Everything You Need to Know About the Inaugural Maharani Trophy, Check Complete Squads

As the sun rises on a new chapter in Karnataka’s rich cricketing legacy, the excitement in the air is palpable. The cricket-mad state, already celebrated for nurturing countless sporting icons, is set to unveil a landmark event: the inaugural edition of the Maharani Trophy, India’s latest entrant into the growing landscape of women’s franchise cricket.

Set to unfold from August 4th to 10th, 2025, this tournament promises not only high-octane action but also a powerful platform for aspiring and established women cricketers. Five dynamic teams, Bengaluru Blasters, Hubli Tigers, Mangaluru Dragons, Mysore Warriors, and Shivamogga Lioness, will vie for the coveted Maharani Trophy, each bringing their own blend of youth, experience, and regional pride.

The week-long extravaganza, hosted across Alur Grounds in Karnataka, will culminate in a grand finale at the legendary M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on 10th August 2025, a stage befitting such a historic occasion.

Player unveilings, team strategies, and emerging storylines have already set the cricketing circles abuzz after the conclusion of the inaugural auction. The Maharani Trophy stands as a testament to the growing recognition and investment in women’s cricket, giving talented athletes the exposure, infrastructure, and stage they richly deserve.

From star-studded lineups to breakthrough performances and heartfelt stories of grit and ambition, the Maharani Trophy 2025 is more than just a tournament; it marks a turning point in Karnataka’s sporting journey and a shining beacon for the future of women’s cricket in India. Here’s everything you need to know about this trailblazing tournament, the teams, the format, and why all eyes will be on Karnataka this August.

With a purse of Rs 10 lakh each, the franchises left no stone unturned to craft perfectly balanced 16-member squads, igniting high hopes for an electrifying tournament starting August 4th.

Spotlight on Auction Headlines

Most Expensive Pick: Bengaluru Blasters’ Niki Prasad stole the show, commanding a price of Rs 3.70 lakh, the highest of the auction.

Top Stars: Mysore Warriors’ Shubha Satheesh (Rs 3.10 lakh) and Shivamogga Lioness’ Mithila Vinod (Rs 3.00 lakh) were the other headline grabs, embodying both the talent and marketability now championed in women’s cricket.

Auction Drama: The fierce bidding wars and strategic buys across all teams underscored the competitive fire and meticulous planning of each franchise.

Maharani Cup 2025 Squads:

Bengaluru Blasters

The Blasters built their line-up around the marquee acquisition of Niki Prasad (Rs 3.70 lakh), signalling ambition and a quest for dominance. All-round depth comes from Aditi Rajesh (Rs 1.50 lakh) and Kandikuppa Kashvi (Rs 1.55 lakh), while the shrewd picks of Chandasi Krishnamurthy (Rs 70,000) and Pushpa Kiresur (Rs 40,000) add invaluable bench strength. With a robust squad, the Blasters are primed for a title charge.

Squad: Chandasi Krishnamurthy, Aditi Rajesh, Niki Prasad, Deeksha CD, Sarah Gabbur, Veda Varshini, Sakshi Doijode, Aditi Bakka, Harshitha Shekar, Pushpa Kiresur, Prangini Chauhan, T Nireeksha, Kandikuppa Kashvi, Nynisha Patil, Diya Umesh, Pranathi KS

Hubli Tigers

Opting for a blend of youth and experience, the Tigers anchored their squad with BG Tejashwini (Rs 1.50 lakh) and seasoned campaigner Bhavika Reddy (Rs 1.10 lakh). Star left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad, alongside Shreya Chavan and Krishika Reddy (all at Rs 1.00 lakh), brings potency and flair. The Tigers will look to combine talent and tactical nous to outfox rivals.

Squad: Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Monica Patel, Rameshwari Gayakwad, BG Tejashwini, Sakshi Munavalli, Shreya Chavan, Nandini Chauhan, Prathiksha C, Rimjhim Shukla, Annapurna G Bhosale, Bhavika Reddy, Krishika Reddy, Priya Chavan, Mansi Pundeer, Likhitha VG, Pooja Dhananjaya

Mangaluru Dragons

With Liyanka Shetty (Rs 2.25 lakh) setting the tone, the Dragons’ approach was all about impact. Power picks like Prathyoosha Kumar (Rs 1.80 lakh) and Inchara CU (Rs 1.55 lakh) are poised to deliver under pressure. Karnika Karthick (Rs 1.25 lakh) and Saloni P (Rs 85,000) add breadth and versatility, making Mangaluru a side to watch for surprises.

Squad: Anagha Murali, Bhakti Shetty, Harshitha R, Inchara CU, Karnika Karthick, Laxmi C Bagewadi, Liyanka Shetty, Nirmitha CJ, Prathyoosha Kumar, Prerana G, Reethu R Gowda, Saanvi Pramod Iyer, Saloni P, Shreya Ajay Mishra, Tanushree M, Zoya Imtiaz Khazi

Mysore Warriors

Mysore’s big splash came with the acquisition of Shubha Satheesh (Rs 3.10 lakh), one of the season’s most anticipated players. The franchise smartly rounded out their squad with all-rounders like Prakruthi NG (Rs 1.20 lakh), Pooja Kumari M (Rs 1.05 lakh), and up-and-comers Sahana S Pawar (Rs 1.00 lakh) and Rachitha Hatwar (Rs 85,000). This balance of experience and raw talent could see the Warriors scripting fairytales.

Squad: TBC

Shivamogga Lioness

Fierce from the very start, Shivamogga snared Mithila Vinod (Rs 3.00 lakh) as their pillar. The team added star power and stability with Lavanya Chalana (Rs 1.45 lakh), Roshini Kiran (Rs 1.30 lakh), and Soumya Verma (Rs 1.05 lakh). The solid buy of Srinithi P Rai (Rs 80,000) further boosts their chances for glory.

Squad: Roshini Kiran, Mithila Vinod, Namita Dsouza, Lavanya Chalana, Soumya Verma, Chinmayi Shivanand, Saina Kapoor, Srinithi P Rai, Sloka Veerahyndhavi, Jayashree Rajshekar K, Vaishnavi Acharya, Anusha MN, Advika D Gowda, Keerthi SV, Isha Prabhakar, Stuthi M

Fixtures:

TBC

The results of this thrilling auction have set the stage for a truly competitive Maharani Trophy T20, one in which every squad boasts the firepower, depth, and fresh faces ready to make history. The high-profile player signings and carefully crafted squads promise a tournament brimming with action, storylines, and the unmistakable sense that women’s cricket in Karnataka has found its grandest stage yet.

When the Maharani Trophy gets underway on August 4th at the Alur Grounds, fans can expect fierce rivalries, individual brilliance, and the rise of new heroes, all culminating in the much-awaited Final at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on August 10th.