The Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals, the newest entrants in the upcoming T20 Mumbai League 2025, unveiled their team jersey and official anthem ahead of their debut season in Vashi on Saturday.
The ownership consortium of Royal Edge Sports & Entertainment — comprising Kapil and Alisha Baheti, Mayank and Raj Khandwala, and Ranjit and Tina Bindra were present for the launch.
Per an official release, the Maratha Royals team jersey “symbolizes both the rich cricketing heritage of the Shivaji Park catchment and their fresh, modern approach to T20 cricket”.
The team anthem, blending Marathi folk rhythms with contemporary beats, was also launched ahead of their league debut.
“Backed by the roar of the tiger and the spirit of the Maratha warrior, the Maratha Royals embody resilience, pride, and purpose — values inspired by the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Our goal is to blend this historic spirit and rich cricketing legacy of Mumbai and its relentless pursuit of modern sporting excellence,” said Kapil Baheti.
The franchise has assembled an 18-member squad featuring five specialist bowlers, seven batters, and six all-rounders. At the heart of the team is skipper Siddhesh Lad, who was the costliest buy at the players’ auction held on May 8, securing a bid of ₹10.25 lakh.
“Every player in this squad has been picked with a clear purpose,” Lad said at the unveiling. “We may be new, but our preparations are focused. With Abhishek sir’s (team mentor Abhishek Nayar) clarity and (coach) Amit sir’s planning, we’re ready to make an immediate impact.”
Nayar emphasized the importance of simplicity, recovery, and enjoyment in tournament conditions.
“In leagues like this, where matches come thick and fast, keeping it simple is key,” Nayar shared. “Our goal is to ensure the players — especially the younger ones — enjoy the process. Playing in Wankhede, these are big stages, under the lights, often in front of their families. That sense of pride is irreplaceable.”
The Maratha Royals will play a warm-up game against the Raigad Royals ahead of their official campaign against Aakash Tigers on June 4 at Wankhede Stadium.
The launch event brought together players and key stakeholders, including T20 Mumbai Premier League CEO Ajinkya Joshi, MCA vice president Kamlesh Pisal, Maharashtra Cricket Association president Rohit Pawar, Member of Parliament Sunil Tatkare, MLC Prasad Lad, DCPs Pankaj Dahane and Amit Kale, MCA apex committee member Sushil Shewale, Raigad District Cricket Association president Anirudha Patil, and Mami Poko Pants country head Anirudha Singh Chauhan.
