Mumbai T20 participation mandatory for SMAT selection: MCA

The T20 Mumbai League held its auction in grand fashion, with teenager Ira Jadhav emerging as the top buy in the inaugural women's edition. She was roped in for INR 10 lakh — a record transaction for the three-team women's competition, which will be held alongside the eight-team men's tournament under the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA).

While the women's teams will play their maiden season, the men's competition enters its fourth edition. The MCA has made participation in the tournament mandatory for SMAT selection.

"Every international, if not on national duty or undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence, will be required to participate in the league to be considered for Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) tournament," MCA president Ajinkya Naik said.

"That's the simple rule. Normally, if you see India players or Mumbai Ranji Trophy players, they make sure they participate in club cricket. Right from Sunil Gavaskar sir and Dilip Vengsarkar sir till now. Players like Suryakumar Yadav also play for Parsi Gymkhana. There are a few others like Shardul (Thakur) who plays for his respective team. So it's a common practice in Mumbai to play for clubs."

Auction Highlights

A total of 363 women players went under the hammer, with franchises spending a total of Rs 1.47 crore to pick 50 players. Ira Jadhav became the first Indian to score a triple century in U-19 cricket last year.

Icon players announced: Sayali Satghare (SoBo Mumbai Falcons), Saima Thakor (Thane Sky Risers), and Humaira Kazi (Aakash Tigers).

Men's Auction: Musheer Khan and Arjun Tendulkar among top buys

All-rounder Akash Parkar went to SoBo Mumbai Falcons for Rs 12 lakh. Wicketkeeper-batsman Prasad Pawar (Rs 11.50 lakh) and Musheer Khan (Rs 11 lakh) were secured by Arcs Andheri. Arjun Tendulkar also joined Arcs Andheri for Rs 10 lakh.

Icon players confirmed: Suryakumar Yadav (Triumph Knights Mumbai North East), Shreyas Iyer (SoBo Mumbai Falcons), Ajinkya Rahane (North Mumbai Panthers), Shivam Dube (Arcs Andheri), Yashasvi Jaiswal (Bandra Blasters), Shardul Thakur (Eagle Thane Strikers), Sarfaraz Khan (Aakash Tigers), and Tushar Deshpande (MSC Maratha Royals).

The league will be held at Wankhede from June 1 to 15.