The T20 Mumbai League, organised by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), has announced its return for season three after what has been a six-year break.
MCA also named India captain and Mumbai’s very own Rohit Sharma as the face of season 3. Sharma also unveiled the trophy of season 3 at the event announcement.
In a related development, MCA welcomed Roadway Solutions India Infra Ltd and Royal Edge Sports & Entertainment as the two new franchise operators for the third edition of the league, set to begin on May 26.
While season 3 will continue to feature eight teams (as was the case in season two), MCA has onboarded two new team operators. Roadway Solutions India Infra Ltd. secured the operating rights of Sobo Mumbai Falcons (South Mumbai) for Rs 82 crore and Royal Edge Sports & Entertainment acquired the team representing Mumbai South Central region for Rs 57 crore.
The two teams fill the slots left vacant after SoBo SuperSonics (co-owned by Gurmeet Singh Bhamrah) and Shivaji Park Lions (co-owner Sharad Kapoor) exited the league.
Meanwhile, in a development that now has only an indirect relevance, BCCI Ombudsman Justice (Retd) Arun Mishra has imposed a ban on Bhamrah, finding him guilty of making a corrupt approach to Mumbai cricketers Dhawal Kulkarni and Bhavin Thakkar during the 2019 edition of the IPL.
Bhamrah, who also had ties with the Global T20 Canada league, is no longer associated with either of the two leagues. While the official order does not mention the exact duration of the ban, it is likely to range between five years and a lifetime suspension, based on the BCCI’s anti-corruption code.
Coming back to the T20 Mumbai League, the two new franchises join a team roster that includes North Mumbai Panthers (Horizon Sports India Private Limited), ARCS Andheri (Arcs Sports & Entertainment Private Limited), Triumph Knights Mumbai North East (Transcon Triumph Knights Private Limited), Namo Bandra Blasters (Pk Sports Ventures Private Limited), Eagle Thane Strikers (Eagle Infra India Ltd.) and Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs (World Star Premier League LLP).
Season 3 has already received a solid response with over 2,800 player registrations, reflecting the league’s significant role as a vital platform for emerging cricket talent in Mumbai.
Rohit Sharma, who rose from Mumbai’s iconic maidans to become India’s World Cup-winning captain, perfectly embodies the city’s rich cricketing legacy. His journey from local grounds to the global stage continues to inspire millions around the world and serves as a testament to the talent and spirit that define Mumbai cricket.
Commenting on the announcement, MCA president Ajinkya Naik, stated: “We are proud to announce Rohit Sharma as the face of the T20 Mumbai League. His remarkable achievements and journey reflects the core values of Mumbai cricket — grit, determination, hard work, and ambition. His association with the league will not only inspire aspiring cricketers but also elevate the league’s stature. We are equally excited to welcome two new franchise operators to the T20 Mumbai League family. With growing interest from stakeholders, our goal is to provide an even larger platform for Mumbai’s talented players and build India’s next cricket heroes.”
Rohit said: “Our domestic structure has always been the foundation of Indian cricket’s success. Leagues like T20 Mumbai play a significant role in that journey. They serve as platforms that uncover new talent and provide young players with the exposure they need. Mumbai has a rich cricketing legacy, and we’ve seen some incredible players emerge from here. It’s great to see the league’s return, and I’m excited to be a part of it. I’d encourage every youngster to grab this opportunity and leave their mark. I’m confident the third season will be a memorable experience — not just for the players, but for the fans as well.”
Launched in 2018 with the stated aim of identifying and promoting cricketing talent, the league has served as a launchpad for several promising players such as Shivam Dube, Tushar Deshpande and Shams Mulani, who have gone on to make their mark at higher levels.
