Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Sayali Satghare, and a host of other captains gathered in Mumbai on Saturday, 30 May 2026 for the grand season launch of the T20 Mumbai League 2026 and the inaugural T20 Mumbai Women's League, with the action set to begin on 1 June. The 13-day tournament will feature 30 matches at Wankhede Stadium, culminating in the final on 13 June.

A Historic Launch for Women's Cricket

The launch marked a landmark moment as the T20 Mumbai Women's League was formally announced for the first time. Rajdip Gupta, Chairman of the League Governing Council, confirmed the inaugural edition will feature three women's teams, giving Mumbai's women cricketers a competitive franchise platform for the first time. 'I officially announce the launch of the T20 Mumbai League and the T20 Mumbai Women's League,' Gupta said, acknowledging the support of the Apex Council and Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) President Ajinkya Naik in making it possible.

Star Captains and Their Expectations

The event featured a fireside chat with captains and vice-captains across all 11 teams. Ajinkya Rahane, leading North Mumbai Panthers, said the league offered young players the freedom to express themselves: 'It's all about going out there and playing with freedom.' Shreyas Iyer, captain of SOBO Mumbai Falcons, called it 'a great opportunity for the youngsters' and noted the tournament had 'gotten bigger and better since last season.'

Shivam Dube of Arcs Andheri promised to attempt to replicate his five-sixes performance from the first season, while Shardul Thakur, captaining Eagle Thane Strikers, warned of 'a fierce battle' given the batting depth across teams. Defending champions' skipper Siddhesh Lad of Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals struck a measured note: 'We have to start from zero this year.'

Sarfaraz Khan of Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs highlighted his rivalry dynamic with brother Musheer, saying, 'When it comes to the field, no one is your brother or friend; he will be a rival.' Suved Parkar of Bandra Blasters and Akhil Herwadkar, vice-captain of Triumph Knights Mumbai North East, also expressed confidence in their squads, with Herwadkar noting the impact Suryakumar Yadav's experience would have on younger players.

Women Captains Ready for History

Sayali Satghare, captain of the women's SOBO Mumbai Falcons, said the team's aim in the inaugural season is to 'play fearless cricket and entertain the crowds.' Humairaa Kaazi of Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs noted that every women's team had 'prepared with the aim of winning the inaugural edition.' Saima Thakor, leading Thane Sky Risers, pointed to the squad's domestic pedigree, noting several players had already lifted trophies at Wankhede Stadium with the Mumbai senior women's team.

League's Legacy and Broadcast Details

Since its 2018 inception, the T20 Mumbai League has served as a launchpad for players who went on to represent India. MCA President Ajinkya Naik highlighted that alumni including Rahane, Shardul Thakur, and Shreyas Iyer — as well as Shivam Dube and Suryakumar Yadav, who performed in the first season — went on to win the T20 World Cup for India. All 30 matches will be broadcast live on JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network.

With the addition of the women's league and a full roster of India internationals, the 2026 edition shapes up as the most high-profile season in the tournament's history.