Ujjain Falcons name Chanchal Rathore captain for MPL T20 Scindia Cup 2026
Synopsis
Ujjain Falcons, one of three new men's franchises in MPL 2026, have handed the captain's armband to Chanchal Rathore with Madhav Tiwari as deputy. They open their maiden Scindia Cup campaign against Gwalior Cheetahs at Holkar Stadium on 3 June — the centrepiece of a 10-team men's league and an expanded women's draw.
Key Takeaways
Chanchal Rathore appointed captain of Ujjain Falcons ; Madhav Tiwari named vice-captain.
Falcons open MPL T20 Scindia Cup 2026 vs Gwalior Cheetahs on 3 June at Holkar Stadium, Indore .
MPL men's draw expands to 10 franchises with Malwa Stallions, Ujjain Falcons, and Royal Nimar Eagles added.
Women's tournament starts 4 June with Chambal Ghariyals vs Gwalior Shernis at Daly College, Indore.
Ujjain Falcons have appointed Chanchal Rathore as captain for the upcoming edition of the Madhya Pradesh League (MPL) T20 Scindia Cup, with promising youngster Madhav Tiwari named vice-captain. The franchise will open its maiden campaign on 3 June against the Gwalior Cheetahs at the iconic Holkar Stadium in Indore.
Leadership picks
Reacting to the appointment, Rathore said, ‘It is a proud moment for me to lead Ujjain Falcons. We have a strong and well-balanced squad with a good mix of experience and young talent. The MPL has become a great platform for players to showcase their skills and for young cricketers to make a name for themselves. We are looking forward to the challenge and hope to have a successful season.'
Vice-captain Tiwari added, ‘I am very happy to be part of Ujjain Falcons. We have a talented squad, and the team has been preparing well for the tournament. Our aim is to play good cricket and give our fans plenty of reasons to cheer. We will do our best to make a strong impact in our first season.'
A bigger MPL this season
The Madhya Pradesh League has expanded significantly in 2026, with three new men's franchises — Malwa Stallions, Ujjain Falcons, and Royal Nimar Eagles — taking the total tally to 10 men's teams. The Falcons are among the fresh entrants hoping to make an immediate mark in the Scindia Cup.
The women's competition has also widened, with Gwalior Shernis and Royal Nimar Eagles joining the line-up. The women's tournament begins on 4 June, when Chambal Ghariyals face Gwalior Shernis at Daly College, Indore.
The Falcons squad
Ujjain Falcons squad: Madhav Tiwari, Aryan Pandey, Chanchal Rathore, Adheer Pratap Singh, Yash Dubey, Soham Patwardhan, Shubham Kushwah, Masoom Raza Kaif, Ojaswa Yadav, Gajendra Goswami, Aayush Mankar, Ankur Singh Chauhan, Rishi Miglani, Harshvardhan Hardia, Naveen Nagle, Vishesh Mudgal, and Darshan Rathore.
What's next
The Falcons will look to settle quickly under Rathore's leadership as they face the Cheetahs in their tournament opener. With three debutant franchises in the men's draw and two in the women's competition, the Scindia Cup season is shaping up as the most competitive MPL edition yet.
Point of View
Not when they recycle fringe names. The simultaneous growth of the women's draw is the more quietly significant move, given how few state T20 leagues offer parallel women's pathways.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the captain of Ujjain Falcons for MPL T20 Scindia Cup 2026?
Chanchal Rathore has been appointed captain of Ujjain Falcons for the 2026 edition of the Madhya Pradesh League T20 Scindia Cup. Madhav Tiwari has been named vice-captain.
When and where do Ujjain Falcons play their first MPL 2026 match?
Ujjain Falcons begin their campaign on 3 June 2026 against Gwalior Cheetahs at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. It is the franchise's debut season in the MPL.
How many teams are playing in the MPL 2026 men's tournament?
The MPL men's competition has expanded to 10 franchises this season with the addition of Malwa Stallions, Ujjain Falcons, and Royal Nimar Eagles.
When does the MPL 2026 women's tournament start?
The women's tournament begins on 4 June 2026, with Chambal Ghariyals facing Gwalior Shernis at Daly College, Indore. Gwalior Shernis and Royal Nimar Eagles are the new entrants in the women's draw.
