Mumbai Cricket Association

Sarfaraz Khan continues to shine with second century in Buchi Babu Trophy 2025

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 16:07:32 GMT

The middle-order batter of the Indian side, Sarfaraz Khan, has continued to send a strong message to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors before the upcoming home Test season against the West Indies and South Africa. He was dropped from the national side since last year’s home red-ball series against New Zealand.

Sarfaraz, during the first round of the Buchi Babu Trophy 2025 in the invitational tournament in Tamil Nadu, celebrated a fine century as the selection committee would look to plan the best batter for their number three or six after Karun Nair struggled during the away five-match England Test trip with inconsistent performances.

Playing for Mumbai against Haryana during the Buchi Babu tournament, Sarfaraz Khan displayed his crazy performance with the bat. The right-handed batter was on 79 with several boundaries at run-a-ball before he cracked a huge six to celebrate a century in the third round of the tournament in just 99 deliveries. Sarfaraz will now come into contention for selection in the home Test season.

Watch: Sarfaraz Khan celebrates fabulous century for Mumbai during Buchi Babu Trophy 2025

Sarfaraz Khan has smashed 371 runs in six innings of the red-ball format at an average of 37.10 and a strike rate of 74.94, with the help of three half-centuries and one century at the best score of 150 runs against the Blackcaps during the opening Test of the series at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Sarfaraz has overall clubbed 4685 runs in 83 innings of First-class cricket at an average of 65.98 and a strike rate of more than 70, scoring 16 centuries and 15 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 301 runs. It would be really important for the batter to gain momentum before the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2025, which starts on August 28 in Bengaluru, and the following Ranji Trophy 2025.

Apart from Sarfaraz Khan, the number three batter of the Maharashtra side, Ruturaj Gaikwad, got back to form with a fine century against Himachal Pradesh as he looked to get back in rhythm after missing the last few months and the biggest chunk of the IPL due to a wrist injury.

"I've decided not to..."- Ajinkya Rahane takes massive decision ahead of Ranji Trophy 2025-26

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 12:07:07 GMT

The former Indian captain, Ajinkya Rahane, has decided to make a massive decision for Mumbai in the domestic cricket ahead of the Ranji Trophy 2025/26 season. The 37-year-old has used his social media platform to announce his decision to step down from the captaincy of the domestic team. He led them in the last few seasons but has now made way for the youngsters to come forward.

Ajinkya Rahane has overall smashed 14000 runs in 340 innings of first-class cricket at an average of 45.16 and a strike rate of 53.21 with the help of 41 centuries and 59 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 265 runs. In Test cricket, the right-handed batter grabbed 5077 runs in 144 innings at an average of 38.46 with 12 centuries and 26 fifties.

“Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour. With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader, and hence I’ve decided not to continue in the captaincy role. I remain fully committed to giving my best as a player and will continue my journey with Mumbai to help us win more trophies. Looking forward to the season.” Rahane expressed on socials.

Ajinkya Rahane steps down from captaincy for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy 2025/26

Rahane’s last international red-ball fixture came in July 2023 against the West Indies at the Port of Spain. He featured in the WTC 2023 final against Australia at the Kennington Oval in South London. His last FC encounter, however, came in February this year against Vidarbha.

Captaining and winning championships with the Mumbai team has been an absolute honour.

With a new domestic season ahead, I believe it’s the right time to groom a new leader, and hence I’ve decided not to continue in the captaincy role.

I remain fully committed to giving my best…
— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) August 21, 2025

“I still want to play Test cricket. I'm passionate about playing Test cricket. I'm enjoying my cricket at the moment. I'm here just for a few days. I carried my trainers and my training clothes so that I can keep myself fit. Our domestic season is starting, so preparations have just begun.” Rahane expressed his wish in London during the Lord’s England vs India Test match.

However, with the young brigade taking on the batting department under captain Shubman Gill and them drawing the Test series 2-2 in England recently, the international door of comeback is slowly closing for the right-handed batter.

When was the last time Rohit Sharma played Vijay Hazare Trophy before 2025-26 VHT?

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 20:30:16 GMT

Rohit Sharma could soon be back in domestic cricket, with reports suggesting the India ODI captain may turn out for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scheduled to start on December 24. The development comes amid murmurs about his and Virat Kohli’s future in the 50-over format, with the 2027 ODI World Cup four years away.

