The International Masters League (IML) 2025 final in Raipur witnessed high drama as cricketing legends Yuvraj Singh and Tino Best were involved in a heated altercation. The incident occurred during the 13th over of India’s chase against the West Indies Masters, adding an unexpected edge to the otherwise thrilling contest.
The altercation began when Tino Best, after completing his over, attempted to leave the field citing a possible injury concern. Yuvraj Singh flagged the issue, prompting umpire Billy Bowden to intervene and ask Best to return. This led to a verbal exchange between the two players, with neither backing down. The situation escalated, requiring the intervention of Brian Lara, Ambati Rayudu, and the umpires to defuse the tension.
Despite the fiery exchange, Yuvraj Singh showcased his composure on the field, hitting a massive six shortly after the incident and pointing his bat at Best in a symbolic gesture. The match concluded with India Masters, led by Sachin Tendulkar, clinching the title with a six-wicket victory. Ambati Rayudu’s stellar 74-run knock played a pivotal role in chasing down the target of 149 runs with 17 balls to spare.
The altercation between Yuvraj and Best became a major talking point, overshadowing the nostalgic performances by cricketing greats. While the incident highlighted the competitive spirit of the game, it also underscored the need for sportsmanship in high-stakes matches.