The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a stage where young talent flourishes in the limelight, and young leadership is no longer a rarity. Ever since its inception, a number of young captains have not only taken the responsibility of being the skipper of their teams but also performed with the bat in a dazzling manner. Of those top performers, three names have stood out to become part of history by reaching more than 500 runs in a season prior to their 26th birthdays.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli broke the trail. During the 2013 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the erstwhile Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper recorded an incredible 634 runs, becoming the first captain in history below the age of 26 to reach over the 500-run barrier. Leading from the front at just 24 years old, Kohli’s consistency, aggression, and hunger laid the foundation for what would become a legendary IPL career. His 2013 season featured six fifties, guiding RCB to several crucial wins and showing early signs of his elite leadership qualities.

Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer is next on the list, who made a big statement in IPL 2020 as Delhi Capitals captain. At 25 years of age, Iyer scored 519 runs, demonstrating a calm and composed figure in the middle order. His capacity to anchor innings and rotate strike made him one of the most dependable batters that year, and his captaincy led Delhi to their first-ever IPL final. Iyer's maturity under pressure demonstrated his all-around cricketing wisdom.

ALSO SEE: From Opener to Leader: Rohit Sharma’s Test journey

Shubman Gill

In IPL 2025, Shubman Gill joined this elite list by making 508 runs (and growing) as the Gujarat Titans' captain. At only 24, Gill has paired classy stroke play with calm leadership, keeping GT in the running for the playoffs. His capacity to adjust to any game situation and score regularly against pace and spin has made him one of the leading batters this year. This group of three young leaders is a testament that age is not a factor when talent, temperament, and responsibility converge the benchmark for the next generation of IPL heroes.

As the T20 Mumbai League 2025 Auction played out amidst intense bidding and drama, the anticipation of one of Mumbai's most prestigious domestic cricket events was palpable. The franchises were aggressive in their pursuit to acquire the best cricketing talents in Mumbai; therefore, many of the young, emerging stars cost a pretty penny.

Auction Highlights and Top Bids

The auction was a testament to the wealth of Mumbai cricket talent, with franchises competing to acquire both proven names and young prospects. The day's biggest acquisition was Atharva Ankolekar, who went for ₹16.25 lakh to Eagle Thane Strikers, a confirmation of his increasing reputation as an all-rounder with utility value. Hot on his heels were Musheer Khan and Sairaj Patil, both signed up for ₹15 lakh by ARCS Andheri and Eagle Thane Strikers, respectively, underlining the value placed on young, dynamic players.

The other big purchases were Ayush Mhatre (₹14.75 lakh, Triumph Knights Mumbai North East), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (₹14 lakh, SoBo Mumbai Falcons), and Shams Mulani (₹14 lakh, Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs), all of whom have already caused ripples in domestic and IPL circuits. The bidding duels highlighted the franchises' intention to mix experience with youth to build competitive teams.

Also Read: Shocking Update: Will IPL 2025 be cancelled due to Operation Sindhoor?

Team-wise Player Breakdown

Triumph Knights Mumbai Northeast

• Icon Player: Suryakumar Yadav (₹20 lakh)
• Top Buys: Ayush Mhatre (₹14.75 lakh), Suryansh Shedge (₹13.75 lakh)
• Other Notables: Sidhaant Aadhhathrao (₹7.75 lakh), Parikshit Valsangkar (₹7.25 lakh), Jay Jain (₹4 lakh)

Bandra Blasters

• Icon Player: Ajinkya Rahane (₹20 lakh)
• Top Buys: Suved Parkar (₹8.50 lakh), Akash Anand (₹8.25 lakh)
• Other Picks: Royston Dias, Karsh Kothari, Dhanit Raut
  

North Mumbai Panthers

• Icon Player: Prithvi Shaw (₹20 lakh)
  
• Top Buys: Mohit Avasthi (₹10.50 lakh), Tanush Kotian (₹10 lakh)
  
• Talented Additions: Divyansh Saxena, Khizar Dafedar, Harshal Jadhav
  

SoBo Mumbai Falcons

• Icon Player: Shreyas Iyer (₹20 lakh)
  
• Top Buys: Angkrish Raghuvanshi (₹14 lakh), Siddharth Raut (₹7 lakh)
  
• Supporting Cast: Vinayak Bhoir, Harsh Aghav, Kush Kariya
  

ARCS Andheri

• Icon Player: Shivam Dube (₹20 lakh)
  