The BCCI, keen to keep senior players match-ready, is reportedly considering asking both stalwarts to feature in the premier domestic List-A competition. The logic is simple: consistent game time at all levels will help assess whether the veterans still have the form and fitness to remain part of India’s long-term ODI plans.

For Rohit, this could be a significant return. The last time he played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy was in October 2018, when Mumbai won the tournament. He featured in two knockout matches that season, remaining unbeaten on 33 in the quarter-final against Bihar and scoring 17 in the semi-final against Hyderabad. He missed the final due to national duty, as India faced the West Indies in an ODI the very next day.

Kohli’s Vijay Hazare absence has been even longer; he last played for Delhi in February 2010, scoring 16 against Services. Should the selectors insist on their participation in 2025-26, it would mark a rare domestic one-day appearance for both.

ALSO SEE: From the archive: Full scorecard of Virat Kohli's last domestic List A match

Domestic Return Hinges on Form and 2027 World Cup Plans

India’s schedule complicates matters. After ODIs against Australia in October and South Africa in late November-early December, the Vijay Hazare Trophy will slot in before the New Zealand ODI series starting January 11. Realistically, if Rohit and Kohli are selected for that series, their availability for most VHT games will be minimal.

At this stage, the prospect of seeing the two legends play in the competition depends on two factors: their ODI form in the upcoming six matches before the VHT, and the selectors’ vision for the 2027 World Cup. If they fire against Australia and South Africa, the domestic outing may become unnecessary. But if it runs dry, the VHT could become their proving ground.

For now, Mumbai fans can only hope the possibility turns into reality, a chance to see Rohit Sharma don the Mumbai colours in the Vijay Hazare Trophy once again.

Know Rohit Sharma's massive role in keeping Yashasvi Jaiswal with Mumbai

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 11:10:42 GMT

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the left-handed Indian opening batter, took a U-turn in five weeks to stay with the Mumbai Cricket Association, refusing his pre-decision to move to Goa for the 2025-26 domestic season. Many wondered what happened behind the scenes as the Times of India (TOI) revealed that it was Rohit Sharma who insisted Jaiswal stay with Mumbai and play with pride.

The southpaw, reportedly, communicated his decision to stretch his domestic career with Mumbai after the hitman’s advice. The president of the association, Ajinkya Naik, revealed that Yashasvi Jaiswal’s request to withdraw the NOC for his move to Goa was approved by the body thereafter.

“Rohit asked Yashasvi to stay on in Mumbai at this stage of his career. He explained to him that there was a lot of pride and prestige in playing for a team like Mumbai, which has won the Ranji Trophy a record 42 times. Rohit also told Yashasvi that he must never forget that it was because of Mumbai cricket that he got a platform to show his talent and go on to play for India.” MCA president, Ajinkya Naik, told TOI.

Rohit Sharma convinces Yashasvi Jaiswal to stay back in Mumbai

Yashasvi Jaiswal has been in terrific touch recently, having finished the England trip as the ninth leading run-getter with 411 runs in 10 innings at an average of 41.10 and a strike rate of nearly 70. The left-handed batter has already nailed 2209 Test runs in 46 innings at an average of 50.20, scoring 12 fifties and six centuries at the best score of 214.

On the other hand, it had been reportedly revealed that the Nagpur-born might not come under the plans of the BCCI for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2027. The veteran decided to call it a day off the T20I format after winning the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the United States of America, before hanging up his shoes from the longest format a couple of months ago, to focus on the 50-over format.

Jaiswal and Rohit shared a good opening partnership in a few of the games together. The former decided to stay back in England for a month with no international assignment in August. He will be back to feature in the Duleep Trophy in Bengaluru from August 28.

MCA museum to incorporate life-size statues to honor Sunil Gavaskar & Sharad Pawar

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 11:01:56 GMT

In a major development, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), on Thursday, announced the establishment of two life-size statues to honor the Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar and veteran administrator Sharad Pawar. The statues will be built outside the entrance of the MCA museum, which is due to open in the month of August.

Set to open at some point during August, the museum will give viewers a deep dive into the city's glorious cricketing past and honor those who played an instrumental role in redefining the legacy of Mumbai cricket. The key figures who are held in very high regard while speaking of cricketing excellence within MCA are none other than Gavaskar and Pawar. Their contribution to the game, both at the national and international levels, can't be overlooked.

