Sachin Tendulkar Foundation Cricket stars treat kids to magic in International Masters League

The International Masters League (IML) 2025 was a reality check for the young benefactors of the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation's (STF) Sports for Development programme. The young boys and girls were provided with the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of sharing the same field with some of all-time cricketing greats, feeling at close range the grandeur of their cricket idols at the historical DY Patil Stadium.

A Moment of Pride and Honor

Thrill hit a peak when the kids marched hand-in-hand with the cricketing icons of India Masters and England Masters. The experience gained a peak when they stood tall alongside Sachin Tendulkar as the Indian National Anthem resounded in the stadium. For these young fans, this wasn't merely watching a cricket match—it was something they would always remember, something that entailed inspiration, hope, and the power of dreams.

The grass was buzzing with nostalgia as cricketing legends from the past took to the field one last time. The India Masters team, led by none other than the very Sachin Tendulkar himself, displayed an all-round performance that saw them ride to a comprehensive nine-wicket victory against the England Masters.

India Masters' Control on the Pitch

Chasing 133, the India Masters gave a classic display of mastery, spearheaded by none other than Sachin Tendulkar himself. The "Little Master" rolled back the years, striking five boundaries and a six to make a quick 34 off just 21 balls. His aggressive purpose was complemented by his opening partner, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, who bludgeoned an unbeaten 63 off 35 balls. The firebrand 75-run opening partnership between the pair set the stage for a comprehensive victory.

When Tendulkar was caught off Chris Schofield by Tim Ambrose, making his way to the pavilion, a passing moment of quiet enveloped the stadium. It was short-lived, however, as the energy returned to the thunderous sounds of applause after Yuvraj Singh came to the field. Making no delay whatsoever, Yuvraj gave spectators a glimpse of his power-hitting prowess with an imposing six over his second delivery. His own unbeaten 27 off mere 14 balls, four of which were fours, led India Masters home in a mere 11.4 overs, while Gurkeerat kept going steady in their 57-run, unbroken partnership.

Earlier during the game, England Masters, led by Eoin Morgan, could not make a run with things after India Masters chose to bowl. Their innings began nervously with opener Phil Mustard being bowled out by Abhimanyu Mithun for 8 in the third over. Dhawal Kulkarni then followed it up by dismissing Morgan for 14 from 13 balls, throwing the visitors on the back foot early.

Despite the setbacks, Tim Ambrose and Darren Maddy attempted to stabilize the innings with a well-constructed 43-run partnership for the third wicket. However, India’s left-arm spinner Pawan Negi turned the tide once again, taking two crucial wickets in quick succession. While Ambrose managed 23 off 22 balls, Maddy contributed 25 off 24 before falling to Negi’s clever bowling.

The lower order fended off some resistance, with Tim Bresnan chipping in 16 off 19 deliveries before getting out to Kulkarni. England's hopes of creating a late comeback were dashed as India's merciless bowling attack continued to keep the pressure building. Vinay Kumar snatched an important wicket, dismissing Dimitri Mascarenhas for a low single-digit score. Mithun and Kulkarni went on to burst England's hopes by dismissing Chris Tremlett (16 off 8) and Steven Finn (1) towards the end.

England's game ended at 132, through a late-ordered unbeaten 18 out of 8 deliveries by Chris Schofield. However, that was not to put the very robust India Masters to the challenge.

India's Bowling Excellence

Dhawal Kulkarni was the bowlers' preference, and he delivered a first-class performance with 3/21. Abhimanyu Mithun and Pawan Negi picked two wickets each and gave him good support. Vinay Kumar also pitched in with a crucial wicket to ensure that England never enjoyed the upper hand.

A Celebration of Cricket and Community

Along with the thrill of competition, the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation children added a touch of warmth to the proceedings. The foundation, committed to sports as a force for change, is in a position to continue providing sports facilities and training to less fortunate children. Seeing these young supporters watch their idols compete not only made them more passionate about the sport but also gave them a belief in the magic of dreams and hard work.

The International Masters League 2025 was again not just a cricket tournament—it was a platform for crossing generations, paying tribute to legends, and inspiring the game's future stars. As these children left the stadium, their eyes sparkled with hope, knowing that they too could one day be in the limelight, like the legends they shared the pitch with that evening.