Former India cricketer Abhishek Nayar who is no longer part of Team India's coaching staff is in high demand in franchise T20 leagues. After rejoining the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) coaching staff, he has been roped in by Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals as their mentor for the T20 Mumbai League's third edition.
Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals are one the two new auctioned teams in the T20 Mumbai League. The third edition will begin on May 26, right after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.
Nayar will be accompanied by former Mumbai pacer Amit Dani who has been appointed as the head coach of the team.
On the other hand, another former member of the coaching staff has joined the league's ARCS Andheri. Paras Mhambrey who is currently the bowling coach of the Mumbai Indians (MI), has taken up the role of mentor at ARCS Andheri. He will be joined by former left-arm spinner Rajesh Pawar from Mumbai as team's assistant coach.
“As the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), we are committed to promoting and empowering our local coaches and support staff, ensuring they receive greater opportunities to grow and contribute not only to Mumbai cricket but also to Indian cricket. By nurturing homegrown talent, we aim to strengthen the foundation of our cricketing ecosystem and create pathways for sustained excellence,” said Ajinkya Naik, President of Mumbai Cricket Association as quoted by TOI.
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8 icon players and mega auction
Nayar's next job will be at the auction which will take place on May 7 as the league is returning after a six-year absence. As many as 240 players will go under the hammer.
However, India's T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain Shreyas Iyer, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) all-rounder Shardul Thakur, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain Ajinkya Rahane, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Shivam Dube, Sarfaraz Khan, Rajasthan Royals' (RR) Tushar Deshpande and Prithvi Shaw are eight icon players. They will not be up for auction and will be given 20 lakh each.
Each franchise has has a purse of Rs 1 crore. They can rope in up to 18 players. The Ranji Trophy players will have a base price of Rs 10 lakh whereas other players' base price is set at Rs 2 lakh.