India Masters created history by winning the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025 title after defeating West Indies Masters by six wickets in a thrilling final. The match, held at SVNS International Stadium, saw a packed crowd of nearly 50,000 fans witnessing the legends of cricket roll back the years.

With this victory, the India Masters secured an impressive Rs 1 crore as prize money, while West Indies Masters, led by Brian Lara, received Rs 50 lakh as the runners-up award.

Match highlights and key performances

The grand finale showcased an all-round performance from India Masters, who first restricted West Indies Masters to 148/7 before comfortably chasing down the target.

• Sachin Tendulkar set the tone with a fluent 25 off 18 balls, entertaining the fans with signature strokes.
• Ambati Rayudu stole the show with an explosive 74 off 50 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award and multiple accolades.
• Shahbaz Nadeem was instrumental with the ball, delivering an economical spell of 2/12 in 4 overs.

Despite losing wickets towards the end, India Masters sealed the victory in the 16th over, with Stuart Binny (16 not out) finishing the match in style with two massive sixes.

IML 2025 prize money breakdown

Match awards

• 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 3.00)
• Player of the Match: Ambati Rayudu – Rs 50,000

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

Team prize money

• Winners – India Masters: Rs 1 crore
• Runners-up – West Indies Masters: R 50 lakh

Nostalgic clash between cricketing giants

The IML 2025 final rekindled the magic of cricket’s golden era as fans enjoyed a thrilling contest between India Masters and West Indies Masters. A dominant India Masters side ensured that the trophy remained in their grasp, with their experienced players stepping up at crucial moments.

With this emphatic win, Sachin Tendulkar’s team has set a high standard for future editions of the International Masters League.

The much-anticipated RCB Unbox Event is set to take place ahead of IPL 2025, giving fans a chance to witness their favorite Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stars and enjoy exciting performances. The official RCB jersey for IPL 2025 will be unveiled during this grand event. Newly appointed captain Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli will be among the key figures leading the celebrations.

RCB, one of the three franchises yet to win an IPL title, will aim to break their trophy drought under Rajat Patidar’s leadership in IPL 2025. The team will kick off their campaign against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on March 22.

Who will perform at RCB Unbox 2025?

The RCB Unbox Event promises a star-studded entertainment lineup:

International DJ & Music Producer: Timmy Trumpet

Kannada Playback Singers: Sanjith Hegde & Aishwarya Rangarajan

Popular Kannada Rapper: All Ok

Bands Performing: Savaari Band & Best Kept Secret

RCB Unbox Event: Ticket Prices & Booking

Tickets for the event will be available on the RCB official website and mobile app, with prices ranging from INR 800 to INR 4000.

RCB Unbox 2025: Live Streaming Details

Fans who cannot attend in person can watch the event live on the RCB official website and mobile app for a minimal fee.

RCB Squad for IPL 2025: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (Captain), Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, Josh Hazlewood, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, Devdutt Padikkal, Lungi Ngidi,Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara

With new leadership and fresh signings, RCB will look to turn their fortunes around in IPL 2025 and end their long wait for a title.

RCB Unbox 2025: Event Details

Date: March 17, 2025

Time: 4 PM IST

Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Veteran Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has spoken out regarding the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) recent policy that limits the presence of players’ families during tours. At 36 years old, Kohli played a crucial role in leading India to their third Champions Trophy victory, adding to the titles from 2002 and 2013. He emphasized the significant support families provide during challenging times on the road.

In response to India’s 1-3 defeat in the Test series against Australia earlier this year, the BCCI implemented a regulation outlining that players’ spouses and children may join them on tours exceeding 45 days only after the initial two weeks, with a cap of 14 days for their stay.

“It’s really hard for others to fathom how stabilizing it is to reunite with your family amidst the pressures of competition,” Kohli remarked at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Innovation Lab Indian Sports Summit prior to the IPL 2025, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.

Kohli articulated his disappointment at the lack of understanding surrounding the emotional support that family offers. “People who don’t see the complete picture often suggest keeping families away, without grasping the benefits they bring,” he stated.

The prolific batsman, who recently became the fastest to reach 14,000 runs in ODIs—surpassing Sachin Tendulkar—believes that having family nearby equips players to approach their game with a clearer sense of accountability.

“If you ask any player whether they want their family around, the answer is always yes. I prefer not to retreat to my room and feel isolated. I want to embrace normalcy, knowing I can return to life after fulfilling my responsibilities on the field,” Kohli explained.

During the Champions Trophy, Kohli’s wife Anushka Sharma passionately supported him from the stands, and following India’s victorious final against New Zealand in Dubai, their heartfelt celebration together quickly gained popularity on social media. Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s wife Ritika Sajdeh and their daughter Samaira were also seen celebrating during the tournament, while Kohli delivered remarkable performances, including a century against Pakistan and an 84-run innings against Australia in the semi-final.