Jabalpur Royal Lions squad for MPL T20 Scindia Cup 2026 revealed
Synopsis
Jabalpur Royal Lions have named a 17-man squad for the biggest-ever MPL T20 Scindia Cup, with veterans Punit Datey and Ajay Rohera anchoring a side that opens against Indore Pink Panthers on 6 June. The 2026 edition expands to 10 men's teams — three new franchises included — marking the tournament's most ambitious season yet.
Key Takeaways
Jabalpur Royal Lions named a 17-member squad for MPL T20 Scindia Cup 2026 on 1 June .
Key players include Punit Datey , Ajay Rohera , and Mihir Hirwani .
The Lions open their campaign on 6 June against Indore Pink Panthers at Holkar Stadium, Indore .
MPL 2026 is the largest edition yet, featuring 10 men's teams and 5 women's franchises .
Three new men's franchises — Malwa Stallions , Ujjain Falcons , and Royal Nimar Eagles — join the tournament this season.
The tournament begins on 3 June with Gwalior Cheetahs vs Ujjain Falcons .
Jabalpur Royal Lions have announced their 17-member squad for the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Scindia Cup 2026, with seasoned campaigners Punit Datey, Ajay Rohera, and Mihir Hirwani forming the core of a side built for balance between experience and youth.
Key Players in the Squad
The Lions' roster blends established names with emerging talent. Punit Datey brings veteran leadership, while Ajay Rohera and Mihir Hirwani add firepower in the middle order. The full squad reads: Aayam Sardana, Abhishek Bhandari, Ajay Rohera, Akarsh Singh Parihar, Akshat Dwivedi, Akshay Sharma, Arpit Gaud, Mihir Hirwani, Nayan Raj Mewada, Pankaj Patel, Prince Wadhwani, Punit Datey, Rahul Batham, Ritik Tada, Ritwik Diwan, Sanjog Nijjar, and Vedant Awasthi.
What the Management Said
Aayush Lalwani of Jabalpur Royal Lions expressed confidence in the group's approach. 'We will have a fearless approach this season as we have built a squad with a great mix of experienced players and talented youngsters who are eager to prove themselves,' he said. 'The energy within the group has been very positive from the start, and the players are excited to play fearless and competitive cricket this season. The MPL has become a wonderful platform for cricketers to showcase their potential, grow in confidence and create opportunities for themselves at a bigger level.'
Opening Fixtures and Schedule
The MPL T20 Scindia Cup 2026 is set to get underway on 3 June, with Gwalior Cheetahs taking on Ujjain Falcons in the men's tournament opener at Holkar Stadium, Indore. Jabalpur Royal Lions begin their campaign on the evening of 6 June against the Indore Pink Panthers, also at Holkar Stadium.
Expanded Format for 2026
MPL 2026 is the largest edition in the tournament's history, expanding to 10 men's teams and five women's franchises. Three new sides — Malwa Stallions, Ujjain Falcons, and Royal Nimar Eagles — join the men's draw alongside defending champions Bhopal Leopards and returning teams Bundelkhand Bulls, Chambal Ghariyals, Gwalior Cheetahs, Indore Pink Panthers, Jabalpur Royal Lions, and Rewa Jaguars. On the women's side, Gwalior Shernis and Royal Nimar Eagles join Bhopal Wolves, Bundelkhand Bulls, and Chambal Ghariyals in a five-team competition. The expanded format signals growing institutional investment in domestic cricket infrastructure across Madhya Pradesh, offering more players a pathway to higher-level exposure.
Point of View
Not just a scheduling upgrade. For a state like Madhya Pradesh — which has historically punched below its weight in producing India-ready talent despite a large cricket population — a franchise-based domestic T20 league with competitive depth is exactly the kind of pipeline the BCCI's talent ecosystem needs. Jabalpur Royal Lions' squad, built around a mix of proven names and hungry youngsters, reflects the template most successful state T20 leagues follow. The real test will be whether the MPL can sustain this expansion without diluting quality, and whether standout performers here translate into Ranji-level or IPL-level recognition.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the key players in Jabalpur Royal Lions' MPL 2026 squad?
Jabalpur Royal Lions' squad is anchored by veteran Punit Datey alongside key contributors Ajay Rohera and Mihir Hirwani . The full 17-member group also includes Aayam Sardana, Abhishek Bhandari, Akshat Dwivedi, Rahul Batham, and others.
When do Jabalpur Royal Lions play their first MPL 2026 match?
Jabalpur Royal Lions open their MPL T20 Scindia Cup 2026 campaign on the evening of 6 June against Indore Pink Panthers at Holkar Stadium in Indore .
When does MPL T20 Scindia Cup 2026 begin?
The tournament begins on 3 June 2026 with the men's opener between Gwalior Cheetahs and Ujjain Falcons at Holkar Stadium, Indore.
How many teams are in MPL 2026?
MPL 2026 features 10 men's teams and 5 women's franchises , making it the largest edition in the tournament's history. Three new men's sides — Malwa Stallions, Ujjain Falcons, and Royal Nimar Eagles — join the competition this season.
Who are the new teams in MPL T20 Scindia Cup 2026?
Three new franchises join the men's draw: Malwa Stallions , Ujjain Falcons , and Royal Nimar Eagles . On the women's side, Gwalior Shernis and Royal Nimar Eagles are the new additions to the five-team competition.