MCA set to pay tribute to their cricket warriors

In a recent statement released by the MCA, the governing body confirms the deployment of the life-size statues and the entrance of the museum once it becomes operational later this month. The statement reads as follows.

"At the museum's entrance, visitors will be welcomed by life-size statues of Shri Sharad Pawar and cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, who remains one of Mumbai's and India's most iconic sporting figures."

Moreover, MCA president Ajinkya Naik took the opportunity to address the two sporting icons on a more personal level. While lauding the rich legacy of the duo, Naik commented that these coveted statues embolden the visionary mindset and cricketing prowess of the two individuals and will serve as a source of inspiration for countless generations to come.

"Heartfelt tribute to the stalwarts of Mumbai cricket and a testament to the visionary leadership of Shri Sharad Pawar. The statue of Shri Sunil Gavaskar, one of India's greatest cricketing legends, will serve as a powerful symbol of excellence and determination. His monumental contributions to Indian and Mumbai cricket will continue to motivate young cricketers to dream big and aim high."

Gavaskar gave his immediate reaction to this development and expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the MCA for honoring him in such a prestigious manner.

"I am deeply touched and tremendously honoured that my mother Cricket Association (MCA) has decided to have a statue of mine at the entrance of the new MCA Sharad Pawar Cricket Museum at the Wankhede Stadium."

Both Gavaskar and Pawar are well-known figures within Mumbai's cricketing circuit. Gavaskar, with 35 international centuries and 81 FC centuries, is one of the finest batting talents ever to be produced in world cricket. As for Pawar, the veteran cricket personality serves as the chief of the Nationalist Congress Party (SP) and has also served in top administrative roles for the MCA, BCCI, and the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Major setback! Star Mumbai cricketer pulled out of England tour due to injury

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 11:26:30 GMT

The emerging team of Mumbai cricket faced a major setback during their England tour. Due to injury reasons, Mumbai and Kolkata Knight Riders' cricketer Angkrish Raghuvanshi will return to India from the tour.

According to the latest updates, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has yet to announce the replacement for the young keeper-batter. As per reports, Raghuvanshi sustained a finger injury in his right hand. A possible minor fracture in his thumb forced him to take a flight back home.

MCA arranged this tour to enhance the skills and techniques of their emerging players along with the experience they had been gaining in the overseas conditions. This can help them to grow as a cricketer with a much more matured mind. With that vision, MCA announced a 17-member squad for the tour, which started on June 28.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi is considered as one of the major emerging players of Mumbai and the Indian Premier League (IPL). In a couple of IPL seasons with Kolkata Knight Riders, the 21-year-old has played 22 matches so far and scored 463 runs with an average of 28.93, including a 54-run knock. After an underwhelming IPL 2025 season, his stint with the SoBo Mumbai Falcons proved more fruitful for their collective efforts as a team. They reached the final but fell short by a few inches against the Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals.

Mumbai squad with emerging talents:

Suryansh Shedge (Capt.), Vedant Murkar (vice-capt.), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (injured), Ayush Vartak, Ayush Zimare, Himanshu Singh, Manan Bhatt, Musheer Khan, Nikhil Giri, Pragnesh Kanpillewar, Pratik Yadav, Prem Devkar, Rishikesh Gore, Harsh Aghav, and Harshal Jadhav. Prince Badiani, and Zaid Patankar.

Coach: Ramesh Powar; assistant coach: Deepak Patil; manager: Armaan Mallick; physiotherapists: G. Suresh Kumar and Vinayak Parteki; analyst: Shankar Tanna.

'I made lots of mistake...' - Prithvi Shaw reflects on setbacks faced in his short cricketing career

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 21:03:40 GMT

Once hailed as the next big thing in Indian cricket, Prithvi Shaw has endured a sharp fall from grace. The 25-year-old, who scored a century on his Test debut in 2018, has found himself out of contention for both national and domestic selections. Dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy playing XI and overlooked for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Shaw went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, failing to secure even a replacement spot despite widespread injuries across teams.

