Cricket legend Rahul Dravid unveiled the trophy for the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 Season 5 at a ceremony in Bengaluru on 11 June 2026, signalling the formal countdown to Karnataka's premier franchise-based T20 tournament. The fifth edition of the competition is scheduled to run from 20 June to 12 July across three cities.

Key Dignitaries at the Unveiling

The trophy launch was attended by Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) President Venkatesh Prasad, KSCA Honorary Secretary Santosh Menon, Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 Governing Council Chairman M.S. Keshava, KSCA Official Spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, franchise owners, and other office bearers of the KSCA. The gathering underscored the tournament's growing stature within Karnataka's cricketing ecosystem.

Dravid on the Tournament's IPL Connect

Speaking at the ceremony, Dravid emphasised the Maharaja Trophy's role as a critical feeder to the Indian Premier League (IPL). 'The Maharaja Trophy is a very important tournament. Having myself been involved in the IPL for many years, I know for a fact that it is a tournament that is followed by a lot of IPL teams. There will be scouts who come to the games live, but many of them will watch it on television as well. The scores, statistics, and data from these matches are watched very closely, and it really helps a lot of these players get into the IPL,' Dravid said.

KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad echoed that sentiment: 'The Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 continues to provide an important platform for young players to showcase their abilities, gain valuable experience, and take significant steps forward in their cricketing careers. We are proud to offer a pathway that inspires the next generation of champions and contributes to the continued growth of cricket across Karnataka.'

Three Rule Changes for Season 5

KSCA Honorary Secretary Santosh Menon announced three notable changes to the playing conditions for the 2026 edition. First, the Impact Player rule will be retained, with teams required to submit their playing XI before the toss to reinforce the value of all-rounders. Second, runs will not be awarded if a batter is dismissed off a free-hit delivery, rewarding bowlers for taking a legitimate wicket after a no-ball. Third, if an on-field dismissal is overturned on review and the batter is found not out, any runs completed during the play will be restored to both the batter and the batting team.

Tickets, Venues, and Schedule

Governing Council Chairman M.S. Keshava announced that tickets for the Mysuru leg will go on sale from 3:00 PM on 12 June, available digitally through the District by Zomato platform. Prices range from ₹100 to ₹250, keeping the matches accessible for fans across income groups.

The six franchises — Bengaluru Blasters, Mysore Warriors, Hubli Tigers, Gulbarga Mystics, Shivamogga Yodhas, and Coastal Kings Mangaluru — have already finalised their squads following the Season 5 Player Auction earlier this month. Mysuru hosts 12 matches from 20 to 25 June, Hubballi follows with 12 matches from 27 June to 3 July, and Bengaluru closes the tournament with 10 matches from 5 to 12 July, including Qualifier 1, the Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final.