• Top Buys: Musheer Khan (₹15 lakh), Prasad Pawar (₹13 lakh)
  
• Other Signings: Himanshu Singh, Akhil Herwadkar, Siddid Tiwari
  

Eagle Thane Strikers

• Icon Player: Shardul Thakur (₹20 lakh)
  
• Top Buys: Atharva Ankolekar (₹16.25 lakh), Sairaj Patil (₹15 lakh)
  
• Emerging Talents: Shashank Attarde, Harsh Tanna, Varun Lavande
  

Also Read: IPL 2025: PBKS vs DC Match 58 - A Head to Head breakdown

Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs

• Icon Player: Sarfaraz Khan (₹20 lakh)
• Top Buys: Shams Mulani (₹14 lakh), Jay Bista (₹12 lakh)
  
• Strong Lineup: Hardik Tamore, Ayaz Ahmed, Siddharth Akre
  

Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals

• Icon Player: Tushar Deshpande (₹20 lakh)
  
• Top Buys: Siddhesh Lad (₹10.25 lakh), Aditya Dhumal (₹7.25 lakh)
  
• Promising Selections: Sachin Yadav, Khan Awais Naushad, Rohan Ghag
  

The highly anticipated T20 Mumbai League 2025 auction is all set to kick off tomorrow, May 7, at 10 AM IST in Mumbai. This will signal the start of the third season of the league after a gap of six years. Eight franchises will be participating in the tournament, playing at the iconic Wankhede Stadium between May 26 and June 8.

Around 280 players are to be sold, some of whom are newer names such as 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre, who struck a 94-run score in IPL 2025 for Chennai Super Kings, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who's made 285 runs for the Kolkata Knight Riders this season. Some other established names are Tanush Kotian and Musheer Khan, reflecting the league's emphasis on promoting both talent and experience.

Auction Format and Player Categories

The auction pool consists of three categories:

• Senior Players: players with experience in first-class, List A, or T20 matches with base price set at ₹5 lakh. 
• Emerging Players: cricketers who have represented Mumbai at the U-23 or U-19 level within the last three years with a base price of ₹3 lakh.
• Development Players: promising local and club players, beginning at a base price of ₹2 lakh. 

Each franchise needs to build a squad of no less than 18 players that must include at least 4 senior players, at least 5 emerging players, and at least 5 development players. 

Also Read: T20 Mumbai 2025: Ayush Mhatre and Angkrish Raghuvanshi set to feature in player auction

Icon players are already signed at a fixed price of ₹20 lakh and will be the team's captains. This means we will have familiar names such as Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan, Shardul Thakur, Shivam Dube, and Tushar Deshpande. The Mumbai Cricket Association has obligated all players from Mumbai Indians who are eligible to participate in the auction to play in the T20 Mumbai League, where they will get an additional ₹15 lakh appearance fee in addition to what they earn in the auction. 

The T20 Mumbai League 2025 auction is a must-watch if you enjoy a mixture of established players and emerging players to see the league head in the right direction for the right reasons—an exciting season!

The T20 Mumbai League 2025 is coming to Wankhede Stadium from May 26 to June 8, and fans are ready for two weeks of exciting T20 cricket. The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) announced the icon players for each of the eight teams on May 2, during a draw ceremony in the Wankhede Stadium lounge, featuring a great collection of Indian international players that has already established the anticipation for what is sure to be a third edition blockbuster.

Here’s the list of icon players assigned to each franchise:

• Suryakumar Yadav – Triumph Knights Mumbai North East 
• Shreyas Iyer – SoBo Mumbai Falcons
• Shivam Dube – ARCS Andheri
• Ajinkya Rahane – Namo Bandra Blasters
• Shardul Thakur – Eagle Thane Strikers
• Sarfaraz Khan – Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs
• Prithvi Shaw – North Mumbai Panthers
• Tushar Deshpande – Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals

Also Read: T20 Mumbai League 2025: Squads, Captain and Everything you need to know

Icons to Lead and Inspire

By giving each team an icon player, the MCA has made its intentions clear in how it is trying to create the right mix of experience for young players. Each of the marquee players has played for India, and each brings with them leadership capabilities, mentorship, and competitiveness to their respective teams. This in itself should help the development of young talent in the league and raise the overall standard of the event.

With the icon players announced, the main auction is set for May 7, 2025, and the anticipation is already building as the teams get set to build the players around the icons. The drafting is done, and the journey now moves forward to developing balanced teams, with tactics and combinations to follow.

