MCA Honors T20 Mumbai League Champions, Welcomes New Franchise

Mumbai, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) hosted the ‘Celebrating the Champions’ event on November 10, 2026. This occasion honored the winners of the T20 Mumbai League 2026 and celebrated the league’s progress both on and off the field.

Among the attendees were former World Cup-winning captain and current captain of ‘Triumph Knights MNE,’ Suryakumar Yadav, MCA President Ajinkya Naik, and Rajdeep Gupta, Chairman of the T20 Mumbai League Governing Council. Other notable guests included players like Sarfaraz Khan, Mushir Khan, Suryansh Shedge, Sayali Satghare, MCA officials, Apex Council members, team operators, business partners, club secretaries, and media representatives.

During the event, the ‘MSC Maratha Royals’ were recognized for successfully defending their title in the men’s league. The ‘Sobo Mumbai Falcons’ were also celebrated for winning the inaugural women’s league. A highlight of the evening was the formal introduction of the league’s ninth franchise, which will represent Navi Mumbai. This new addition reflects growing interest among potential investors in the competition.

Suryakumar Yadav expressed the importance of having a proper platform for aspiring cricketers in Mumbai. He reminisced about the excitement he felt when he first heard about the T20 Mumbai League in 2018, noting that it provided opportunities beyond the IPL and domestic tournaments.

MCA President Ajinkya Naik remarked on the league’s evolution as a significant cricketing platform and sports property. He emphasized the need to create opportunities for future generations to carry forward Mumbai’s cricket legacy. Naik reaffirmed the association’s commitment to enhancing the league while focusing on nurturing local talent and strengthening the cricket ecosystem in Mumbai.

Rajdeep Gupta highlighted the league’s growth since its inception and the significance of adding a ninth franchise. He noted that the acquisition of franchises for ₹1.0688 billion over six years demonstrates investor confidence and the league’s potential. Gupta emphasized the goal of creating a sustainable franchise-based tournament that balances the sport’s significance with business opportunities.

The evening also featured an informal discussion among Suryakumar Yadav, Ajinkya Naik, Rajdeep Gupta, and league partners. They shared insights on the league’s journey, its rising stature, business prospects, and its role in enhancing Mumbai cricket.

Since its launch in 2018, the T20 Mumbai League has provided a platform for emerging cricketers to showcase their skills and reach higher levels of the sport. Players like Shivam Dube and Tushar Deshpande have advanced to represent India through this league. The introduction of a women’s competition in 2026 has further broadened the platform, allowing female cricketers to compete and demonstrate their capabilities.

The expanding franchise base has also increased the league’s commercial appeal. The inclusion of the Navi Mumbai franchise, with an investment of ₹1.0688 billion over six years, marks a significant step forward. With its franchise model and business partnerships, the league is continually creating a platform that unites cricket talent, investors, and brands.

Now, with nine franchises participating, the T20 Mumbai League is well-positioned to strengthen its reputation as one of India’s premier franchise-based domestic T20 tournaments. With an increasing number of franchises, growing commercial interest, and a consistent focus on nurturing local talent, the league aims to advance even further in the coming years.