In a candid interview with News24, Shaw opened up about the darkest phase of his career, admitting that personal distractions played a big role. “There are a lot of things. It is different for people to see. Because I know what has happened. I can understand it. I have taken a lot of wrong decisions in life,” Shaw confessed. “I started giving less time to cricket. I used to practice a lot. For example, I used to bat for 3-4 hours in nets. I never got tired of batting. I used to go to the ground for half a day. I admit that there was a distraction.”

The young batter explained how he drifted away from his discipline and got influenced by the wrong company. “After that, I started considering what was not necessary as necessary. I made some wrong friends. Because I was at the top at that time. Friendship is also formed. Then they took me here and there. All those things. Then I got away from the track. I used to give 8 hours of practice on the ground. Now it is 4 hours,” he added.

Family Troubles and Support System

Shaw also revealed that personal loss and family problems compounded his struggles. “It's not just that. I had a family problem. My grandfather had passed away. He was very dear to me. There are a lot of things that I can't tell you. But I can feel it.” Despite his struggles, Shaw acknowledged the constant support from his father, saying, “I admit my mistakes. But my dad has always supported me. No matter how bad my time was. He has seen good and bad.”

See Also: Shubman Gill lacks on-field aura of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: Nasser Hussain

While he shared dressing rooms with senior stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Shaw said no senior player reached out to him during his low phase—except for Rishabh Pant, who stayed in touch throughout. Reflecting on going unsold in the IPL, he said, “I was mentally prepared.” Now holding an NOC from the Mumbai Cricket Association, Shaw is set to represent a new state. “I am on track now. I have gone back to basics now. The hard work I used to do 5 years ago, I think I have started that routine again... I believe in myself.”

“But one thing that dad has said. Only Prithvi Shaw can bring himself back there. No one else can. So I have left everything,” he concluded.

Prithvi Shaw eyes comeback after securing NOC from Mumbai cricket association

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 20:08:35 GMT

Mumbai opener Prithvi Shaw is ready to turn a new page in his domestic career after the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) granted him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to represent another state as a professional. Shaw, who has been part of Mumbai cricket since his teenage years, made a formal request to the MCA for the NOC, which the association confirmed on Monday.

In a statement, MCA secretary Abhay Hadap praised Shaw’s contribution to Mumbai cricket and said the association respects his decision to move on. “Prithvi Shaw has been an exceptional talent and has contributed significantly to Mumbai cricket. We respect his decision and wish him the very best in his future endeavours,” Hadap said.

Shaw’s decision comes after a rough patch with the Mumbai team. Last season, he was dropped from a Ranji Trophy match because of fitness concerns — reports indicated that his body fat percentage was as high as 35 percent. Despite being given a two-week fitness plan by MCA trainers, Shaw struggled to meet the expected standards. This led to him missing out on the Vijay Hazare Trophy squad too.

ALSO SEE: OTD: Ravindra Jadeja's heroics earned India the 2013 Champions Trophy defeating England

Shaw Eyes Revival with New State Team

In an email to the MCA, Shaw thanked the association for backing him throughout his career, calling it an honour to represent Mumbai. He said the chance to play for another state would help him grow as a player and allow him to focus on his game with a fresh mindset. He also reassured the MCA that this decision was made after a lot of thought and with full respect for the association.

While Shaw hasn’t played List A cricket in India since the 2022 Vijay Hazare Trophy, he did have a good stint in England’s One Day Cup with Northamptonshire, scoring 97 and 72 in two of his last five innings. Despite setbacks, he remains determined to prove himself.Last year, Mumbai captain Shreyas Iyer commented on Shaw’s situation, saying, “We can’t babysit anyone. He has to figure things out for himself.” With a new state team waiting, Shaw will hope this fresh start brings him back into top form.

Not just Prithvi Shaw – Two more players set to leave Mumbai in upcoming season

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 18:45:42 GMT

In a major blow to Mumbai cricket before the 2025-26 domestic season, Mumbai cricket has been served a triple blow as not only Prithvi Shaw but also Armaan Jaffer and Siddhant Adatrao have chosen to leave the team. All three players have been issued No Objection Certificates (NOC) by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), which officially establishes their decision to look for playing opportunities elsewhere. While Shaw’s move has drawn the most attention, the exits of Jaffer and Adatrao signal a deeper churn within the Mumbai cricket setup.