With Wankhede Stadium as the epicenter of the tournament, the T20 Mumbai League 2025 promises to deliver 14 days of gripping cricket, fueling the spirit and memory of Mumbai cricket. With the countdown on until the start of the tournament, anticipation is building for the opportunity to watch cricketing heroes lead from the front, mentor the youth, and make memories at Mumbai's very own T20 carnival.

On Wednesday, 30 April 2025, Punjab Kings (PBKS) produced a monumental performance to defeat Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by four wickets at the famed Chepauk Stadium in IPL 2025, which gave PBKS the win they required to eliminate CSK from the tournament and push the Punjab Kings up the table. PBKS moved up four places in the IPL 2025 points table and into second place after this victory. In IPL 2025, the victory drastically improved their chances of making the playoffs as we approach the final leg of the tournament. 

The match was a pulsating contest, and the Punjab Kings showed tremendous poise to execute the chase conditions when it was tense. The middle-order players contributed key input for Punjab to recover from two wickets down early to chase down the total by CSK. In the end, CSK could not defend the total they posted and exited the tournament in a valiant effort. A bit of contrast as the CSK supporters at Chepauk had to watch their team exit the tournament at home.

See Also: Top 3 reasons why Chennai Super Kings Lost to Punjab Kings in IPL 2025 Match 49

Despite the win, Punjab Kings faced a setback as their captain, Shreyas Iyer, was penalised by the BCCI for a slow over rate during the match. As this was Punjab’s first such offense in the ongoing season, only Iyer was fined, in accordance with the IPL Code of Conduct. The team will now be more cautious about maintaining the required over rate in upcoming fixtures. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of discipline and time management in the high-stakes environment of the IPL.

Shreyas Iyer fined for slow over rate

The BCCI has fined Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer Rs 12 lakh for maintaining a slow over rate during the match against Chennai Super Kings. Due to this mistake, Punjab Kings were also not allowed to keep an extra fielder outside the circle in the 19th over.

Before Shreyas Iyer’s penalty in IPL 2025, several captains faced similar fines for slow over rates during the 2024 season. Among them were Hardik Pandya of Mumbai Indians, Riyan Parag and Sanju Samson from Rajasthan Royals, Rajat Patidar of Royal Challengers Bangalore, Shubman Gill from Gujarat Titans, and Rishabh Pant representing Lucknow Super Giants. These instances highlight a recurring issue among teams, emphasizing the ongoing challenge of maintaining over-rate discipline in the fast-paced format of the IPL.

The MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk, Chennai) will host the Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings (CSK vs PBKS) match during the 49th match of the IPL 2025 on Wednesday evening (April 30). It will be their second meeting in the IPL 2025, while Punjab Kings won the first one by 18 runs in Mullanpur. Here, we are going through the Dream11 top three captains and vice-captains for the CSK vs PBKS match. 

IPL 2025, Match 49: CSK vs PBKS Probable XIs

The T20 Mumbai League 2025 is returning after six years with a bang. The thrilling competition will be played between May 26 and June 8 at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium. Promoted by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), the league is famous for providing opportunities for young cricketers to establish themselves and gain experience from stars.

Eight icon players have been signed by the MCA this year, and they have all played for India. They are among the best and most successful Mumbai cricketers. They include Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Shardul Thakur, Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan, Shivam Dube, and Tushar Deshpande.

Coming back with such stalwart names, the league will inspire budding cricketers and thrill the audience, says MCA President Ajinkya Naik. He is confident that these legends are the real ambassadors of and pass on the true spirit and legacy of Mumbai cricket and will guide young talent through the tournament.

🚨 THE ICON PLAYERS OF MUMBAI T20 LEAGUE 🚨

Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, Prithvi Shaw. [Gaurav Gupta from TOI] pic.twitter.com/8HXRFNn8Gj

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) April 28, 2025

Read More: [WATCH] Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s latest interview after his century vs GT – IPL 2025

Eight Franchises, Mentorship, and Huge Player Response

 There will be eight teams in the ongoing season, two of which will be new. All the teams are North Mumbai Panthers, ARCS Andheri, Triumph Knights, Namo Bandra Blasters, Eagle Thane Strikers, Aakash Tigers, and new teams SoBo Mumbai Falcons and Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals. Each team can select one icon player to strengthen their team. The auction will take place on a date to be announced in the near future.

