~The highly anticipated men’s and women’s tournaments get underway today at Mumbai’s iconic Wankhede Stadium, running concurrently from June 1 to 13 ~
The wait is officially over. As the city plunges headfirst into a mega cricket carnival starting today, the star captains of the participating teams in the Nuvama Private T20 Mumbai League 2026 and the historic, inaugural Nuvama Private T20 Mumbai Women’s League came together for a spectacular season launch event. Organized by co-sponsor 31 Labels over the weekend, the grand curtain-raiser officially set the stage for what promises to be an electric two weeks of high-voltage cricketing action.
The launch event was attended by Shri Ajinkya Naik, President of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), and Shri Rajdip Gupta, Chairman of the League Governing Council. Members of the Apex Council, the League Governing Council, and representatives from all 11 competing teams and their operators also gathered to celebrate the official beginning of an exciting new chapter in Mumbai cricket.
Since making its debut in 2018, the Nuvama Private T20 Mumbai League has established itself as one of India’s premier franchise-based domestic T20 tournaments, serving as a vital launchpad for some of the country’s most promising talent. The current season, which starts today, features a powerhouse mix of established global stars and emerging local prodigies across both the men’s and women’s competitions.
Shri Ajinkya Naik, President of the Mumbai Cricket Association, shared his excitement: “It is a matter of pride for us that players like Ajinkya Rahane, Shardul Thakur, and Shreyas Iyer went on to represent India after playing for Mumbai, and will now share the dressing room with youngsters to pass on their knowledge and experience. The exposure these young players will gain from playing alongside such stalwarts will be immense. Similarly, for the women’s players, the opportunity to share a dugout with established stars will be invaluable. Players like Shivam Dube and Suryakumar Yadav performed in the first season of this league and went on to win the T20 World Cup for India.”
Highlighting a massive milestone for the tournament, Rajdip Gupta, Chairman of the League Governing Council, noted: “The main task I was assigned by the apex council members was to get the women’s tournament started. I would like to thank the apex council, the governing council, and President Shri Ajinkya Naik for giving me a free hand. With everyone’s support, we have achieved it. I officially announce the launch of the T20 Mumbai League and the T20 Mumbai Women’s League.”
The pre-tournament buzz peaked with an engaging fireside chat featuring the captains and vice-captains, offering deep insights into their intense preparations and tactical expectations ahead of today’s opening fixtures. High-energy performances added to the festive atmosphere, building a fitting crescendo for the 13-day tournament.
The Captains’ Cut: Ready for Battle
“Really happy and excited for the season. First of all, congratulations to the Mumbai Cricket Association for providing this platform to all the young cricketers. For players who have worked really hard, this is a great opportunity to express their talent and take the next step in their careers. From our point of view, it’s all about going out there and playing with freedom.” — Ajinkya Rahane, Captain, North Mumbai Panthers
“I feel it’s a great opportunity for the youngsters, especially those coming up the ranks in domestic cricket, to showcase their talent and skills at this level. I feel it has definitely gotten bigger and better since last season. It’s a great opportunity for the youngsters, and I am excited to be part of it.” — Shreyas Iyer, Captain, SOBO Mumbai Falcons
“I will try my best to replicate hitting those five sixes from the first season. I can’t say whether I will definitely do it, but I will certainly try my best to repeat it.” — Shivam Dube, Captain, Arcs Andheri
“The talent sitting here on the podium is exceptional. Mumbai is known for producing great batters over the years. I feel every batter is going to come out hard. We know what’s at stake. It’s going to be a fierce battle, and we’re hoping for the best.” — Shardul Thakur, Captain, Eagle Thane Strikers
“Obviously, winning the trophy last year was a special moment for all of us. We want to do it again, but we’re not focusing too much on the end result. I will just try to help my teammates and the youngsters perform to their potential. It’s going to be a competitive league. We have to start from zero this year.” — Siddhesh Lad, Captain, Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals
“I am a bit more aggressive, while Musheer is calmer. But when it comes to the field, no one is your brother or friend—he will be a rival.” — Sarfaraz Khan, Captain, Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs
“I am grateful to the team management and owners for giving me the opportunity to captain the side this season. I hope to repay their faith in me. The boys have been practicing really well, and we will look to go out there, play hard and enjoy the game.” — Suved Parkar, Captain, Bandra Blasters
“Our team has been training really well. Suryakumar Yadav is an experienced player, so the youngsters in the team will learn a lot from him. Hopefully, we will do well.” — Akhil Herwadkar, Vice-Captain, Triumph Knights Mumbai North East
A Historic First: The T20 Mumbai Women’s League
The inaugural edition of the T20 Mumbai Women’s League features three brand-new teams, writing a historic new chapter for local cricket by giving Mumbai’s elite women cricketers an identical primetime platform to showcase their skills.
“I think we’re really excited for this league, and I feel every team has prepared with the aim of winning the inaugural edition. It’s a great opportunity for all the young girls out there to showcase their talent, experience playing in front of packed stadiums, and learn a lot from the experience.” — Humairaa Kaazi, Captain, Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs
“In the first season, our main aim will be to play fearless cricket and entertain the crowds as well.” — Sayali Satghare, Captain, SOBO Mumbai Falcons
“The preparations have been good. We have a lot of young talent in our group and several players who have already lifted a trophy at Wankhede Stadium with the Mumbai senior women’s team in domestic cricket. Having been a part of that team, I know that when all the ‘khadoos’ Mumbai players come together on the field, the matches will be thrilling.” — Saima Thakor, Captain, Thane Sky Risers
The blockbuster tournament will feature 30 action-packed matches as the absolute best cricketing minds in the city fight for ultimate T20 supremacy at the Wankhede Stadium, culminating in the grand finale on June 13.
Cricket fans can catch every single ball live as all matches will be broadcast on JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network.
