Sanga leads Sri Lankan Masters in IML Tourney

Sri Lanka Masters led by Kumar Sangakkara will take part in the inaugural season of International Masters League (IML) from February 22 to March 16 in India. Sri Lanka Masters team will leave today for this tournament.

The opening game, of this IML tournament scheduled for February 22 at Navi Mumbai, will witness a faceoff between the Asian giants. The Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar will lead an Indian team while Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Pathan brothers Irfan and Yusuf also among the India masters squad will battle against Sri Lasnka Masters led by Kumar Sangakkara.

Sri Lanka Masters team comprises former National players Romesh Kaluwitharana, Upul Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne as key batters while Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Isuru Udana are in the Squad as fast bowlers. The all rounders Jeewan Mendis, Chintaka Jayasinghe, Asela Gunaratne and Ashan Priyanjan who recently retired from first class cricket are also in the Sri Lanka masters squad.

West Indies Masters team led by former Caribbean super stat batsman Brian Lara and former skipper Chris Gayle is also in the team. England Masters team led by Eoin Morgan while Ian Bell and Kevin Peterson also among the squad. Shane Watson, Shuan Marsh are among the Australia Masters team while Jonty Rhodes, Jacques Kallis, JP Duminy and Vernon Philander are among the South Africa Masters team

Sri Lanka Masters team skipper Sangakkara said IML is a tribute to cricket’s timeless charm. This inaugural IML tournament is good opportunity for former players. It’s a platform where they can relive old rivalries and reconnect with fans. I am excited to participate in this historic league alongside so many illustrious names”.

Sri Lanka Masters will meet their second match against South Africa Masters on February 26 followed by February 28 against Australia Masters. Sri Lanka Vs West Indies Masters match will be played on March 6 while the game between Sri Lanka Maters and England Masters will be held on March 10. After five matches in Navi Mumbai, the IML will move to Rajkot; thereafter, the matches will move to Raipur. Raipur will also host the semi-finals and final.

The teams:

Sri Lanka Masters: Kumar Sangakkara (Capt), Romesh Kaluwitharana, Ashan Priyanjan, Upul Tharanga, Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Thirimanne, Chinthaka Jayasinghe, Seekkuge Prasanna, Jeevan Mendis, Isuru Udana, Dhammika Prasad, Suranga Lakmal, Dilruwan Perera, Asela Gunaratne, Chaturanga de Silva.

India Masters: Sachin Tendulkar (Capt), Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan, Irfan Pathan, Stuart Binny, Dhawal Kulkarni, Vinay Kumar, Shahbaz Nadeem, Rahul Sharma, Naman Ojha, Pawan Negi, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Abhimanyu Mithun.

West Indies Masters: Brian Lara (Capt), Chris Gayle, Kirk Edwards, Lendl Simmons, Narsingh Deonarine, Ashley Nurse, Dwayne Smith, Chadwick Walton, Denesh Ramdin, Williams Perkins, Fiden Edwards, Jerome Taylor, Ravi Rampaul, Sulieman Benn, Tino Best.

Australia Masters: Callum Ferguson, Nathan Reardon, Shaun Marsh, Ben Cutting, Dan Christian, Shane Watson, Ben Dunk, Peter Nevill, Ben Hilfenhaus, Ben Laughlin, Bryce McGain, James Pattinson, Jason Krejza, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty.

England Masters: Eoin Morgan (C), Ian Bell, Kevin Petersen , Darren Maddy, Dimitri Mascarenhas, Tim Bresnan, Phil Mustard, Tim Ambrose, Boyd Rankin, Chris Schofield, Chris Tremlett, Monty Panesar, Ryan Sidebottom, Steve Finn, Stuart Meaker.

South Africa Masters: Alviro Petersen, Farhaan Behardien, Hashim Amla, Henry Davids, Jacuqes Rudolph, Jonty Rhodes, Jacques Kallis, JP Duminy, Vernon Philander, Dane Vilas, Morne van Wyk, Eddie Leie, Garnett Kruger, Makhaya Ntini, Thandi Tshabalala.

Source:Daily News