MCA launches Ajinkya Rahane Scholarship Fund to support grassroots cricket

A new scholarship fund bearing Ajinkya Rahane's name was unveiled by the Mumbai Cricket Association on August 29, 2026, recognising the former India and Mumbai captain's long service to the game. The fund is directed at grassroots cricketers and will also channel resources towards the upkeep and development of Mumbai's Maidans, the open grounds that have shaped generations of Indian cricketers.

Former BCCI and ICC president Sharad Pawar made a contribution to the fund. MCA President Ajinkya Naik said the initiative would give young players greater opportunities to pursue their dreams and strengthen Mumbai's cricketing culture.

"The Ajinkya Rahane Scholarship Fund, with the valuable contribution of Hon'ble Sharad Pawar Saheb, will support grassroots cricketers and the development of our Maidans. We hope this initiative will provide young players with greater opportunities to pursue their dreams and strengthen the proud cricketing culture of Mumbai," said MCA president Naik.

Rahane retired in August 2026 after a career that spanned more than a decade at the highest level. He captained Mumbai for the final time during the 2024-2025 season. A year earlier, in the 2023-2024 season, he led the side to their record-extending 42nd Ranji Trophy title, cementing his place among the most successful captains in the competition's history.

Why was the fund named after Rahane?

The MCA chose to honour Rahane specifically because of what his captaincy meant to Mumbai cricket. The 42nd Ranji Trophy triumph under his leadership in 2023-2024 was a landmark moment for the association, and naming the scholarship fund after him was seen as a fitting tribute following his retirement earlier this month.

The Maidans have long served as the nursery for Mumbai's cricketing talent, and the fund's emphasis on preserving and developing those grounds underlines how central they remain to the city's cricketing identity. The scholarship is designed to keep that pathway open for talented young players regardless of their background.

What else did the MCA announce at the same event?

Alongside the scholarship fund, the MCA confirmed the full details of its Player Contract System for the 2026-27 season. The association had announced its intention to introduce such a structure in April 2026, becoming the first state body in India to do so.

Contracts are open only to players who have not represented India or a franchise in the past two seasons, and are split into three grades: Grade A at Rs 12 lakh per year, Grade B at Rs 8 lakh, and Grade C at Rs 6 lakh.

In the men's category, Siddhesh Lad and Shams Mulani were awarded Grade A contracts. Mohit Awasthi, Aakash Anand and Hardik Tamore received Grade B deals, while Suved Parkar, Sairaj Patil, Himanshu Singh, Jay Jain, Sumeir Zaveri, Atharva Bhosle, Manan Bhat and Ayush Vartak were placed in Grade C.

On the women's side, Humaira Kazi and Vrushali Bhagat secured Grade A contracts. Sanika Chalke was awarded a Grade B deal. Prakashika Naik, Zeal DMello, Fatima Jaffer, Sadhvi Sanjay and Kashish Nirmal received Grade C contracts.