The T20 Mumbai League is ready for a grand comeback after a six-year hiatus with Indian ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma named as its brand ambassador.
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) announced the return of the tournament, which will feature eight teams, including two new franchises, and is expected to showcase a constellation of Mumbai’s cricketing stars, including Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, and others. The league’s relaunch will be officially unveiled on April 18 in Mumbai with Rohit likely to grace the event.
The T20 Mumbai League, which ran successfully in 2018 and 2019 before being halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is set to reclaim its spot as a breeding ground for local talent. Rohit will serve as the face of the tournament, bringing his star power to elevate its profile.
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Participation of Indian Players Mandatory
Adding to the excitement, the MCA has made participation mandatory for Mumbai’s Indian players.
"All Mumbai’s Indian players have been informed that they have to play the T20 Mumbai League, which will begin after the IPL. It’s mandatory, unless those, who have India commitment or injury issues, they can skip," an MCA official said as quoted by The Indian Express.
Apart from Iyer and Yadav, other notable names like Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Prithvi Shaw, and Tushar Deshpande might feature as ‘icon players,’ with the MCA considering a hefty INR 15 lakh payout for each to ensure their commitment. The league’s timing, post the conclusion of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) on May 25, ensures these stars can participate without clashing with their franchise commitments.
"Indian players will be paid 15 lakh separately by the association as a participation fee, plus they will earn separately from the auction fees. We are working on the base price and other details," the official added.
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The revamped tournament will see eight teams battle it out, with two new franchises joining the likes of North Mumbai Panthers, ARCS Andheri, Triumph Knights Mumbai North East, Namo Bandra Blasters, Eagle Thane Strikers and Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs.
Notably, the MCA has already seen overwhelming interest, with over 2,800 players registering for the third edition of the tournament.