Prithvi Shaw, once hailed as one of Indian cricket’s most promising young batters, wrote an emotional letter to the MCA stating that he believes a move will help in his "growth and development as a cricketer." “It has truly been an honor and a privilege to be part of the MCA setup, and I am deeply grateful for the exposure and experience I have gained here,” wrote Shaw. The MCA accepted his request, acknowledging his contribution and extending best wishes for his future. However, the name of the team Shaw will join has not yet been officially revealed.

Meanwhile, Armaan Jaffer, a stylish right-hander and nephew of Wasim Jaffer, will officially represent Pondicherry next season along with Siddhant Adatrao. Armaan, who once lit up the junior circuit with three consecutive double centuries, had not played a first-class match since January 2023. “We thought about it for a long time… he needs opportunities to play right now, as he isn’t getting any younger,” said his father and coach, Kalim Jaffer. “He's leaving Mumbai to play for another state with a very heavy heart.” MCA secretary Abhay Hadap confirmed issuing NOCs for both Jaffer and Adatrao.

New Start in Pondicherry for the Trio

The Cricket Association of Pondicherry (CAP) has confirmed that Jaffer, Adatrao, and former Madhya Pradesh all-rounder Puneet Datey will play as guest players in the upcoming season. With Shaw expected to join soon, Pondicherry is building a formidable core of players aiming to make a deep run in domestic competitions. “We’ve officially confirmed three players for now,” CAP President P. Damodaren stated, with Shaw's name expected to be added once formalities conclude.

These signings represent a big change in Indian domestic cricket, as increasing competition in established sides such as Mumbai and the ambition of new unions such as Pondicherry come to the forefront. While Mumbai looks to the future, these players look to regain form and purpose in new environments.

WATCH: Rohit Sharma's emotional speech at the Mumbai Cricket Association stand Naming ceremony

Fri, 16 May 2025 18:47:34 GMT

Rohit Sharma gave a very emotional speech at the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) stand naming ceremony on May 16, 2025. The ceremony, at Wankhede Stadium, was the official naming of the Rohit Sharma Stand, in appreciation of his invaluable services to Mumbai and Indian cricket. Standing at the podium with the MCA logo, Rohit narrated his state of disbelief and gratitude: "For all of us, what is going to happen today I have never dreamt of." As a child aspiring to play cricket for Mumbai and aspiring to play cricket for India, nobody thinks about these sorts of things." His tone was laced with real emotion, a personal milestone that fits into the revival of the IPL 2025 season on May 17 after being suspended for a week owing to India-Pakistan tensions.

Rohit, who has scored 402 runs in 11 Wankhede international games and guided Mumbai Indians to a record five IPL championships, referred to the dream-like privilege of having a stand named in his honor. "For all of us, what is going to happen today I never even dreamt of. As a young kid who grew up wishing to play the sport for Mumbai, wishing to play for India, you don't think of these kind of things.“ His voice had an undeniable wave of emotion when he said this, and it was an honesty that highlighted his personal milestones in the middle of the start of the IPL 2025 season, returning on May 17 after a week-long pause thanks to India-Pakistan tensions.

The ceremony, in which MCA president Ajinkya Naik and other dignitaries were present, also included the inauguration of stands for Sharad Pawar and Ajit Wadekar and the MCA Office Lounge in the memory of Amol Kale. Rohit's emotional recall of the moment was apparent as he spoke of his career, saying, "While doing that, obviously you try and achieve a lot of things, you achieve a lot of things, and a lot of milestones are created." His words were a tribute to his own achievement and the team spirit of Mumbai cricket, winning over fans as Wankhede continues to pay homage to its heroes.

Watch the video here

Rohit Sharma’s iconic speech about his stand in Wankhede Stadium. ❤️🥹
pic.twitter.com/QRSp8GHata
— ‏ً (@Ro45Goat) May 16, 2025

Also Read: WATCH: Rohit Sharma’s heartwarming mentions to his Family and ‘Ritika’ last with smile

A Testament to Legacy and Inspiration

As Wankhede Stadium gets ready to welcome Mumbai Indians' next IPL fixture against Delhi Capitals on May 21, the Rohit Sharma Stand is a testament to his memory that will endure. Rohit's heartfelt speech will be a precious memory, summarizing his career and the vast extent of his contribution to the game. The recognition at Wankhede, a stadium that is equated with cricketing excellence, motivates future generations, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of Mumbai cricket.