MCA unveils women's version of T20 Mumbai League

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has launched the women's version of its flagship franchise-based tourney T20 Mumbai League on Saturday, March 14. India star batter Rohit Sharma, who is the brand ambassador of the league, unveiled the trophies for both the men's and women's editions in a ceremony held in Mumbai.

The inaugural women's edition will comprise three teams owned by PRS Infraprojects LLP, Roadway Solution India Infra Ltd, and World Star Sporting Pvt Ltd. As a matter of fact, the men's version comprises eight teams and has been organised on three occasions so far - 2018, 2019, and 2025. Seemingly, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 put a pause to the organisation of the league which ultimately recommenced in 2025 right after the IPL.

Meanwhile, Rohit expressed satisfaction over the direction Mumbai cricket is going in. The opening batter acknowledged the role played by its T20 league as many players who were part of it have gone on to play in the IPL. The 38-year-old also appreciated the personnel responsible for the organisation of the tournament and expressed delight over the launch of the women's edition.

"I'm very happy with how Mumbai cricket is shaping up - not just in the IPL team, but also with what the T20 Mumbai League has done for many young cricketers. We saw so many cricketers who played in the T20 Mumbai now go on to play for IPL teams and the national team as well. It is a big platform. I'm happy that we are doing this again after a very successful last season. I was involved last season. I saw it was a very tough task. I have to give credit to each and every member of the MCA for pulling it through. This year, there are three women's teams as well, so it's getting bigger," said Rohit as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Mumbai and India all-rounder Sayali Satghare was also present for the ceremony and the 25-year-old thanked the association for launching a women's league. Satghare, who has played four matches for India, also shared the importance of it for the women cricketers of the region.

"Mumbai has always been a city that lives and breathes cricket, and it means a lot to see a dedicated platform now being created for women as well. I would like to thank the Mumbai Cricket Association for taking this important step and investing in the future of women's cricket. The T20 Mumbai Women's League will give many young girls the opportunity to dream bigger, compete at a high level and believe that they too can represent Mumbai and India one day," said Satghare.

The schedule for both the men's and women's editions has not been announced yet. Since the tournament is held in the month of June after the conclusion of the IPL, it appears that the MCA is awaiting the final set of IPL fixtures to be released.