MCA plans fly-on-the-wall docuseries on Mumbai's 42-title Ranji team
Synopsis
Indian domestic cricket is set to get its most intimate portrait yet — if the BCCI says yes. The MCA wants cameras rolling with the 42-time Ranji Trophy champions through an entire season, from first practice to final match, in what would be a first for any domestic side in India.
Key Takeaways
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has sought BCCI approval to produce a fly-on-the-wall docuseries on the senior men's team.
The series will cover the Ranji Trophy , Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy , and Vijay Hazare Trophy during the 2026/27 domestic season .
Patrick Graham is understood to be the director; the final format — web series or documentary — is yet to be decided.
Mumbai, led by Siddhesh Lad in first-class cricket, open their Ranji Trophy campaign on 11 October against Chandigarh .
Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer are expected to appear during the white-ball legs of the season.
It would be the first such docuseries for any domestic cricket team in India, with Netflix's 2019 Mumbai Indians series being the closest precedent.
The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced plans to produce a fly-on-the-wall documentary series following the 42-time Ranji Trophy champion senior men's team through the 2026/27 domestic cricket season, and has formally sought permission from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to proceed. If approved, it would be the first behind-the-scenes docuseries ever made for a domestic cricket team in India.
What the Docuseries Will Cover
The series is set to chronicle Mumbai's full domestic campaign, spanning the Ranji Trophy, the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Patrick Graham is understood to be attached as director. Whether the final product takes the form of a web series or a standalone documentary will be determined as production progresses, according to the association.
MCA President Ajinkya Naik said the intent is to give fans an unfiltered look at the team's inner workings. 'We have requested a few permissions from the BCCI as we want to document the entire season of the Mumbai senior team. Whether it takes the form of a web series or a documentary will be decided as we progress, but the idea is to give fans a unique look at what goes on behind the scenes with the Mumbai team throughout the season,' Naik said on Friday, 4 September.
Bridging Legacy With the Current Campaign
Naik framed the project as more than a production exercise — it is, in his words, an effort to connect Mumbai cricket's storied past with its present ambitions. 'We want to capture the journey from Day 1 of our senior team's preparations for the Ranji Trophy right through to the final match of the season. At the same time, we want to showcase Mumbai's remarkable journey and the legacy behind its 42 Ranji Trophy titles,' he said.
'Mumbai cricket has such a rich heritage, and we felt — why not showcase it to the world? Let people see the preparation, discipline, hard work and culture that have made Mumbai the most successful team in Ranji Trophy history,' he added.
An Educational Tool for Aspiring Cricketers
Beyond fan engagement, Naik said the association sees the docuseries as a resource for young players in the city. 'More importantly, this initiative will help youngsters understand what it takes to succeed at the highest level — the discipline, preparation, teamwork and commitment that define Mumbai cricket. It will give the next generation an opportunity to learn from our rich cricketing legacy and inspire them to carry it forward,' he said.
Global Precedent, Rare Indian Exception
Sporting documentaries have gained considerable global traction in recent years. Prime Video's The Test, which followed the Australian men's national side, is among the most acclaimed. Similar behind-the-scenes productions have become a staple in football and tennis. Indian cricket, however, has rarely opened its dressing room to cameras — Netflix's 2019 series on Mumbai Indians, the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, remains a rare precedent at the domestic level.
Mumbai's 2026/27 Season at a Glance
Mumbai will be led by Siddhesh Lad in first-class fixtures and open their Ranji Trophy campaign on 11 October against Chandigarh. Suryakumar Yadav, India's 2026 Men's T20 World Cup-winning captain, and current T20I skipper Shreyas Iyer are expected to feature during the white-ball legs of the season. The docuseries, if BCCI clearance comes through, will have cameras rolling from the very first day of preparations.
Point of View
Yet it has never been packaged for a streaming audience. The BCCI's response will be telling: the board has historically guarded dressing-room access fiercely, and approving one state association's camera crew could set a precedent every other association will cite. If cleared, the real test is execution — fan-first storytelling that goes beyond training montages and press-conference clips is harder than it sounds, and the Mumbai Indians Netflix series, though a rare exception, was a mixed critical reception. The upside, however, is real: a well-made series could rekindle mainstream interest in domestic red-ball cricket at a time when the Ranji Trophy struggles to compete with franchise T20 for eyeballs.
NationPress
4 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MCA docuseries about Mumbai cricket?
The Mumbai Cricket Association plans to produce a fly-on-the-wall documentary series following the senior men's team through the full 2026/27 domestic season, covering the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy. It would be the first such production for any domestic cricket team in India, pending BCCI approval.
Has the BCCI approved the Mumbai cricket docuseries?
Not yet. The MCA has formally requested permission from the BCCI to proceed with filming. The association has not confirmed a timeline for the board's decision.
Who is directing the MCA docuseries?
Patrick Graham is understood to be attached as director of the project. The final format — whether a web series or a standalone documentary — will be decided as production progresses, according to MCA President Ajinkya Naik.
Which Mumbai players will feature in the docuseries?
Siddhesh Lad will captain Mumbai in first-class fixtures, while Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer are expected to feature during the white-ball legs of the season. Mumbai open their Ranji Trophy campaign on 11 October against Chandigarh.
Has Indian cricket ever had a behind-the-scenes documentary before?
Indian cricket has rarely opened its doors to cameras at the domestic level. The closest precedent is Netflix's 2019 series on Mumbai Indians, the five-time IPL champions. Global sporting docuseries — such as Prime Video's The Test on the Australian men's side — have been far more common internationally.
