It was a big day for the T20 Mumbai League, which held its auction in grand fashion, with teenager Ira Jadhav emerging as the top buy in the inaugural women's edition of the league. She was roped in for INR 10 lakh - a record transaction for the three-team women's competition, which will be held alongside the eight-team men's tournament under the aegis of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).
While the women's teams will play their maiden season, the men's competition will enter its fourth edition, and the MCA has made participation in the tournament mandatory. "Every international, if not on national duty or undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence, will be required to participate in the league to be considered for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) tournament," MCA president Ajinkya Naik said.
"That's the simple rule. Normally, if you see India players or Mumbai Ranji Trophy players, or players across formats, they make sure they participate in club cricket. Right from Sunil Gavaskar sir and Dilip Vengsarkar sir till now. Players like Suryakumar Yadav also play for Parsi Gymkhana.
"There are a few others, like Shardul (Thakur), who plays for his respective team. So it's a common practice in Mumbai to play for clubs. And now they have been playing for the last three years for their respective franchises. I don't think there is any problem in not representing the franchises," the MCA president said while also stating that participation in the T20 league is key to consideration for the SMAT, the national T20 championship.
Meanwhile, the auction saw intense bidding as franchises finalised their squads for the upcoming Season 1. A total of 363 women players went under the hammer, with teams focusing on a strong mix of youth and proven domestic performers. Franchises spent a total of Rs 1.47 crore at the auction, picking 50 players.
Ira, who grabbed attention after becoming the first Indian to score a triple century in U-19 cricket last year, was the standout pick of the auction, highlighting the league's focus on providing a platform to emerging talent.
Earlier, the MCA announced the Icon players, with Sayali Satghare (SoBo Mumbai Falcons), Saima Thakor (Thane Sky Risers) and Humaira Kazi (Aakash Tigers) forming the core of their respective squads.
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In the auction for men's teams, there was intense bidding wars, with all-rounder Akash Parkar becoming one of the most valued acquisitions, going to SoBo Mumbai Falcons for Rs 12 lakh. Wicketkeeper-batsman Prasad Pawar (Rs 11.50 lakh) and the versatile Musheer Khan (Rs 11 lakh) were secured by Arcs Andheri in a clear statement of intent. Arjun Tendulkar will also join Arcs Andheri who bought him for Rs 10 lakhs.
Earlier, the league confirmed Suryakumar (Triumph Knights Mumbai North East), Shreyas Iyer (SoBo Mumbai Falcons), Ajinkya Rahane (North Mumbai Panthers), Shivam Dube (Arcs Andheri), Yashasvi Jaiswal (Bandra Blasters), Shardul Thakur (Eagle Thane Strikers), Sarfaraz Khan (Aakash Tigers), and Tushar Deshpande (MSC Maratha Royals) as the Icon Players.
The league will be held at the Wankhede from June 1 to 15.
