1,700 – C/D/E Lower

Rs 2,500 – I/J/K Upper

Rs 3,500 – C/D/E Upper

Rs 4,000 – I/J/K Lower

Rs 7,500 – KMK Terrace

IPL 2025: Season opener and schedule

The 18th edition of the IPL will commence on March 22, 2025, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The CSK vs MI match is one of the most awaited fixtures in IPL history, promising an electrifying start to the season.

Fans are advised to book their tickets early, as demand is expected to be exceptionally high for this marquee encounter.

The India Masters team, led by Sachin Tendulkar, lifted the International Masters League (IML) 2025 title in Raipur after defeating West Indies Masters by six wickets in the final. While the match was a nostalgic treat for cricket fans worldwide, an intense moment involving Yuvraj Singh and Tino Best stole the spotlight.

Yuvraj Singh vs Tino Best: Heated Exchange in the 13th Over

During India’s chase of 149, a fiery exchange between former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and West Indies pacer Tino Best erupted in the 13th over.

The two cricketers were seen exchanging heated words, prompting Brian Lara, Ambati Rayudu, and umpire Billy Bowden to step in and defuse the situation.

India Masters’ Dominant Performance

The final saw India Masters display an all-round performance, restricting West Indies Masters to 148/7 before comfortably chasing down the target.

Match Highlights

Sachin Tendulkar (25 off 18 balls) and Ambati Rayudu (74 off 50 balls) provided a 67-run opening stand, setting the stage for victory.

Rayudu smashed nine fours and three sixes, reaching his half-century in 34 balls.

Gurkeerat Singh Mann (14) and Stuart Binny (16)* contributed valuable runs.

Yuvraj Singh remained unbeaten on 13 after the altercation incident.

Stuart Binny sealed the win with two massive sixes, finishing the chase with 17 balls to spare.

Tendulkar & Rayudu Shine in IML 2025 Final

Tendulkar, at 51 years old, showed glimpses of his vintage class, delighting fans with elegant strokes. However, his innings was cut short by Tino Best, momentarily silencing the crowd. Rayudu, on the other hand, played an aggressive innings, dismantling the opposition bowlers with precision.

Despite a late resurgence from the West Indies Masters’ spinners Sulieman Benn and Ashley Nurse, India Masters secured the title with ease.