Besides the star players, veteran mentors such as Abhishek Nayar and Paras Mhambrey have also joined to ensure there is player development. The league has received more than 2800 registrations, which indicates the massive level of excitement among the players to be on the platform. The T20 Mumbai League 2025 will certainly be an exciting and memorable cricket carnival with the right blend of experience and young guns.

The Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) is going to resurrect the T20 Mumbai League for its 3rd season from May 26 to June 8, 2025, at Wankhede Stadium. The domestic T20 tournament that was last played in 2019 was put on hold due to the Covid pandemic and other issues but has now returned to entertain cricket fans in the metropolitan area. 

The league will start a day after the IPL 2025 final and will boast eight teams, all representing various suburbs of Mumbai. We have six teams returning from the previous iterations of the event—ARCS Andheri, Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs, Eagle Thane Strikers, Namo Bandra Blasters, North Mumbai Panthers, and Triumph Knights Mumbai North East. We will also welcome two new teams to the league - SoBo Mumbai Falcons and Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals.

Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav Creates History against LSG in IPL 2025: Know about momentous feat

The MCA has identified eight icon players to raise the visibility of the league: Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur, Ajinkya Rahane, Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz Khan, Tushar Deshpande, and Prithvi Shaw. Every franchise has its one icon player, which adds a lot of star power and experience to their team.

The two weeks will be formatted round-robin and knockout and finish with the final on June 8. The MCA will announce the full schedule as well as live streaming details at a later date. The MCA is gearing up to make this a good event. 

T20 Mumbai League 2025: Overview 

• Board: Mumbai Cricket Association
• Season: 8
• Format: T20, Round-Robin and Knockouts
• Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• Dates: May 26 – June 8, 2025
• Matches: TBA

Teams and Captains

Teams ARCS Andheri, Aakash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs, Eagle Thane Strikers, Namo Bandra Blasters, North Mumbai Panthers, Triumph Knights Mumbai North East, SoBo Mumbai Falcons, and Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals —are yet to be announced.

The BCCI has officially released the central contracts for the 2024–25 season, effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. These contracts are categorized into four distinct grades—A+, A, B, and C—based on a player’s consistency, performance, and overall value to the team across formats. This classification system helps identify top-tier talent and recognizes the importance of players in shaping India’s cricketing future.

Among the most significant highlights of the announcement are the shifts in player placements across the contract grades. Promotions, omissions, and surprising inclusions have sparked widespread discussions among fans and analysts. The list not only reflects current form but also hints at the selectors’ long-term vision. These changes are expected to influence team dynamics and individual player motivation moving forward into a crucial year of Indian cricket.

1. Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan Return to Central Contracts

Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan are back on the BCCI’s central contracts after missing out last year because of a lack of commitment to domestic cricket, instead having chosen to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Iyer, who is the leading run-scorer in India's Champions Trophy-winning run, has been handed a Grade B contract with ₹ 3 crore in annual retainers. With the likes of Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik firmly setting themselves up as India's wicket-keepers, Kishan has been handed a Grade C contract worth ₹ 1 crore, quite rightly, in this author's opinion. Both players will now be pleased to have been rewarded in the BCCI's contracts, and again, as demonstrated by Iyer's example, will surely be further incentivized to better balance the potential commitments of the IPL vs. IPL.

Also Read: IPL 2025: Can CSK still make Playoffs after crushing nine wickets loss to MI?

2. Rishabh Pant Promoted to Grade A

Due to Rishabh Pant’s continued success in all three formats of the game, he upgraded from a Grade B Contract to a Grade A Contract worth ₹ 5 crore in annual retainers. He now sits in category A with the likes of Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj. Pant’s aggressive batting and sharp glovework, especially after his remarkable recovery from a life-threatening car accident in 2022, have solidified his position as a key asset for India.

3. Elite Players Remain in Grade A+ 

The upper echelon remains the same, Grade A+, as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja are all still in Grade A+ at ₹7 crore a year. Bumrah is the only player in this group that plays all three formats, as Sharma, Kohli, and Jadeja are on a retirement spree following India's T20 World Cup victory in 2024. But the fact that they are retained highlights their undeniable role in Indian cricket. 

4. Introduction of New Faces in Grade C

The BCCI has included a few young talents in the central contracts, which included Dhruv Jurel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Abhishek Sharma. All of these players have impressed in their domestic circuits and the IPL, so each of them has a central contract at Grade C (₹1 crore). I view this as an important step forward for the BCCI, for all of these players have obtained their first contracts with the national board, and it shows India is investing in its players as it seeks to fill the talent pool with a healthy crop of players for the future. 

