The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has ignited massive excitement by announcing the dates of the inaugural T20 Mumbai Women’s League, running from June 1 to 13 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.
This groundbreaking edition features three powerhouse teams, Akash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs, Thane Skyrisers, and SoBo Mumbai Falcons, running simultaneously with Season 4 of the men’s T20 Mumbai League, promising a cricket carnival that spotlights emerging women’s talent on a grand stage. All matches will be telecast live on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar, ensuring nationwide access to high-voltage action.
The league’s inaugural auction on May 2, coinciding with the announcement of Harmanpreet Kaur-led India’s squad for the 10th ICC Women’s T20 World Cup (June 12 to July 5 in England and Wales), saw fierce bidding for domestic stars and prodigies. Icon players leading the charge include Sayali Satghare for SoBo Mumbai Falcons, Saima Thakor for Thane Skyrisers, and Humaira Kazi for Akash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs, blending experience with raw potential.
Auction highlights stole the show. SoBo Mumbai Falcons splashed ₹7 lakh on explosive batter Simran Shaikh, followed by Hurley Gala (₹5 lakh) and Riya Chaudhari (₹5.50 lakh). Thane Skyrisers secured Vrushali Bhagat for ₹6 lakh, with Khushi Bhatia and Zeal Dmello both at ₹4.50 lakh. Akash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs made the biggest statement, snapping up 16-year-old batting sensation Ira Javed, the first Indian to score a triple century in U-19 cricket last year, for a whopping ₹10 lakh, alongside Sanika Chalke (₹5.50 lakh) and Fatima Jaffer (₹4.25 lakh).
This star-studded lineup promises fireworks under Wankhede’s floodlights. Ira Javed’s record-breaking exploits and Simran Shaikh’s power-hitting could define the tournament, offering a vital platform just ahead of the World Cup.
MCA President Ajinkya Naik captured the vision: “The T20 Mumbai League has consistently played an important role in strengthening Mumbai’s cricketing ecosystem and providing opportunities for emerging players to perform alongside some of the biggest names in the game. Conducting both the men’s and women’s tournaments at the Wankhede Stadium reflects the MCA’s commitment to creating a larger and more inclusive platform for talent development and taking Mumbai cricket to a wider audience.”
Rajdip Gupta, Chairman of the League Governing Council, echoed the sentiment: “The opportunity to play at the iconic Wankhede Stadium will be a major moment for many young cricketers and an important platform in their development journey. With live telecast on Star Sports and streaming on JioHotstar, players will gain valuable exposure in front of a nationwide audience, while fans can look forward to an exciting and high-quality brand of cricket throughout the tournament.”
As the T20 Mumbai League cements its status as one of India’s premier domestic T20 platforms, nurturing talents who’ve risen to Mumbai and India levels, this women’s inaugural edition elevates Mumbai’s cricketing ecosystem. Expect breakout performances that could fast-track players to national reckoning, all amid the electric atmosphere of Wankhede.
(Quotes sourced from Official Press Release).
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.