The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has unveiled its MCA Women’s Team squad for the United Kingdom Tour 2026, marking another significant step in the development of women’s cricket in one of India’s most successful cricketing regions.
The overseas tour is expected to provide Mumbai’s brightest young talents with invaluable exposure to English playing conditions, competitive international-standard opposition, and an opportunity to showcase the depth of the city’s flourishing women’s cricket structure. As women’s cricket in India continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, overseas tours such as this have become increasingly important in preparing players for higher levels of domestic and international competition.
The Mumbai contingent will be led by Humairaa Kaazi, who has been appointed captain of the touring side, while several promising players from Mumbai’s domestic circuit have earned their places through consistent performances. The tour reflects MCA’s continued investment in nurturing future stars and ensuring that Mumbai remains one of the strongest talent-producing centres in Indian women’s cricket.
The MCA Women’s Team for the United Kingdom Tour 2026 features a balanced blend of experienced performers and exciting youngsters. Alongside captain Humairaa Kaazi, the squad includes Sayali Satghare, Vrushali Bhagat, Jagravi Pawar, Mahi Thakkar, Fatima Jaffer, Riya Chaudhari, Prakashika Naik, Hurley Gala, Aachal Valanju, Jeeya Mandrawadkar, Ashwini Nishad, Sanmaya Upadhyay, Kimaya Rane, Sadhvi Sanjay, Ria Thakur, Sonakshi Solanki, and Soumya Singh. Each player has earned recognition through consistent performances across Mumbai’s domestic competitions and age-group tournaments, making this tour an ideal platform to test their skills in overseas conditions.
English wickets are known to reward disciplined seam bowling while also demanding patience and technical precision from batters. For several members of the squad, this will be their first opportunity to compete outside India, making the experience invaluable in accelerating their cricketing growth. Exposure to different pitches, weather conditions, and playing styles will help these players develop the adaptability that modern elite cricket demands.
Beyond the players, the touring party also boasts an experienced support staff tasked with guiding the team throughout the campaign. Prof. Dr. Unmesh Khanvilkar, MCA Secretary and Team Director, will accompany the squad alongside Head Coach Ajay Kadam, who will oversee the team’s cricketing preparations and tactical planning. Vrunda Bhagat has been appointed as Team Manager, ensuring smooth logistical operations during the tour, while Josheeta Shetty will serve as the physiotherapist responsible for player fitness and recovery. Vidhi Sanghvi joins the squad as trainer, focusing on strength and conditioning, whereas Apoorva Kokil will fulfil the role of team analyst, providing crucial performance insights and opposition assessments. The presence of a comprehensive support team underlines MCA’s professional approach towards women’s cricket, mirroring the standards followed by elite domestic and international teams. Such structured support allows players to focus entirely on their performances while benefiting from expert guidance both on and off the field.
The United Kingdom tour represents far more than a series of matches. Overseas exposure has become one of the most effective pathways for developing cricketers capable of succeeding on the biggest stages. Competing in England requires players to quickly adapt to swinging conditions, longer spells of disciplined bowling, and tactical cricket that often differs from the faster-paced domestic game in India. Batters are challenged to leave deliveries outside the off stump and construct innings patiently, while bowlers learn to exploit movement in the air and off the seam. These experiences can significantly enhance a player’s technical and mental game, helping bridge the gap between domestic cricket and elite competition. For Mumbai’s emerging cricketers, performing well during the tour could strengthen their prospects in upcoming domestic tournaments and potentially attract the attention of national selectors. The tour also reinforces the growing emphasis on international exposure within India’s women’s cricket ecosystem, ensuring that promising talent receives opportunities to develop beyond domestic boundaries.
The announcement of the MCA Women’s Team United Kingdom Tour 2026 has generated considerable excitement among Mumbai cricket followers, who have long witnessed the city produce some of India’s finest cricketers. With women’s cricket enjoying unprecedented popularity following recent international successes and the expansion of professional domestic opportunities, the timing of this overseas assignment could prove pivotal for several members of the squad. Every match in England will present opportunities to gain confidence, refine skills, and build the resilience required to excel at higher levels of the game. For the Mumbai Cricket Association, the tour is another statement of intent as it continues investing in the future of women’s cricket through structured development programmes and competitive international exposure. As the team embarks on its journey carrying Mumbai’s rich cricketing legacy abroad, supporters will hope that this talented group not only delivers strong performances but also returns with invaluable experience that contributes to the continued rise of Mumbai and Indian women’s cricket in the years ahead.
MCA Women’s Team Squad for United Kingdom Tour 2026: Humairaa Kaazi (Captain), Sayali Satghare, Vrushali Bhagat, Jagravi Pawar, Mahi Thakkar, Fatima Jaffer, Riya Chaudhari, Prakashika Naik, Hurley Gala, Aachal Valanju, Jeeya Mandrawadkar, Ashwini Nishad, Sanmaya Upadhyay, Kimaya Rane, Sadhvi Sanjay, Ria Thakur, Sonakshi Solanki, Soumya Singh.
Support Staff: Prof. Dr. Unmesh Khanvilkar (MCA Secretary & Team Director), Ajay Kadam (Head Coach), Vrunda Bhagat (Manager), Josheeta Shetty (Physiotherapist), Vidhi Sanghvi (Trainer), Apoorva Kokil (Analyst).
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