Also Read: Mumbai Indians playoff chances after CSK win: All you need to know

5. Discontinuation of Fast-Bowling Contracts and Questions on A+ Relevance:

The BCCI has withdrawn its fast bowling contracts (not just Bumrah, but Akash Deep and Umran Malik, etc.), and Akash Deep is the only player in Grade C. There should be some concern over the depth of India's fast bowling stocks. Also, there is a discussion on the relevance of the A+ itself, with three of the four (Rohit, Kohli, Jadeja) no longer playing T20I's.

These talking points highlight the BCCI’s balance between rewarding established stars, reintegrating disciplined players, and investing in emerging talent while addressing structural questions about contract categories.

The BCCI has announced its central contracts for the 2024–25 season, and they include a mix of expected names, some surprises, and a few great comeback stories. At the top, there are no changes: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja stay in the Grade A+ group. These four are still key players for India, even though Rohit, Kohli, and Jadeja have stepped away from T20Is after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup.

One big name missing is R Ashwin, who retired from international cricket last year. His name being removed from the top group is the only major change there. One of the most inspiring stories this year is Rishabh Pant's return to Grade A. Just over a year ago, Pant was recovering from a serious car accident. He missed more than a year of cricket and was dropped from Grade A to Grade B.

But in IPL 2024 and after, Pant made a strong comeback. He played 10 Test matches, 1 ODI, and 10 T20Is. His return shows his strong will, good form, and the trust the team has in him. Now, he is back in Grade A, joining Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Hardik Pandya.

Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were dropped from the contracts list last year. It wasn’t just because of poor performance they were also criticized for not playing domestic cricket. Kishan skipped Ranji Trophy to play in a T20 tournament, and Iyer said he had back pain but didn’t make himself available for his state team. The BCCI was clear: if you don’t play domestic cricket when you’re free, you won’t get support.

ALSO SEE: [WATCH] What is Maverick award Rohit Sharma achieved as Mumbai Indians player during IPL 2025

But both players worked hard. Iyer had a great season. he led KKR to an IPL win, won the Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with Mumbai, and did well in India’s Champions Trophy win. He is now back in Grade B with Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Kishan has also returned to Grade C after a strong season with Jharkhand.

New Beginnings for Some, Harsh Exits for Others

Seven new players have received central contracts, all in Grade C. These are Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dhruv Jurel, Abhishek Sharma, Sarfaraz Khan, Akash Deep, Varun Chakravarthy, and Harshit Rana. They have done well in domestic cricket and IPL, and this shows that India is preparing a strong bench for the future.

Not everyone got good news. Shardul Thakur, KS Bharat, Jitesh Sharma, Avesh Khan, and some others have been dropped. Some were not in good form. Others, like Avesh Khan, did well in T20Is and IPL but still lost their place. Avesh last played for India in November 2024 and has taken 27 wickets in 25 T20Is. But with many new options, he has been left out this time.

What These Contracts Mean

The BCCI has not officially announced the salary amounts, but reports say the payments are the same as last year:

• Grade A+: ₹7 crore
• Grade A: ₹5 crore
• Grade B: ₹3 crore
• Grade C: ₹1 crore

These numbers are not just about money, they show how much the team trusts a player and how important they are for the future.

ALSO SEE: Rohit Sharma: "I was not allowed inside Wankhede Stadium" – gets emotional after winning Man of the Match vs CSK

Full List of 2024–25 BCCI Central Contracts

• Grade A+: Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja

• Grade A: Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya

• Grade B: Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Yashasvi Jaiswal

• Grade C: Ishan Kishan, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shivam Dube, Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Mukesh Kumar, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Rajat Patidar, Dhruv Jurel, Sarfaraz Khan, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abhishek Sharma, Akash Deep, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana

New Names: Iyer, Kishan, Jurel, Sarfaraz, Abhishek, Nitish, Akash, Varun, Harshit
Out: Ashwin (retired), Thakur, Jitesh, Bharat, Avesh, Umran, Vyshak, Yash Dayal, Kaverappa
Promoted: Rishabh Pant (B to A)
Retired: R Ashwin

The BCCI has sent a clear message: If you perform well and respect domestic cricket, your place in Indian cricket is never lost. These contracts are more than just a list. They show who the board trusts and who the future stars might be.